Are you looking for ways to improve your flexibility, increase your range of motion, or enhance your athletic performance? Have you been dealing with chronic pain, tension, or want to prevent future injuries? If so, you may have come across the practice of stretch therapy, also known as Fascial Stretch Therapy. Stretch therapy is often compared to traditional stretching based on the similarity between these two practices. However, even if you have a consistent daily stretching routine, there are limitations to what traditional stretching can achieve. In this blog, we’ll explore the differences between traditional stretching and stretch therapy including the focus, techniques, and benefits of each practice.

What is Stretch Therapy?

Stretch therapy, also known as Fascial Stretch Therapy, is a form of assisted stretching that focuses on more than just muscles but the connective tissue as a whole, also referred to as fascia. Fascia is a stringy sheath of connective tissue that is present throughout the body covering the body’s organs, muscles, bones, nerves, and blood vessels. Stretch therapy’s focus on lengthening connective tissue provides a well-rounded approach to holistic health.

What is Traditional Stretching?

Traditional stretching is the type of stretching that the typical person is most familiar with. This includes stretching that you would do before a workout or stretching that you do throughout the day when you’re feeling sore or tight. Traditional stretching focuses on stretching the muscles but does not pay special attention to the connective tissue or fascia. 

What Are the Differences Between Stretch Therapy and Traditional Stretching?

Focus

Traditional stretching focuses on muscles, while stretch therapy offers a more integrated approach that also focuses on connective tissue or fascia. Stretch therapy is performed by a professional who is able to target specific points of the body based on a patient’s specific concerns and goals. 

Techniques

Traditional stretching involves dynamic and static stretches, while stretch therapy utilizes assisted stretching and uses traction to create space in joints and decompress fascia. Fascial stretching utilizes a combination of slow, controlled movements and measured stretching to lengthen connective tissue and muscle fibers and slowly release tension. 

Benefits

Traditional stretching and stretch therapy share the benefits of improved flexibility, reduced risk of injury, improved blood flow, and improved performance. However, due to the techniques utilized in stretch therapy, the benefits can be more pronounced and can also include helping with conditions like arthritis, multiple sclerosis, and cerebral palsy. Stretch therapy can also help treat injuries like muscle strains and sprains as well as improve sleep and reduce stress. 

Where Can I Find A Stretch Therapist Near Me?

At Advanced Kinetics Physical Therapy we offer stretch therapy services to improve athletic performance, help your body recover faster, and reduce your risk of injury. We offer this service at our locations in Falls Church and McLean, Virginia. If you’re interested in learning more about how stretch therapy can help you, please get in touch with us!