Why Different Bodies Deserve Different Treatments
People often come to me saying, “I feel so tight,” assuming they just need to stretch more.
But the truth is — not all tightness means you’re inflexible.
In fact, some of the people who feel the tightest are actually hypermobile — and what they really need isn’t more stretching, but more stability.
That’s why it’s so important to understand the difference between a stiff body and a loose one — because how you treat them should be completely different.
🚶 Two Types of Bodies Walk Into My Studio…
1. The Stiff, Tight Client
This person’s hips don’t move, their back is rigid, and their shoulders feel like they’ve been cemented in place. Maybe they’ve been sitting too much, training hard without recovery, or simply haven’t moved their joints well for years. These clients usually benefit from a structured program that includes:
Guided stretching sessions
Self-myofascial care tools (like therapy balls and compression work)
Active mobility drills
And gentle, consistent work into safe new ranges
The goal here is to create more space, reduce restrictions, and reintroduce natural joint movement.
2. The Hypermobile Client
This client often looks flexible and might even say, “I’ve always been bendy.” But they still feel tight. And here’s the catch — that tightness isn’t coming from short, restricted muscles.
Their muscles are gripping because their joints lack stability. The body is bracing to protect itself. So if you passively stretch them into their end range, you’re not helping — you might actually be making things worse.
🚫 Why Stretching Can Backfire for Hypermobile Clients
Hypermobile clients already have a lot of range. Taking them further into that range can:
Overstretch already loose ligaments
Lead to pain, fatigue, or even joint instability
Create a temporary feeling of “release” but worsen things long-term
What they need is not more flexibility — it’s control.
The nervous system has to feel safe in order to let go.
✅ What I Do Instead (And Why It Works)
With hypermobile clients, I shift the focus completely. Instead of chasing more range, we work on:
PNF-style techniques (contract-relax to activate stability)
Mid-range mobility work (not pushing to end range)
Isometrics to build strength and joint awareness
Proprioceptive input — helping the body know where it is in space
This helps the client feel more grounded, less tense, and more stable in everyday movement.
💬 Here’s the Truth:
You can’t treat every body the same. Some people need to open up. Others need to lock in.
As a fascia stretch therapist, it’s my job to know the difference — and give your body what it actually needs, not just what it feels like it wants in the moment. That’s why every process starts with an assessment. I don’t assume. I check. I listen to your body before I touch it.
If you’ve ever been to a stretching session and walked away feeling sore, tired, or unstable, there’s a good chance you weren’t given the right approach for your structure.
💡 Want to Know What You Really Need?
Come in for an assessment.
I’ll look at how your body moves, how your joints behave, and what kind of support your system is asking for.
Whether you’re stiff, hypermobile, or somewhere in between — we’ll build a plan that brings your body back into balance.
Because this isn’t just about flexibility.
It’s about function, freedom, and moving with confidence.