How it works
How does assisted stretching work?
If you have ever tried to stretch an area but could not find a position that felt right, one to one assisted stretching offers a different approach. Your practitioner supports and guides your body through each stretch while you give feedback. It is collaborative, but you do not have to do all the work yourself.
Assisted stretching vs stretching alone
With self-stretching, you choose the exercise, position your own body and control the hold. That can be effective and is absolutely worth doing. In an assisted session, the practitioner helps with positioning, stability and adjustments, which is particularly useful when you are unsure where to start or want dedicated guidance.
Neither approach is automatically better for every person or every goal, which is why we also give you simple home stretches to use alongside your appointments.
How we personalise your session
No two sessions are identical. Your clinician uses what you tell us about your goals and week, what they see in your movement screen, and how each stretch feels to you on the day. From that they choose which areas to focus on, which positions suit your body, how long to hold and how strong the stretch should be.
If you have a stiff back, a knee that does not like deep bending or a recent niggle, positions are adapted around it, or we may suggest a different appointment altogether.
Your session, step by step
01
Book your first 50 minute visit
Everyone begins with the £70 first appointment, which includes time to talk through your goals and a movement screen. Online booking opens at launch; until then, call 0121 751 2440.
02
Tell us what you would like to work on
You might mention tight hamstrings, limited shoulder movement, discomfort in certain training positions or simply wanting to stretch more regularly. Your clinician will also ask a few health questions before you begin.
03
Settle onto the treatment table
Wear comfortable clothing you can move in. We guide you into supported positions, sometimes moving an arm or leg for you while you stay as relaxed as possible.
04
Tell us your number
We use a simple 0 to 10 scale so you can describe how strong each stretch feels. Ask us to change the angle, ease off or stop at any time. Stretching should never be forced through sharp pain.
05
Leave with practical next steps
We give you simple stretches to practise between sessions. After your first appointment you can book full 50 minute follow-ups at £70, or shorter 25 minute focused sessions at £40.
Stretching explained
The terms you may come across.
Stretching has its own vocabulary. Here is what the common terms mean in plain English.
Assisted stretching
A practitioner moves and supports your body into each stretch while you relax and give feedback. This is what we do.
Passive stretching
You stay relaxed while something else creates the stretch, such as a practitioner, a strap or gravity. Most of an assisted session is passive.
Active stretching
You use your own muscles to move into and hold a position, for example lifting your leg without help. Useful for control as well as range.
Static stretching
A position held still for a period, often 20 to 60 seconds. Simple, well researched and a staple of home routines.
Guided stretching
Any stretching where someone coaches or positions you, rather than you working it out alone, whether in a class or one to one.
PNF stretching
Short for proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation: a stretch combined with a gentle muscle contraction against resistance, then a relax. Research shows it can improve range of motion. Whether it suits you is a clinical judgement.
What should I wear?
Loose, comfortable gym clothing you can move in: leggings, yoga pants, joggers or shorts with a T-shirt, and a sports bra if you like. You should be able to move your hips, knees and shoulders freely.
What techniques are used?
Depending on what suits you, a session may include supported static stretches, gentle guided movement and adjustments made by your clinician as you go.
Is it massage or physiotherapy?
No. Massage works directly on soft tissues, while assisted stretching moves you into supported stretch positions. It is also different from an assessment for a health condition. If you have an injury or significant pain, tell us so we can guide you to the right appointment.