About Assisted Stretch Program

Benefits

Studies show stretching helps with the range of motion and flexibility of muscles, both vital in preventing injury, maintaining vitality, and improving mental clarity, mood, and connection with self.

• Better posture

Clients often say they feel taller after a stretch session. Muscles lengthen when they’re stretched, allowing for more space in the spine and for the shoulders to sit back rather than curl forward.

• Reduced pain

Restricted movement can cause pain. Assisted stretching helps us free up stiff areas of the body, easing pain and freeing up space to move more fluidly. Research shows stretching multiple times per week can be as effective as strengthening exercises in patients with chronic neck pain.

• A boost of feel-good chemicals

Stretching boosts blood flow to the muscles along with oxygen and nutrients which makes it great for soothing delayed onset muscle soreness. This burst of oxygen – along with mood-boosting endorphins and oxytocin – is why you feel so good after a stretch session. 

When we’re stressed, we tend to tense up. A stretch session releases this built up tension, helping us feel calmer by activating our parasympathetic nervous system. 

• Increased benefits as we age

Spinal mobility, back flexibility, shoulder range of motion, hip mobility, cervical spine movement, fall prevention, and more.

What to Expect?

Our stretch experts will ask you a series of questions to understand your goals and limitations. Working with the traditional energy centers of the body, during each session we move you through a series of positions that release muscle tension, keep joints healthy, and move stagnant energy. Designed for all bodies including tech professionals, athletes, aging bodies, healers and healthcare workers… stretch work is performed with you fully clothed on a traditional massage table. Nearly everyone can benefit from this low-effort, high-reward treatment.

COMMON QUESTIONS & TIPS

1) How long is an assisted stretch session?

A typical stretch session is 25 minutes. 50 minute sessions are also available and are recommended if you are new to assisted stretch or are working on a specific issue.

2) How often should I stretch?

Once a month is a great cadence for long term maintenance and flexibility.

Weekly sessions are beneficial for those just starting out or have specific goals and challenges to work through.

3) Do you need to be athletic?

Assisted stretching is a brilliant treatment regardless of your fitness levels or lifestyle. It’s especially popular among people who spend a lot of time working at a desk as it helps address tight shoulders and ‘tech neck’. 

Athletes and gym enthusiasts benefit from enhance performance by having key muscle groups working together properly, and stretching out stiff and sore muscles post-workout or in between active days.

4) When is the ideal time for a stretch session?

Stretching after your workout helps you recover faster by flushing out metabolic waste, increasing blood flow, and lengthening the muscles that you've just worked.

5) What's the difference between assisted stretching and massage?

The main difference between assisted stretching and massage is the focus of the technique

Our assisted stretch programs focus on improving flexibility, range of motion, and strength through the use of specific stretching techniques and occasionally free weights or a pull-up station. Massage is focused on promoting relaxation, reducing tension, and improving circulation through the manipulation of soft tissue.

6) Massage and assisted stretch work well together

For overall muscle and joint health, massage and assisted stretch both have their place.

Assisted stretching can help you move more freely and fluidly, while massage can help to release tension and soothe muscle stiffness. When used together, these techniques can make for a thorough and effective treatment for muscle and joint issues.

Athletes and exercise enthusiasts might prefer to book assisted stretching more regularly than massage because of the way it loosens muscle tension, instead of breaking it up, leading to improved strength and mobility.

7) How should I prepare for my stretch?

Wear comfortable (ideally long sleeved) clothing that allows you to move easily, and avoid eating a heavy meal or having caffeine right before your session.

8) What should I do after my stretch?

It’s important to let your body rest and recover. Don't jump right back into any intense physical activity or exercise – wait at least 24 hrs. And hydrate, hydrate, hydrate. As well eating a nutrient dense diet comprised of whole foods.

If there were specific muscles worked on in your stretch session, in your next workout you might want to exercise a different part of your body to allow these muscles to recover.

At Mind Body Flow we highly recommend a Float Session after your stretch to promote deep rest and recovery for your body and mind.

9) What if I have a medical condition or concern?

As with any physical activity, consult with your doctor or healthcare provider if you are unsure about your limitations or any specific medical conditions. For example: certain stretches may not be safe during pregnancy or if you have any injuries.