MYOFASCIAL STRETCHING

WHAT IS MYOFASCIAL STRETCHING?

How often have you worked on stretching a muscle, over and over again, without ever noticing improvements in your flexibility?

 

This is probably because it was not your muscle that was tight, but instead, your fascial lining over the muscle was not allowing you to move into your full potential.

 

To understand myofascial stretching, we need to understand what fascia is.

 

Fascia is a strong and robust connective tissue that unites everything in our body. It surrounds our muscles, bones, organs, blood vessels, and our nerves all together. Myofascia is the specific fascia that surrounds our muscles.

 

As you can imagine, if one area of fascia becomes tight or adhered, it can affect multiple areas, causing a myriad of problems.

 

Myofascial stretching can be used to alleviate these fascial restrictions and significantly differs from standard muscle stretching. Here are the main differences:

 

  • Myofascial stretching is held between 3 to 5 minutes, much longer than traditional stretching. This allows your body to break through strong fascial barriers that are restricting your range of motion.
  • Active elongation is used, instead of passive stretching, which allows you to push past your initial barrier. As you move into a myofascial stretching position, you actively reach, elongate, or push through the initial stopping point.
  • With myofascial stretching you have to be much more conscious, present, and aware of the changes in your body. As you feel   the tension in your fascial layers holding you back, you need to direct your energy and breath into this barrier. Then as this barrier breaks down you need to be ready to actively push past that barrier, into the next one, continuing to release and push as needed.
  • And while continuously and actively elongate through this prolonged myofascial stretch, you are also strengthening the opposing side of the body. This is occurring through the sustained, isometric contraction of the opposing muscles, as they are actively pulling you into your elongated position.

THE BENEFITS OF MYOFASCIAL STRETCHING:

  • Improved Flexibility
  • Increased Joint Range of Motion
  • Improved Posture
  • Enhanced Structural Balance and Integrity
  • Resolution of Chronic Pain and Dysfunction
  • Healthier Environment Within Your Body as Restrictions Release
  • Improved Performance of Daily Activities, Work, or Sports
  • Promotes Better Recovery From Workouts or Injuries
  • Better Quality of Movement Between All of Your Tissues
  • Better Quality of Life


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Drew F. Broadway Performer

"I couldn’t speak more highly of Aurore and her expertise. I’m in healthcare myself and can attest to her thorough knowledge of the body and the intricacies of movement. She really knows the body better than most! I leave her sessions feeling not only stronger, but overall empowered, and more knowledgeable of my own body and what strengths and weaknesses I have. She can read and understand a body like it’s a gift she has acquired. Her studio is calm and serene, which ironically grounds and mellows me out, even while working out! It’s fantastic to leave feeling I’ve accomplished a work out and a meditation all in one. You won’t regret this experience! It leaves you wanting more."

Natalie R. Acupuncturist

"As a professional dancer who has been nursing a host of injuries, Aurore at MoveArt Studio is my go-to for attentive, articulate and all-around excellence in training. Her studio is always clean and neat, with all the needed tools and machines for total body strengthening, mobility and rebalancing. I particularly love Aurore's approach to the WHOLE body: it's one thing to train the body, but she has what is like a sixth-sense of understanding where mental tension can hole up and keep certain areas of the body from reaching their full potential in range. Her wealth of knowledge in how both Pilates and Gyrotonic are uniquely valuable has literally helped my body and my mind get back on the stage. For any one, but especially any professional dancers in Jersey and NYC needing a tune-up: Aurore is who you need! Thank you, MoveArt!"

Nicole B. Professional Dancer

"I am a 78-year-old male and have never worked with a trainer or physical therapist. I was apprehensive about my movement capacity as well as working out in a female dominated studio. Aurore encouraged me and has such a keen sense of humor and joy that I immediately felt comfortable and motivated. I am now fully hooked on Pilates, Gyrotonic and Integrative Functional Movement Training and credit Aurore for my youthful appearance and outlook."

Stan H

Aurore is a gifted teacher and healer. She guides her clients gently but firmly to reach their personal best. She is a joy to work with and you will leave each session feeling completely refreshed!

Alana K

My family has worked with Aurore for years. Initially I had my teenage son go to her in lieu of physical therapy and in order to straighten out his posture. It literally became the highlight of his week. Not only did his body start feeling really good but the friendship bond he developed with Aurora, with her amazing encouragement, support, and expertise, also gave him confidence and feeling like he had a trusted friend. When Aurora moved across the country, she was sorely missed. The silver lining of Covid / Quarantine was we reached out to her and she has been giving us customized fitness sessions 3 times a week. Now the whole family participates. So no matter where you live, if you want a superb person and teacher, contact Aurore.

Stacy M

WHO CAN BENEFIT FROM FROM MYOFASCIAL STRETCHING?

Anyone who feels they never make any progress with traditional muscle stretching can benefit from myofascial stretching.

 

Whether you are experiencing pain, are looking to enhance performance, or want to make sure everything is healthy and moving well in your body, myofascial stretching is for you.