This November, I discovered myself at a spa in Monaco, being advised forcefully by a person with a French accent that I need to loosen up. I used to be on the Thermes Marins spa, which is related to the castle-like Hôtel Hermitage (who invited me to the tiny nation) and had simply spent a day swimming within the attractive indoor pool and getting luxurious spa therapies like a full-body therapeutic massage and cryotherapy. However now, I used to be in for one thing I had by no means tried earlier than a fascia remedy therapy. 

The therapy, which targets the connective membrane below your pores and skin, is nothing like every spa therapy I’ve ever skilled. And, although it was definitely distinctive, it did—spoiler alert—depart me way more relaxed (although my keep at considered one of Monte Carlo’s prettiest motels did not harm). Forward is the whole lot you want to know concerning the therapy, plus my trustworthy overview.

What Is Fascia Remedy?

First issues first, what precisely is fascia? “Fascia is a connective tissue discovered all through the physique, surrounding muscle mass, organs, and different constructions,” says Patrick Provost, the fascia therapist at Thermes Marins. “It performs a job in offering help, safety, and facilitating motion.” Consider fascia like an internet—it is robust however versatile and spans your entire physique. Identical to your muscle mass themselves, fascia can get tight and restrict your muscle and joint actions.

Fascia remedy manages this tightness. “Fascia remedy, often known as myofascial launch or fascial manipulation, goals to deal with restrictions or rigidity within the fascia,” says Provost. “Advantages can embody improved flexibility, lowered ache, enhanced posture, and higher total motion effectivity.”

What to Anticipate Throughout Fascia Remedy

Although I received the therapy on the spa, it is way more akin to bodily remedy than a conventional spa therapy. I remained totally clothed—I wore free denims and a tank prime, however athleisure would have been a more sensible choice—and whereas it feels type of like a therapeutic massage (extra on that in a second), there aren’t any lotions or oils, as your therapist must really feel any knots in your fascia.

“Somebody new to fascia remedy can count on a session involving numerous strategies equivalent to light stretching, guide manipulation, or using specialised instruments,” says Provost. “The therapist could goal particular areas of rigidity or restriction based mostly on the person’s wants.” For me, that was a give attention to the pinnacle, neck, and shoulders—Provost was shocked by how a lot rigidity I carried in these areas (therefore his directions to settle down).

As for the precise therapy, it felt nearly like a therapeutic massage. Primarily, your therapist gently massages the areas of concern. Since they’re concentrating on the fascia across the muscle, not the muscle mass themselves, the strain could be very gentle and feels surface-level—nearly like they’re simply transferring your pores and skin round. It is very nice—I significantly appreciated it when my fascia therapist labored on my neck and face—and it did not harm. However it did depart me craving a deep-tissue therapeutic massage.

How Usually to Get Fascia Remedy

“The frequency of fascia remedy periods can fluctuate relying on elements such because the severity of the problems being addressed and particular person response to therapy,” says Provost. “Initially, periods could also be extra frequent (e.g., weekly), with spacing out as enhancements are made. In the end, it is best to observe the suggestions of a professional therapist.”

There are additionally a number of methods to maintain the advantages going if you get house. Provost recommends common stretching and mobility workout routines and “self-myofascial launch strategies utilizing foam rollers, therapeutic massage balls, or different instruments.” He additionally suggests sustaining good posture and staying hydrated, and, as he advised me many instances, holding stress to a minimal.

My Evaluate

I went into this therapy completely blind, however I left pleasantly shocked. Except for stress-related shoulder rigidity, I am usually not vulnerable to muscle ache (not a brag; I simply hate exercising), so I most likely wasn’t the perfect candidate, however I nonetheless loved this therapy. As talked about, it’s extremely pleasant, and regardless of occurring in a extra sterile-feeling room, it nonetheless felt very enjoyable.

I did really feel relaxed, and my physique felt much less stiff after the therapy, so I do suppose it did one thing. For those who’re combating continual ache, fascia remedy is value testing. That being mentioned, if I used to be within the temper for some pampering, I might go for one of many spa’s extra conventional therapies, like a deep tissue therapeutic massage or La Prairie facial.