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Could assisted stretching actually decrease injuries?
Some injuries are unavoidable, while others can be prevented. Injury prevention has been extensively studied, and one common approach is the use of stretching.
The body of assisted stretch
At FLX, we’re on a mission to redefine what it means to move freely. As pioneers of assisted stretch, we’re here to bring understanding and awareness and empower everyone to have healthier, less stressful and more productive lives.
Assisted stretch is a powerful tool for those into sports and fitness or anyone looking to generally relieve tension or improve performance. From office workers doing the 9-5, to professional athletes, there is no one who can’t benefit from assisted stretch; tension is released, stress is reduced and you’re able to more easily stretch to your potential across every part of your life.
We’re on a mission to make assisted stretch accessible through education and innovation. From our CIMPSA approved courses and measurement tools to our mobile studio, we’re helping to lay the foundations in the UK and unleash your potential.
Assisted stretching can be used as part of a holistic health and fitness regime, complimenting gym sessions, sport, yoga, pilates and even physiotherapy. It’s a gentle practice which is restorative for the body and mind.
FLX is more than a brand, it’s the body of assisted stretch in the UK. Explore the site to learn more about assisted stretch, how it could help you, your team or your business and get in touch to book an FLX qualified professional to begin your assisted stretch journey.
Let’s create a future where pain-free movement and low stress is the baseline not a luxury.
Stretch to your potential.
Watch FLX Founder and Personal Trainer Ben Bate talk more about the benefits of assisted stretch and how it can benefit each of us.
Who can benefit from assisted stretch?
We believe assisted stretch is for everyone, not just those already interested in health and fitness. It’s not just about flexibility, it’s about freedom.
Modern life is placing more and more stress and tension on our body and minds, so we all need to find ways of reducing that stress and tension to stay healthy. From work and family lives to sport and fitness, we regularly push our bodies and minds beyond their natural limits, resulting in discomfort, stress, pain or injury.
As part of a holistic approach to good health, assisted stretch can really help to improve everything from sleep and posture to physical performance and flexibility.
Whether you’re an office worker or a care worker, a PT looking to offer a new service, a business looking to provide wellbeing services to employees, an amateur golfer or professional rugby player, look below to find out how to start your assisted stretch journey.
Individual
From office workers sitting at a desk 9-5, workers on their feet all day, or those playing sport or going to the gym, assisted stretch can help to restore and repair the body and mind, supporting the foundation of good health and allowing you to stretch to your potential.
Yes, multiple studies support the benefits of assisted stretching. Research indicates that professionally assisted stretching can improve flexibility, increase range of motion, reduce muscle stiffness, and enhance recovery after exercise. Some studies suggest it may also help reduce injury risk and improve overall physical performance. Unlike self-stretching, assisted stretching allows for deeper and more controlled muscle elongation, which can lead to greater long-term mobility gains. Check out our articles to learn more about the science behind the stretch.
No, assisted stretching is different from yoga and pilates, though they all contribute to flexibility and movement efficiency. Yoga focuses on static and dynamic stretching combined with breath control, while pilates emphasises core strength and controlled movements.
Assisted stretching is a targeted practice where a trained specialist manually stretches your muscles to optimise mobility, often reaching deeper than self-guided movements allow, all within the boundaries of your body.
Yes, the benefits of assisted stretching can be measured in several ways, including:
- Range of Motion (ROM) Tests: Measuring joint flexibility before and after sessions.
- Mobility Assessments: Evaluating improvements in movement efficiency.
- Performance Metrics: Tracking athletic performance, such as stride length, agility, or reduced recovery time.
- Pain and Discomfort Reduction: Noting decreases in stiffness, soreness, or injury frequency.
- Sleep Improvements: Tracking sleep quality score further assists in overall muscular recovery.
While you can learn basic self-stretching techniques, true assisted stretching requires an external force from a professional to achieve optimal results. Professionals are trained in anatomy and movement mechanics to apply the right amount of pressure and support to safely enhance flexibility without injury.
Absolutely. Many professional athletes incorporate assisted stretching into their routine to maintain flexibility, prevent injuries, and enhance performance. Assisted stretching helps with muscle recovery, reduces tightness from repetitive movements, and improves functional movement patterns, making it ideal for high-performance training.
Check out our instagram feed to see some of the professional athletes passing through our doors on a regular basis.
For businesses or clubs, we're able to offer a discounted rate for multiple stretches completed back-to-back. We're well versed in most anatomical and muscular issues, so chances are we've seen it and treated it before. We also have sports' specific stretch routines which are perfect for rugby teams, CrossFitters, golf clubs and many more – the routines are tailored to each issue, but with the same great results.
To become a certified assisted stretch provider, you typically need:
- A background in fitness, sports therapy, or bodywork (e.g., personal training, physical therapy, massage therapy, yoga, pilates etc.).
- To complete a Certification course focused on assisted stretching techniques, anatomy, and hands-on application from an approved provider, ideally CIMSPA affiliated.
Assisted Stretch FAQs
Improved quality of sleep
By reducing muscle tension and promoting relaxation it helps to activate the parasympathetic nervous system.
Increased flexibility
Regular sessions can Increase flexibility by up to 35% – significant flexibility improvements.
Decreased stress
Promoting enhanced muscle relaxation and mental calmness, leading to the activation of the the relaxation response, reducing stress and anxiety levels.
Improves physical performance
Boost physical performance by improving range of motion and muscle efficiency.
Less injuries
Both pre-exercise and chronic stretching can reduce musculotendinous injury incidence.
The proven benefits
More research is coming out showing the holistic health and performance benefits of stretching. Historically this research has focussed on individual exercises as part of fitness training, pilates, yoga and physiotherapy recovery.
As assisted stretch becomes more popular across the globe and studied further, we’re seeing more specific research that is highlighting the additional benefits of assisted stretch in its own right.
The benefits show up time and time again are around 5 themes:
- Improved quality of sleep
- Decreased stress
- Increased flexibility
- Improved physical performance
- Less injuries
There are many other related benefits, including improved posture and cardiovascular health, the big five listed above have extensive studies carried out by research departments and Universitys from all over the world.
Click below to access our resources section where we have pulled together lots of this research for you to explore.
