DIFFERENCES BETWEEN FST AND STRETCH LAB

  • Focus of Stretch

    • FST - Focuses on the fascia (connective tissue), joint capsules and multi-muscle chains, addressing the body as an interconnected system

    • Stretch Lab - Targets individual muscles and muscle groups, lengthening them in isolation

  • Technique

    • FST - Uses a combination of traction, oscillation, and multi-planar movement to gently release restrictions in the fascia and joints with less emphasis on static holds

    • Stretch Lab - Usually involves static holds or simple passive movement where the practitioner stretches the client’s limb and holds it in place

    • Both - Use PNF, a method that involves a combination of contracting and relaxing the muscles to improve flexibility and range of motion

  • Joint Involvement

    • FST - Works through multiple planes of motion (rotational, diagonal, lateral) to mimic real-life movement and improve joint mobility

    • Stretch Lab - Stretches mainly occur in a single plane of motion

  • Nervous System Engagement

    • FST - Aims to relax and down regulate the nervous system by moving rhythmically and staying below the pain thresholds, helping the body “let go” more naturally

    • Stretch Lab - May trigger the stretch reflex, sometimes causing the muscle to resist and tighten

  • Comfort Level

    • FST - Designed to be gentle, relaxing, and pain free, often compared to a mix of stretching and massage

    • Stretch Lab - Can feel intense or uncomfortable, depending on how far the stretch is pushed

  • Goals

    • FST - Improves mobility, flexibility, posture, athletic performance, and pain reduction by addressing fascial restrictions and joint space

    • Stretch Lab - Primarily improves muscle flexibility and length

  • Practitioner Training

    • FST - Must already by licensed or certified in a health, fitness or wellness profession, requires a higher baseline of anatomy and hands on experience before enrolling in the specialized FST certification (Stretch to Win Institute), and is a distinct modality

    • Stretch Lab - No prior specialized certification in stretching required

  • Setting and Atmosphere

    • FST - Private treatment room, quieter, more therapeutic and spa like environment with one on one focus, no other clients nearby, emphasis on relation and nervous system down regulation

    • Stretch Lab - Large studio room with multiple stretching benches in one open space. Sessions often happen in view of other clients