Fascial Stretch Therapy (FST) in St. Catharines

What is Fascial Stretch Therapy (FST)?

Fascial stretch therapy (FST) is a type of manual therapy that focuses on stretching the fascia, which is the connective tissue that surrounds your muscles, organs, bones, and nerves. It's often used to improve flexibility, range of motion, and reduce pain.

People of all ages can benefit from fascial stretch therapy, including any patient cleared by their physician for stretching and active movement, fitness enthusiasts, and athletes of all levels. Clients tend to use the words "Lazy Yoga" as it caters to even those that do not move too much but need too.

How is FST different from stretching?

FST focuses on fascia, which surrounds each muscle, connecting them together both superficially and deeply. It also connects tendons, ligaments, and bone to form a body-wide, functional network. Fascia connects to all your organs and systems, too. By stretching these fascial connections, we can reap twice the benefits that come from just stretching isolated muscle groups.

FST is completely different than yoga and Pilates. It is completely compatible with other methods of therapy and training.

What are conditions FST can help treat?

  • Carpal tunnel syndrome

  • Chronic headaches

  • Chronic pain

  • Disc herniation

  • Facet joint dysfunctions

  • Fibromyalgia

  • Mobility issues

  • Recent injury to soft tissues

  • Osteoarthritis

  • Pinched nerves

  • Plantar fasciitis

  • Thoracic outlet syndrome

What can I expect from a typical FST session?

Upon your first treatment, your fascial stretch therapist will ask specific questions, and assess the body based on any complaints or questions you may have. Each session is catered to the client’s needs. All treatments are done on the table with two stabilizing straps The straps are there to hold the one leg in place, while the opposing one gets moved around. This assures a true stretch is occurring. For each stretch session, the client is expected to wear stretchy pants or long shorts and a tank top or t-shirt. Short shorts are not recommended.

Mobility is often improved after the first treatment. The therapist will give you exercises to help maintain this after your first visit. More than one session is normally recommended. Each treatment plan varies with individual needs. Many report a decrease in stress, improved sleep, and significant decrease in pain in sometimes as little as three treatments.

Let’s Connect

Client Testimonials

  • "Working with Alison has been a great experience! She’s knowledgeable, caring, professional and very friendly. I feel I’m in good hands after my knee surgery! Thanks for everything you’ve taught me, I feel stronger every day!"

    Amy Dooler

  • "Simply the best! A very professional, knowledgeable and friendly team. My husband and I have been in Dr. Scott’s care for a variety of reasons over the years. Dr. Scott and team listen to our health concerns and work with us to build the most appropriate plan of action to address our needs. It’s great to have 100% trust in your health care provider! Highly, highly recommend.

    Jody Hales

  • "I’ve been coming to proactive for over 16 years now. I’ve always had 5/5 experience and trust them Immensely. Throughout our time I’ve had multiple injuries in multiple different places, and they have always help me get back to myself and pain-free. I would highly recommend to anybody! Thanks guys!"

    Trina Asselin

“We are what we repeatedly do.

Excellence, therefore, is not an act, but a habit.”

Aristotle