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Getting Taller with FST: Can Fascial Stretch Therapy Support Postural Gains? 

Getting Taller with FST: Can Fascial Stretch Therapy Support Postural Gains?

Height is often viewed as a fixed trait determined by genetics, with little room for improvement beyond adolescence. While it’s true that our bones stop growing after a certain age, many people are surprised to learn that poor posture, joint restrictions, and tight fascia can cause us to lose up to an inch—or more—of our full potential height. Fascial Stretch Therapy (FST) offers a promising solution for those who want to optimize their posture, decompress their joints, and even appear taller. At CARESPACE Health+Wellness, kinesiologists trained in FST provide a client-focused, evidence-based approach to stretching that can unlock these benefits naturally and effectively. 

FST is a unique and advanced form of assisted stretching that targets not just muscles but the fascia—the connective tissue that surrounds muscles, bones, and joints. Fascia can become tight, restricted, or dehydrated due to repetitive stress, inactivity, injury, or poor posture. Over time, this can lead to a compressed appearance, slouched shoulders, and an overall reduction in stature. Unlike traditional static stretching, FST works with the nervous system to gently mobilize joints and lengthen the fascia, allowing the body to return to a more aligned, elongated, and upright state. 

So, can FST make you taller? The answer depends on your definition of “taller.” While FST cannot lengthen your bones, it can restore lost height by improving your posture, reducing spinal compression, and increasing the flexibility of muscles and fascia that may be holding your body in a shortened or hunched position. For example, someone who spends long hours sitting at a desk may develop tight hip flexors and rounded shoulders, which can compress the spine and reduce their standing height. Through targeted FST sessions, a CARESPACE kinesiologist can help release these restrictions, allowing the spine to decompress and the body to stand more erect, often resulting in a visible difference in height and presence. 

At CARESPACE, kinesiologists are not only trained in FST techniques but also in functional movement assessment and personalized care planning. This allows them to identify the unique areas where each client is experiencing fascial tightness or postural imbalances. A session typically begins with a full-body evaluation, followed by gentle, pain-free stretches performed on a treatment table. The practitioner guides the client’s limbs through specific ranges of motion while applying traction and oscillation to improve joint mobility and lengthen the fascial lines. 

In addition to the immediate benefits of feeling looser and standing taller, regular FST sessions can improve circulation, decrease joint pain, enhance athletic performance, and support long-term postural health. For individuals who feel that they’ve “shrunk” over time due to poor posture or chronic tightness, FST offers a powerful way to regain control over how they carry themselves in everyday life. 

Beyond the physical techniques, CARESPACE kinesiologists take a holistic and collaborative approach to health and well-being. They work closely with other members of the multidisciplinary team—including physiotherapists, chiropractors, massage therapists, and naturopaths—to ensure that clients receive well-rounded care that addresses both symptoms and root causes. For someone looking to feel taller, stronger, and more confident in their body, this integrated model means better outcomes and lasting change. 

In short, getting taller with FST is less about altering your skeleton and more about reclaiming the height your body was designed to have. With the guidance and expertise of CARESPACE kinesiologists, clients can release fascial restrictions, improve alignment, and discover a new sense of height, balance, and vitality—naturally and sustainably. 

About the Author

Ian Alishaw, BSc, CPTN, RKin is a personal trainer at CARESPACE Weber North. He helps clients improve their health through personalized, evidence-based care. If you’re looking for personal training in Waterloo, CARESPACE offers coordinated support designed to help you be your best.