A fascia is the connective tissue that forms beneath the skin to attach, enclose, and separate muscles and other internal organs. In other words, myofascia is not “different” than fascia. It is a subset of fascia. Myofascia is a term to distinguish the fascia that is a part of every muscle of your body. Fascia can exist without being a part of a muscle…but a muscle cannot and does not exist without its “myofascia.” Myofascia = Myo (muscle) + Fascia (the fascial wrappings holding the muscle fibers together to form a muscle)

Massage involves stroking and kneading motions, usually administered with lubricants, making it easy for the therapist to slide their hands over the recipient’s skin. Massages usually last 30-60 minutes and can relieve muscle tension including the release of “knots” in the muscles. While people usually feel peaceful afterwards, it doesn’t typically address pain in the connective tissue. Myofascial release applies sustained pressure on targeted areas of connective tissue (fascia) that surround your muscles and bones. This pressure is meant to release the restriction in the connective tissue so that you have greater range of motion and less pain. The therapist maintains pressure for three to five minutes at a time in the targeted area. Using steady pressure is the key. The fibers must be allowed sufficient time to soften and stretch. No lubricant is added to the skin so the therapist can locate and release the areas of connective tissue that are restricted.

Let's start with active first - this is where you physically participate in the treatment. You are moving your muscles and joints around with or without the assistance of a theorpist and/or equipment. Examples of active treatment include stretching, strengthening, exercise programs, active release techniques, and some mobilization techniques. Active therapy prepares you for the tasks and demands that are placed on your body during your everyday life. Passive techniques focus more on relieving signs and symptoms (pain, swelling, bruising, etc.). In this type of therapy, you are not actively involved in the treatment, and won’t need to exert any effort. Examples of passive treatment include modalities such as ice/heat, tapping, acupuncture, and massage. These techniques are used to give your body a boost or push in the right direction to promote healing. The goal is to eventually advance or progress to a more active approach. At The Stretch Girl, we incorporate both active and passive techniques so you can take back control of your body and return to living a more enriching and powerful life.

Every body is different so sessions will be based on what you need. In your initial 2-hour session, a personalized assessment will be made based on your lifestyle, body and mental state, to fully understand the source of your pain and to create the correct treatment plan for you. Based on your assessment you can be put through various stretches and techniques such as cupping, tapping, NormaTec technology, manual pressure, ear acupuncture, rehabilitative and rehabilitative movements and stretches. These techniques are carried out within a space that educates, empowers and helps you heal you physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually. After your sessions, you’ll be given homework to take home as you continue your healing journey. The real magic happens in your subsequent 90-minute visits, where your pain will continue to be acutely targeted and eliminated from your body so you are able to get back to life's true joys.

The Stretch Girl is for you if you are struggling with managing your day to day life due to recurring pain. You are frustrated with the lack of results found in other treatments and may be feeling disappointed or helpless in your daily lives because managing your pain has become overwhelming. You are ready to heal by focusing on the source of your pain whether that be chronic, acute, mental or emotional stress and work or sport related injuries. Most often, you have sought treatment in the past but do not feel as though you were relieved of any pain whether that be during treatment or post treatment. You are true to yourself and are willing to have open and honest discussions about how you are feeling in your daily life. You may be passionate about spirituality and have a connection with yourself that goes beyond the physical.