Rossiter Stretching Technique (RST) is a series of powerful and effective stretching techniques used to address structural pain and restriction of movement at its source, the body’s connective tissue. Your connective tissue includes fascia, ligaments, tendons, collagen, elastin. When your connective tissue becomes tight in one place or imbalanced it can create stress, immobility and pain.
RST focuses on the cause of the pain, not the symptoms. By targeting your deep fascia tissue and focusing on movement designed to release the fascia nets throughout the body RST quickly restores connective tissue to its natural, healthy state – allowing your body to move as it was intended to do.
RST is typically done on a mat on the floor. Your Stretch Coach will strategically anchor your tissue with their foot, while you move through specific motions. You are in control of your session and an active participant.
It is a deep and highly effective stretch. Many people who prefer RST often prefer deeper pressure.
Proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation (PNF) is an assisted stretching technique that can improve your range of motion, improve your flexibility and help you strengthen your muscles. PNF relies on reflexes to produce deeper stretches that increase flexibility.
PNF is typically done on a stretch table. Your Stretch Coach will use a contract-relax-contract technique, where they will put a muscle into a stretched position, have you contract the target muscle, relax and then have you contract the antagonist muscle.
Doing this triggers the inverse myotatic reflex, a protective reflex that calms the muscle, prevents injury and allows you to relax deeper into the stretch.
For people living with autoimmune disease and who experience PEM/PESE it may help avoid flaring your symptoms.
Most people think that PNF is not as “intense feeling” as RST. It’s for people who prefer lighter pressure.
Flexibility is key for athletes and nonathletes alike. It allows you to move freely and comfortably in your daily life, and can also help prevent injury.
One of the best ways to increase your flexibility is by stretching. However, research suggests that not all stretching techniques are created equal.
RST and PNF are two proven highly beneficial assisted stretching techniques.
RST and/or PNF have many benefits, including: