Those who suffer from joint pain and injury may want options that are non-invasive or don’t require anti-inflammatory agents. Sufferers of knee pain, wrist pain, osteoarthritis, muscle soreness and other afflictions have physical therapy options to help reduce pain, inflammation, and immobility. Although these ailments can feel like they are specific to the joints or muscles, they may actually be caused by the fascia. Fascial Stretch Therapy is a type of exercise therapy that focuses on relaxing the fascia to allow a greater range of movement, reduce inflammation of joints, and to facilitate faster healing.
What is Fascia?
Fascia is the thin casing of connective tissue that surrounds and holds every organ, blood vessel, bone, nerve fibre, and muscle in place. It looks like a thin sheet, even though it is actually several layers with a liquid called hyaluronan in between each layer. Fascia is supposed to be smooth, slippery, and flexible, so that everything can move against one another without issue, but fascia can become stressed. When this happens, it loses lubrication and tightens around the muscle. This can cause mobility issues and painful knotting.
What is Fascial Stretch Therapy?
Fascial Stretch Therapy, or FST, is a system of assisted stretches meant to facilitate muscle relaxation and encourage movement in the joints by relaxing the fascia. In Fascial Stretch Therapy, the joint first undergoes traction, which is a method of joint distraction so that the joint capsule can stretch and decrease pressure. This allows the synovial fluid to enter the joint-capsule and act as a lubricant. Starting with manual traction increases mobility and allows for deeper stretching before FST begins. Now that the joints are prepared, patients lie on a table and are stabilized using an elastic band while the physical therapist or health professional helps patients get into specific stretching poses. These are active stretches that shift the body through a variety of movements, such as rotating limbs or stretching diagonally, all while following the fascial lines in your body. By doing this, your therapist is able to create a greater range of motion.
What Are The Benefits Of Fascial Stretch Therapy?
- Reduced pain in the joints, such as knee pain or wrist pain, as well as muscle soreness and fatigue.
- Helpful in the treatment of osteoarthritis and facet joint function.
- Increases flexibility, muscle strength, muscle endurance and even balance.
- Can be used as a preventative measure to reduce tension and risk of injury.
- No surgery or medication required.
- Faster healing time from injuries, meaning you can get back to doing the activities you love.
Get Fascial Stretch Therapy And More At Shephard Health
Fascial Stretch Therapy is one of the many exercise therapies and other services offered at Shephard Health in Calgary, at our NW clinic in Kensington. With a range of other non-invasive techniques, Shephard Health is Calgary’s top choice for relief of wrist pain, knee pain, or back pain, so you don’t live with chronic pain or injury. If you’re suffering from inflamed joints or other aches and pains, book a free consultation or contact the experienced and knowledgeable staff of Shephard Health at 1-403-543-7499. Let the team at Shephard Health get you back to pain free living.
FAQ
Q: Is Fascial Stretch Therapy safe?
A: Yes, completely. You might have a sensation of pulling or tugging as your muscles release and you may experience some muscle twitching, but nothing that causes pain.
Q: What therapy should I go for if I’m not exactly sure what the problem is?
A: If you’re feeling pain but you don’t know the cause, schedule a free consultation with Dr. Jay Shephard and discuss with him your goals for treatments and his recommendations for your recovery.
Q: Do I need a referral to visit your clinic?
A: No, a referral is not needed.
