If you feel tight no matter how much you stretch on your own, Fascial Stretch Therapy (FST) is worth a look. It's an assisted, table-based stretching method — you lie down, relax, and a trained therapist moves you through stretches you can't do on your own.
I'm a Level 2 Certified Fascial Stretch Therapist through the Stretch to Win Institute, and I offer FST at our studio on Mount Pleasant Road. Here's what you should know before booking.
What is fascia?
Fascia is the connective tissue that wraps and links your muscles, joints and organs — think of it as a continuous web running through the whole body. When it gets stiff from sitting, repetitive training, stress or old injuries, you feel it as tightness and restricted movement, often somewhere other than where the problem started.
What is Fascial Stretch Therapy?
FST is a hands-on, assisted stretching system that works through the joint and the surrounding connective tissue, not just the muscle belly. A session typically:
- Starts at the joint — especially hips, lower back and shoulders, where most people are tightest
- Uses gentle traction to create space in the joint before stretching
- Moves in multiple planes, not just straight lines, so it reaches the whole fascial chain
- Syncs with your breathing — you're never forced or pushed through pain
- Stays pain-free. Done properly, it should feel good, not like a battle
You stay fully clothed in comfortable workout gear.
What people use FST for
Clients most often come in looking for:
- Better mobility in tight hips, hamstrings, back or shoulders
- Feeling looser and moving more freely after long days at a desk
- Recovery between training sessions
- Better range of motion for golf, running, tennis or lifting
- Staying mobile and independent with age
FST isn't a replacement for medical care. If you have a diagnosed injury, check with your doctor or physiotherapist first — and tell your therapist about it.
How much does Fascial Stretch Therapy cost in Toronto?
Pricing varies by clinic and therapist. At CircuitFit Midtown:
| Session | Price (+HST) | Good for |
|---|---|---|
| 30 minutes | $65 | Targeted work on one or two problem areas, or as a regular tune-up |
| 60 minutes | $110 | Full-body session, first-time clients, or deep recovery |
How often should you do FST?
Most people feel a difference after the first session. To make it stick, many clients start with a few sessions spaced a week apart, then move to a regular maintenance schedule. Pairing FST with strength training gives you the best of both: the mobility to move well, and the strength to control it.
That's why we offer it alongside our 30-minute circuit — members train for strength, and use FST to keep moving freely.
What to expect at your first session
- A quick chat about your goals, training and any injuries
- A simple movement check so we know where you're restricted
- The stretch session itself — relaxed, breath-paced, pain-free
- A few simple things to do at home between sessions
Book FST in Midtown Toronto
We're at 542 Mount Pleasant Road, 2nd floor, just north of Davisville, with free side-street parking nearby. See FST details and book on our services page, or get directions.