I’m Blair, I’m a former D1 athlete and someone who finally found help after years of dealing with movement issues. My stretch therapist asked me to share my story, so here goes.

You know what's funny? If you'd told me a year ago I'd be writing about going to therapy - especially some therapy I couldn't even pronounce at first - I would've laughed. But here we are. I want to tell you about my experience at Temple Stretch, because it completely changed how I think about moving and taking care of myself. Quick heads up though - this isn't going to be one of those perfect before-and-after stories. It's more like real life: messy, sometimes frustrating, but totally worth it.

When Everything Fell Apart

So here's how it started. I was that person at the gym - you know, the one who thinks they're invincible? Always pushing harder, ignoring those little twinges and aches because no pain, no gain, right? Well, my body finally had enough during what should've been just another workout. One minute I'm doing my usual routine, the next I'm standing there like a locked-up robot, wondering why my body was staging a full-on rebellion. After weeks of pretending I was fine (and probably making things worse), I finally had to wave the white flag and admit I needed some help.

My gym buddy kept talking about this place called Temple Stretch - went on and on about her stretch sessions, and something called fascia therapy. Not gonna lie, I mostly nodded along pretending I knew what she was talking about. But at that point, I was desperate enough to try anything. I'd already burned through my collection of foam rollers and stretching bands, and nothing was really sticking.

That First Session

Walking into Temple Stretch was weird at first - not your typical gym vibe, not a medical office either. It’s a serene, tranquil space with warm lighting meant to create a calm and relaxing atmosphere. Not what I expected but it makes sense now. Still, I was a bit nervous despite this because honestly, I had no clue what I was getting myself into.

The first thing that caught me off guard was how much they actually wanted to know about me. Not just the "where does it hurt" stuff, but like, my whole movement history. They asked questions nobody had ever asked before, actually listened (like, really listened), and didn't make me feel like an idiot when I couldn't explain things perfectly.

The Reality Check (Ouch, But Not How You Think)

I'll be real with you. Those first few sessions kicked my butt, and not just in the physical sense. It was pretty humbling to learn that basically everything I thought I knew about moving "correctly" was actually making things worse. You know that feeling when you find out you've been pronouncing a word wrong your whole life? Yeah, multiply that by about a hundred.

I remember getting so frustrated during one session because I couldn't do this seemingly basic movement without compensating. Like, how hard should it be to just lift my arm without my shoulder creeping up to my ear? But my therapist - bless their patience - kept calmly explaining why my body was moving that way and how my fascia had basically created these patterns over years. Breaking my "no pain, no gain" mindset was probably the biggest hurdle. I mean, I literally had a "Beast Mode" tank top in every color. Changing that mentality? Not exactly an overnight thing.

The Good, The Bad, and The "Wait, What Just Happened?"

Anyone who tells you their recovery was a straight line up is either lying or trying to sell you something. Some days I walked out of Temple Stretch feeling like I could backflip my way to my car (I didn't, but the temptation was real). Other times the changes were so subtle I didn't notice until three days later when I was reaching for something in my kitchen and thought "huh, that usually hurts." Then there were those weeks - you know, the ones where work is crazy and you sleep weird and your body decides to remind you of all your old patterns? Yeah, those happened too.

But man, those little wins? They hit different. I actually teared up a bit the first time I made it through my entire workout without my shoulder feeling like it was trying to start a revolution. Then there was this random Tuesday when I realized I'd been sitting at my computer for hours and my lower back wasn't plotting my demise. Even something as basic as checking my blind spot while driving without having to turn my whole body like a rusty robot - suddenly it was like, "Is this what normal people feel like all the time?"

Plot Twist: It Wasn't Just About Moving Better

The weird thing? Some of the biggest changes weren't even about movement. My sleep got better (which I didn't even realize was an issue until it wasn't anymore). My stress levels dropped. I started actually paying attention to what my body was telling me instead of just telling it to shut up and deal.

My therapist was dropping knowledge bombs every session - stuff that made so much sense once they explained it, but I'd never heard before. Like how everything's connected through this fascia stuff, which finally explained why treating just my shoulder never seemed to fix anything long-term. Mind = blown.

Keeping It Real Between Sessions

Look, I'm not gonna pretend I'm perfect about doing my "homework." Some days, those little exercises and movement tips they give me? They totally happen. Other days... well, let's just say my intentions are better than my follow-through. But that's the cool thing about the Temple Stretch crew - they get it. No guilt trips, just gentle reminders and tweaks to make things more manageable.

Where I'm At Now

These days, I think about movement totally differently. Instead of beating myself up at the gym, I actually listen to what my body's telling me. It's wild how my Temple Stretch sessions have become like this tune-up I didn't know I needed - kind of like how you don't realize how bad your windshield is until you finally clean it.

I still go to Temple Stretch, just not as often as in those first few months. Now it's more like maintenance - you know, keeping things running smooth before they get wonky again. And honestly? I learn something new every time. Last week I figured out why my hip always pops when I do lunges - turns out I've been doing them slightly wrong for like, years.

For anyone thinking about trying this out - especially at Temple Stretch - here's my honest take: don't expect overnight miracles (trust me, I tried), but do expect to actually understand your body better. Like, way better. Be straight up with your therapist too (shout out, Danylle) - they can't help if they don't know what's really going on. And sometimes it's the weird little things that matter, like how your shoulder blade moves when you reach for your coffee.

Look, it's not always pretty. Some days you'll feel amazing, others you'll wonder if you're back at square one. But having someone who actually gets it, who knows their stuff and genuinely wants to help - that's been a game-changer for me at Temple Stretch. It's not about being perfect (thank goodness, because I'm so not), it's just about feeling better, moving better, one session at a time.

Next Step: Come Feel the Difference

Fascia Stretch Therapy™ isn’t just a treatment—it’s an investment in your well-being. Whether you’re dealing with pain, chasing performance goals, or simply want to move through life with ease, FST can help you get there.

Don’t wait to feel your best. Book your personalized session at Temple Stretch today and experience the transformative power of FST. Your body will thank you.