What is FST?

Frederick Stretch Therapy®:
A Revolutionary Paradigm Shift

An Industry-Leading Practice


Practitioners who want to learn the best methods and techniques to add to their skillset and practice not only desire training that is valid and reliable, science and evidence informed, but also based on many decades of solid, reputable experience.

Together the Fredericks have been deeply committed and active in underpinning their clinical work with scientific credibility. Since 2007, they are founding members of the Fascia Research Society, the most eminent and progressive group of researching scientists and clinicians in the science of fascia and the fascial system. Having presented original research and workshops at the Fascia Research Congress and at a number of other scientific, medical, sport and fitness conferences have added validity to the Fredericks being strong and progressive leaders in the burgeoning industry of stretching and flexibility. And in 2017, the Fredericks conducted research at the University of Arizona under Paul Standley, PhD that substantiated significant pain reduction and functional improvement in measured activities of daily living with subjects who had chronic non-specific low back pain and received FST.

The Fredericks are on retainer by the National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM) as their resident stretching and flexibility subject matter experts (or SMEs). After thoroughly researching SME candidates for this post, the Fredericks came out on top, meeting all stringent requirements in the vetting process. As one of the largest and most respected educators in the fitness industry, NASM is a major influencer to professionals in what is cutting edge and scientifically credible.

Together the Fredericks have authored the highly rated books Stretch to Win and Fascial Stretch Therapy both now in their 2nd editions. As an SME, Chris has been a contributing author in seven books, one of which is Fascia, Function and Medical Applications. Clinical medicine is now beginning to evolve into adopting new and more effective methods using the science and model of the fascial system.

As an industry-leading practice, FST will always remain a dynamic and ever-evolving practice. It will continue to benefit from and source the latest scientific and clinical research.
 

Find a Practitioner Research


FST® -The New Paradigm Explained 


Stretching is a $22 billion industry and still expanding with new franchises opening frequently. While public demand to get stretched by a professional is robust, the cookie-cutter approach by minimally trained staff does not work for many.

Traditionally stretching is performed with the goal of deforming the tissue with enough force to produce a lengthening effect, in order to gain more linear range of motion. The stretch is commonly held at a point of tissue resistance coincident with some discomfort for 15-30 or more seconds and repeated 2-3 times per isolated muscle. People may initially feel this as being productive, but eventually will have limited results, or even incur a new injury.

One of the reasons for this failure is the model used in traditional stretching is based on biomechanics. Applying these principles of engineering, materials science, and classical mechanics to the human body, treats it as if it was made and functioned like a machine and not the elegantly designed 4D dynamic organism that it is.

The science and ongoing research of our connective tissue system (commonly called the fascial system) has produced new models of anatomy and physiology that are shifting old paradigms not only in stretching but in many fields like physical medicine and manual therapy. Proving that a muscle cannot lengthen, strengthen, or functionally do anything in isolation is only one of many discoveries that have led to great advances in the effectiveness of fascial stretching and other therapies.

The Frederick Stretch Therapy technique leans into the shifting paradigms and treats the whole person, not just a body part. It is pain-free and uses constant circulatory, gently oscillating movements of traction and stabilization to decompress joints and expand space in the soft tissues. Beyond gaining range of motion where needed, one experiences vastly improved kinesthesia (ability to move with ease) and proprioception (sense of one’s posture both when still and in movement). An overall feeling of wellbeing, confidence, and ease with oneself after receiving FST is the capstone to personal and professional transformation.

 

 

How is Frederick Stretch Therapy® Different?


With FST the individual's needs are prioritized. Countless clients have reported that in just one session they have a reduction in their pain, and their posture and functional movement have significantly improved. Performed safely and pain-free, there is a personalized assessment, and the session is catered and customized for the individual’s specific needs.

 

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