Janet Hardy—licensed massage therapist, myofascial release therapist and owner of Caring Touch, in Santa Rosa Beach—is now teaching Stretch Therapy self-treatment classes Fridays at 10:30 a.m., at Magnolia Tribe Chiropractic, in Freeport. The classes are designed to help people resolve pain, move more easily and heal from injury or surgery.

“There are many things we can do to help relieve tightness or limited movement as well as discomfort and pain,” Hardy says.  “It's just knowing what to do, how to approach it and how long it takes to get the tissue to transition to a more fluid state.”

Hardy, who practiced traditional massage and neuromuscular therapy for about 12 years before focusing on stretch therapy and myofascial release a decade ago, says she’s seen longer-lasting results from fascia-related treatments. 

“Myofascial stretching can help maintain overall health,” she explains. “Fascia, or connective tissue, is everywhere in the body—it's a contiguous web that touches every cell and organ. So it's easy to see how tightness and restricted movement can influence blood and lymphatic flow and optimal heart, lung and digestive function. The more fluid our fascial system is, the more ideal the total environment is for all the cells and systems of the body.”

Participants should bring a bath towel and yoga mat if they have one. Some mats and chairs will be available.

Location: Prana Movement and Flow, Magnolia Tribe Chiropractic, 17287 U.S. Hwy. 331, Freeport, FL. To register or details, call or text 850-832-6923. For more information about fascia, visit CaringTouchTherapy.net.