Hey there! Below you’ll find a list of takeaways from my interview with FST expert Erica Koo, as well as a video timeline. If video isn’t your thing, skim the transcript.
But first, check this out:
Here’s a simple set of two core exercises to build functional daily strength (aka useful muscles) in minutes a day — no gym, fancy equipment or Spandex required.
Okay, now let’s back to Erica and FST….
My interview with Sydney-based Erica Koo, a Level 3 fascia stretch therapist and former competitive powerlifter, explores how Fascial Stretch Therapy (FST) can make life better for people with significant mileage on their bodies, hearts and minds.
Erica and I discuss FST’s significance in pain relief, mobility and overall health, the role of fascia in the body, its connection to movement, and how FST can benefit people over 40.
Erica also shares her personal journey (see timeline below, if you’d rather jump to that fascinating part of our conversation) from a complete non-athlete to becoming a competitive powerlifter, lyra (aerial hoop) performer and FST therapist… who’s now on the road to also completing her psychology training. (Her latest athletic obsession is sprinting….clearly, Erica doesn’t do anything halfway.)
Takeaways:
Fascial Stretch Therapy (FST) is crucial for pain relief and mobility
Fascia is a web-like connective tissue that affects movement
Aging increases the need for fascia care due to accumulated stress
FST works by addressing the fascial connections throughout the body
Therapists assess the body as a roadmap of experiences and pain
Immediate relief can often be felt after the first session of FST
Resistance training is essential for maintaining health as we age
FST is a collaborative process that prioritizes client safety
Psychological benefits accompany physical relief in therapy
Holistic health involves 5 pillars: exercise, nutrition, hydration, sleep, community
Erica Koo/fascia stretch therapy video timeline:
01:01 Introduction to FST: What is it & why you should care about your body’s fascia
02:20 How Erica evaluates pain via fascial connections throughout the body
04:50 Why fascia is so important for people over 40 to understand
10:38 “The body is a roadmap” to everything it’s gone through in life
11:24 Expectations of FST as a reliever of chronic pain
14:15 Characteristics of people whose fascia is in the best shape
15:40 Erica’s story: competitive powerlifter, aerial hoop performer, psych student
22:00 The wide range of physical & neuro issues that Erica treats with FST
28:10 The 5 pillars of healthy living: exercise, nutrition, hydration, sleep, community
“With fascia stretch therapy, the more you move the joint, the more it does let go. And in doing so, you're able to create freedom in the joint and the muscle” — Erica Koo (aka “Stretch”)
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