Fascial Stretch Therapy: a Secret Weapon To Beating Your Personal Best

You grunt, moan, and let out a big scream as you attempt to squeeze out that last rep. You're exhausted. The tank is now empty. A feeling of accomplishment and well-being takes over your body.

It feels great doesn't it? To push your body where it has never gone before. You've been at this for a month, a year, or perhaps even longer.

The Athletic push to be better than we were yesterday

Every time you step into the gym whether you are a competitor in, martial arts, hockey, soccer, or just take part for recreational purposes we all aim to be our best. That is what we expect of ourselves isn't it?

We all want " to be better than we were the day before".

However, like many athletes whether amateur or professional we eventually hit that plateau. The improvements suddenly stop. We look to other means to help us push past these barriers. It could be an improvement in diet, rest, training methods, or technique.

I know myself as having won on the international level in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu what it takes to win at a high level. I leave no stone unturned and look for an edge on my competition. Naturally and legally.

The Problem: Coming to grips with where I'm at

When I decided to make a comeback to international competition in 2010 at the age of 41. I realized I was going to need more than proper nutrition, training and the right mindset. It had been years since my last competition and while I stayed active during those years, my body aged. My once nimble body was not how it used to be. Age had stiffened my muscles up and my movement became limited. I also started to get lower pain due to my lack of flexibility.

I decided in order for me to compete and win at the international level something had to be done to address my flexibility issues.

[box type="shadow" align="aligncenter" ] Basic Stretching Facts

• We loose 10% of our range of motion for every 10 years we age, unless we take an active role in maintaining or improving our flexibility.


• Many factors affect flexibility such as: age, dehydration, adhesions, lack of elasticity of connective tissues in muscles or joints, muscle tension, gender, hormones, length of ligaments or joints, lack of coördination and strength in the case of active movement, inflammation, pain, fear, body mass, temperature, medication, training, vocation, postural misalignment, repetitive movements and more...


• Flexibility does not exist as a general physical characteristic, but it is joint specific and joint action.


• Real gains in flexibility will occur when you actually train for flexibility.


• Flexibility must be balanced with strength to be fully functional.


• A great deal more research is needed to confirm the importance of flexibility!

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I remember reading about former heavyweight boxing champion Evander Holyfield's preparation for his fight with Mike Tyson. During his preparations he had hired a ballet coach to work on his flexibility. He credits this training to making him more mobile in the ring.

What is Fascial Stretch Therapy (FST)?

I thought to myself if it works for the heavyweight champion than it will probably work for me. So I did a search on Google for stretch ballet coach. One of the searches that came up was something called Fascial Stretch Therapy or FST. Curious, I clicked on the link to find out more information. To my surprise I found out high level professional sports teams used this therapy to get an edge on their competitors. Athletes such as Charles Barkley, Mike Tyson, US Olympic Team, and members of the NFL.

Fascia is the connective tissue surrounding your muscle.

As we age or through rigorous exercise our fasica tightens up. Regular stretching does not address tight fasica. FST stretches the fascia out giving the athlete greater range of motion. As a result it equals improved performance.

For example, if you are a runner your stride length will increase leading to improved times. If you are a CrossFitter, you have more range of motion allowing you to improve the number of reps you do. If you are a running back it will allow you to move in all directions quicker free of restrictions.

I decided to give FST a try to put it to the test. I was astounded after one 60 minute session. I felt like I was 14 years old again. The freedom of movement was unbelievable. As a result, I headed down to Las Vegas demolishing the former champion in just over a minute winning the tournament.

I was so impressed I decided to study FST myself to become certified. During my training I was paired up with some impressive trainers from the professional sports world. One of them who I still keep in touch with is the trainer for the Atlanta Braves baseball team. He told me he only works with athletes who make 5 million or over per year. I knew from this that FST is the real deal because no sports team who invests that kind of money into their athletes would allow anyone to treat them with a therapy that has zero value.

[toggle title="11 Benefits of Fascial Stretch Therapy" state="close" ]

1. FST can release chemicals, known as endorphins that act as a natural pain suppressant.


2. FST can optimize the learning, practice and performance of many types of skilled movements.


3. FST can promote development of body awareness.


4. FST can increase balance and symmetry of the body.


5. FST can reduce the risk of injury, especially sprains and strains.


6. FST can reduce or eliminate back problems and pain.


7. FST can reduce muscular soreness


8. FST can reduce muscular tension.


9. FST can improve posture & muscle function allowing you to move your body more freely.


10. Less Muscle Pain allows you to finally enjoy a life of quality


11. Restoration of normal joint space is Anti-Aging at its best - youthful movement without Pain!

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The more I studied about the fascia the more intrigued I became all its benefits for helping myself and others break their personal bests in their respective sports. I headed out to Toronto to study sports osteopathy. There were two doctors at the school one was the former head of the Iranian weightlifting team. The other one developed the sports osteopathic technique and was a former member of the national taekwondo team. He claimed he was able to kick faster after getting sport osteopathic treatment.

I decided why not combine both therapies together for my clients to see what the results would be. The results have been nothing short of remarkable. One became an MMA champion knocking out his opponent in less than 10 seconds. Another became a world MMA champion. I've also had countless weekend warrior athletes who ended up achieving personal bests in cycling, weight lifting, and martial arts after only a couple of sessions.

FST is done on a message table with one leg strapped down to achieve a maximum stretch. It is painless and is relaxing.

I absolutely love the treatments I receive. It has helped myself along with others perform at a high level. Here is a video of me doing a small demo on FST:

https://youtu.be/8ABHAGHoI1c

So, WIIFM? (What's in it for me?)

If you are looking to break your personal best record feel free to drop me a line or email. I offer a free 30 minute session to first time clients.

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Raz Chan, is an author, martial arts champion, and fascial stretch therapist. He practices fascial stretch therapy out of Gracie Barra 2440 Main Street, Vancouver. To book an appointment with him you can email him at raz@razchanfitness.com or call 604-839-2838. You can also visit his website at www.razchanfitness.ca or www.razchan.com