Fascial Stretch Therapy vs Functional Stretch Therapy

Fascial Stretch Therapy vs Functional Stretch Therapy

Well, are you looking for a stretch to help you decrease aches & pains, or maybe improve your mobility in your joints & all other health benefits?
You're in luck as we are the only ones in Singapore to offer Functional Stretch Therapy, & Fascial Stretch Therapy, but which should you choose, & which is a better solution for you? This article aims to provide clarity of the type of therapies so that you will have the best results for your visit with us.

Does fascial stretch therapy(fst) work?

Most definitely it works, the creator of fascial stretch therapy(Chirs & Ann Frederick) has done numerous research along with some of the most renowned people in the world of fascia(connective tissue), namely Tom Myers, Schielp, & even the spine expert (mustache guy), & have since released their new book(updated with more research). It's a widely accepted by those in the medical field(doctors) that this emerging way of manual therapy, outweighs the risks involved.

What is fascial stretch?

Fascia stretch is a system that engages the fascial planes of tissue tightness in the body as a whole rather than the conventional stretches you would think of & holding it for 20-30 secs. It's aimed not only for an athlete but everyone from kids to adults thanks to its gentle stretches. The training takes 5 days in Arizona(stretch to win institute). The techniques are used widely in physiotherapy, & fitness trainers. The treatment takes place on a massage table with you in different positions to allow access to different part of your body.

What is Functional Stretch Therapy?

The session is not only stretching but there is an element of bodywork, of doing manual therapy(think massage), on parts that are stretching to help improve blood circulation, recovery, performance, & range of motion. The difference between the former is that training to be qualified, takes anywhere from 6-8 weeks based on theory & application of the techniques, conditions, & goals fo the individual, & that the therapists' focus is to give traction to each joint improving ligaments/ tendons that have tightened up & may have an increase in scar tissue(reasons which cause muscle dysfunction, pain, & restrictions). It also serves to help balance the body through light exercises with the therapist to help gain back function, & relief pressure on the nerves.
Movement during the therapy session also aims to give back the fascia both hydration of nutrient-rich fluids, & elasticity of your muscles, & other connective tissues. The therapist skillfully works on the feedback of feeling tissue tension while stretching your body that may have been caused by sports injury/ injuries, or just having been sedentary for too long(poor posture). Something we don think about often is the fact that the body(fascia) adapts & long behold, we mould ourselves into whatever posture we hold personally.

How often should i see the stretch therapist?

Often than not people ask this question. If you are having pain/aches that have been with you for more than three months, you would be best visiting 3 time a week, & slowly taper it down weekly to allow your body to adapt, & getting stronger. Areas that our stretching therapist looks into during treatments for clients/ patients:

• Hip complex
• Head/ neck
• Spine
• Overall posture(aches/pain)
• Shoulder
• Bone alignment/ discrepancies
• Fascia(connective tissues)
• Visceral organs

What is therapeutic stretching?

In short, any form of stretching that uses the idea or methods to increase relaxation is a form of therapeutic stretching(not massage therapy(. A list of non-exhaustive benefit is outlined below:

• Improved energy
• lower stress levels
• Faster recovery from soreness
• Improved strength
• Improved blood flow
• Improved fascia elasticity
• Improved sleep
• Improved healing

Both types of stretching aims at releasing muscles, & pain by working
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Does stretching help with flexibility?

Yes & no. See, the simple fact that when you are doing your stretches, your brain(nervous system) is still not slowed down to help facilitate lengthening of the muscles, as there are many contributing factors why your range is not improving, fascia which is wrapped in everything including muscles, is innervated by the nervous system & to allow flexibility to improve there needs to be a release from the brain to the muscles, which would also help recover faster from muscle soreness too.

Experience stretch therapy if you have pain/discomfort/aches, or just to decrease muscles soreness between workouts, in a one-one session with our dedicated sports medicine team. Appointments for sessions can be made directly through our official mobile phone +65 87693235(available on what's app), or by clicking here.