Recovery and mobility have become essential parts of modern training, not only for professional athletes but also for active adults and wellness-focused individuals. While foam rollers, massage guns, and lacrosse balls are widely used, many people find that smaller, high-tension areas of the body—such as the hands, feet, jaw, and neck—are often overlooked. Fascia Sticks was created to address that specific gap.
A Mission Focused on Movement and Everyday Performance
Fascia Sticks was founded by Casey Kostrzewa, Ben Kurkowski, and Paul Von Zboray, all former college athletes who experienced firsthand the limitations of traditional recovery tools. Their mission is centered on helping people move better, feel better, and live with less discomfort by creating precision tools designed for small, hard-to-reach areas of the body where fascial tension often accumulates.
As the founders describe it:
“The ONLY tool specifically designed for the hands, feet, neck, and jaw, to help you feel better, move better, and perform better.”
Rather than focusing solely on elite athletes, the brand aims to serve a broader audience that includes recreational athletes, fitness enthusiasts, and health-conscious adults—particularly women in the 35–55 demographic who prioritize mobility, wellness, and daily comfort.
The Story Behind Fascia Sticks
The idea for Fascia Sticks originated during the founders’ college baseball careers. After learning about hand-flossing techniques used by rock climbers, they experimented with improvised tools to release tension in the hands. When one athlete experienced noticeable improvement in arm mobility the next day, it sparked a larger idea: create a durable, purpose-built tool for areas that larger recovery devices cannot effectively reach.
Early prototypes were developed with the help of a university design professor, eventually leading to the product design used today. Over time, the tool began to spread beyond baseball into other athletic communities, as well as among professionals who spend long hours at desks or on their feet.
The Fascia Stick Pro: Designed for Precision
The flagship product, the Fascia Stick Pro, is a stainless steel recovery tool designed specifically for targeted self-myofascial release in smaller areas of the body. Measuring approximately 10 cm long and weighing about 2.5 ounces, the tool is compact, portable, and simple to use without oils, cords, or complex setups.
Its dual-ended design allows users to address different areas:
- The smaller end is intended for working between the bones of the hands and feet.
- The larger end is designed for areas such as the jaw, neck, and face.
Because the tool is made from stainless steel, it can also be chilled in a freezer for approximately 30 minutes or longer to provide a cooling sensation, which some users incorporate into morning or post-activity routines.
How It Differs From Traditional Recovery Tools
Many recovery tools are designed for larger muscle groups like the back, legs, or shoulders. While these methods can be effective for broad areas, they are often too large or imprecise for smaller, high-sensitivity regions.
Fascia Sticks focuses specifically on those overlooked areas. The brand describes the tool as functioning like “a foam roller for the small areas of your body,” offering a more targeted approach where larger tools may not be practical.
In addition to athletes, the tool is used by massage therapists, trainers, and individuals looking to incorporate short self-care routines into their daily schedules.
Typical Usage and Everyday Applications
Most users incorporate Fascia Sticks into simple routines:
- Morning sessions focusing on the face, jaw, or neck.
- Short pre-workout preparation for hands and feet.
- Evening relaxation or tension-relief routines.
Many people use the tool for one to two minutes per area, though frequency and duration vary based on personal comfort and goals.
A Brand Built on Practical Problem Solving
What distinguishes Fascia Sticks is not only the design of the tool but also the mindset behind it. The founders approach recovery from a problem-solving perspective shaped by years in competitive sports and training environments. Their goal is to address overlooked limitations in mobility and comfort—whether that means helping athletes prepare for performance or helping everyday individuals reduce tension accumulated during work and daily activities.
Founder Background
- Casey Kostrzewa is a former college and professional baseball player and currently works as a pitching and movement trainer at 108 Performance.
- Ben Kurkowski is a former college baseball player and assistant baseball coach at the University of Health Sciences and Pharmacy.
- Paul Von Zboray is a former college and professional baseball player and currently serves as an assistant coach at Cosumnes River College.
Together, their shared athletic background informs the brand’s focus on functional design and real-world application.
Looking Ahead
As interest in mobility, recovery, and self-care continues to grow, tools designed for convenience and precision are becoming more relevant to both athletes and everyday consumers. Fascia Sticks aims to continue refining its products and expanding awareness around the importance of caring for smaller, often neglected areas of the body.
For individuals seeking a compact recovery tool designed with precision in mind, Fascia Sticks represents a targeted approach to mobility and self-care that fits easily into daily routines.
Written in partnership with Tom White
