Good stretching habits are essential for incorporating into your daily routines. When done correctly, stretching can reduce pain, increase flexibility, increase the body’s range of motion, improve performance in physical activities, improve posture, reduce stress, and decrease the risk of injury. In most cases, stretches should feel like limits are being pushed, but it could do more harm than good if done incorrectly.
There is more to stretching than simply stretching the muscles in your body. One of the most beneficial types of stretching is fascial stretch therapy. This type of stretching doesn’t over-push those boundaries and provides many additional benefits to stretching the muscles in the body. Additionally, if some body areas are ignored without lifestyle changes, some complications may appear later in life.
What is Fascia?
The fascia in the body is a band of thin, fibrous connective tissue made mostly of collagen. It surrounds and supports every structure in the body, including muscles, organs, and nervous system. According to the Cleveland Clinic, it was initially thought to only benefit organs, muscles, and bones. It was later found to also support tissue surrounding all cells, nerves, joints, tendons, and ligaments throughout the body. This continuous layer of tissue is flexible and able to resist tension.
What It’s Important to Stretch Fascia
Since the fascia is closely tied to strength and flexibility, working on these body parts is essential. It’s not only beneficial over a long period, but it could prevent or treat additional issues. Fascia stretch therapy separates muscles and relieves tension.
If the fascia were to tighten, it could restrict the movement of the body’s muscles and tissues, causing pain and other health complications. Additionally, fascia adhesions may occur if these areas aren’t separated due to injury, lack of movement, or inflammation. If left untreated, these adhesions may lead to other adhesions as time progresses. Fascia stretching helps break up these areas, reduces pain and inflammation, and encourages better circulation in the body.
What is Fascial Stretch Therapy?
Now that we have identified what the fascia is and why stretching those areas of the body is important, you may still be asking yourself, “What is fascial stretch therapy?” Fascial stretching goes beyond regular stretching. This type of stretching includes stretching the muscles like regular stretching but also applies tension in other areas, such as the joint capsule and fascia. These are made up of tissues different from muscle with different biomechanical properties. An issue with fascia may often feel like an issue with the muscles. Staying active, stretching regularly, and sitting straight to promote healthy fascia can be helpful.
There are two types of muscle tension – active and passive. The fascia is part of the passive muscle tension, which depends on the muscle’s structural properties and surrounding fascia.
Fascial stretching improves fascia health, flexibility, and strength. It also improves blood flow and relieves stress in the body. You can try yoga, heat therapy, massage therapy, acupuncture, foam rollers, and fascia blasters. For best results, you can try assisted fascial stretching. This will ensure the body parts that need to be targeted are targeted with best practices. Having a professional stretch therapist also prevents unintentional injury from overstraining the area.
Where to Start
Stretching is important for the body, but everybody is different. It is best to work with someone who can help identify your specific needs and create a custom experience. At iFlex Stretch Studios, trained stretched therapists know stretching best practices. iFlex routinely uses fascial stretch therapy practices and customizes stretching plans for each and every client.
When to Start
No matter what age you are or what level of physical activity you have, these fascial stretching practices will help you improve flexibility, increase your range of motion, improve athletic performance, increase blood flow, improve posture, reduce risk of injury, and target certain pain points. Stretching can also prevent or treat adhesions in the body.
Fascial stretch therapy can improve health in the long term or can target specific results, depending on your goals. These results may include targeting pain points, stress relief, pre- or post-workout stretching, and stretching to increase physical performance. Stretching is truly beneficial for all ages and stages of life!
Finding a Plan Best for You
At iFlex Stretch Studios, you can sign up for a membership package that best meets your needs. There are various options at different price points, frequencies, and stretch session durations. Start achieving your health and wellness goals today and experience the difference at iFlex Stretch Studios!
