Get Stretched
Assisted Stretching in Glasgow
Assisted, Fascial Stretch Therapy
why stretch
Benefits
Get help with stretching, try assisted stretching today.
We all know we should be stretching but how many of us do?
Most of use hardly stretch at all, let alone regularly, but the benefits to stretching are huge.
If you’re running a marathon, conquering a Munro or walking the dog, stretching will help you do it better.
If you’re recovering from an injury, experience daily aches & pains, or want a physical or mental boost, stretching can help you feel more comfortable.
If your posture is bad, you’re wake up in pain or sitting at your desk all day is a challenge, stretching could make it life easier.
Assisted stretching can help reduce muscle and joint pain, improve posture and mobility, and reduce physical discomfort.
We often think stretching is just for athletes or sporty people, but we can all actually benefit from some regular stretching and increased mobility, now and in the years to come.
types of
Stretching
Static Stretching
Static stretching involves moving the muscle group into a stretched position and holding for a period of time, often between 30-60 seconds but sometimes as long as 2 or 3 minutes..
Dynamic Stretching
Dynamic stretching is basically moving the body or limb through a range of motion to warm up the muscles and prepare them for physical activity. This technique is the best type of stretching to do prior to sports and physical activities.
Active Isolated Stretching
Active Isolated Stretching or AIS is a less well known type of stretching. It involves contracting actively into the stretch and holding for only 2 seconds before releasing. This technique tries to sidestep the natural stretch response which kicks in around 3 seconds into a stretch and is the bodies protective mechanism – it’s what stops you doing the splits when you slip on ice.
PNF Stretching
PNF stretching is a form of assisted stretching that involves contracting and relaxing muscles in a specific pattern to improve flexibility and address muscle imbalances. Initially developed for rehab purposes, it’s now used in many fitness and sport settings and is a great technique for everyday stretching.
PNF is sometimes referred to as Muscle Energy Techniques (MET), although developed at a similar time there are distinct differences between PNF & MET.
PNF Variations
There are a few different versions of PNF stretching some more common than others but all can be helpful.
Hold-Relax PNF
Hold-Relax PNF is the most common PNF method. It involves passively stretching a muscle group, then contracting it isometrically against a resistance. After contraction, you take a deep breathe and when exhaling push the stretch a bit further.
Contract-Relax PNF
Contract-Relax PNF is almost identical to hold-relax PNF except instead of contracting the muscle group against a resistance that doesn’t move. We’re contracting the muscle againsts a moving resistance.
Hold-Relax-Agonist-Contract PNF
Hold-Relax-Agonist-Contract is like the hold-relax method but after passively stretching and contracting the target muscles, you contract the opposite muscles. This helps the muscles relax even further, allowing for a better stretch.
Hold-Relax-Rock PNF
Hold-Relax-Rock is a PNF stretch that involves some fascial rocking. It’s very similar to the hold-relax method but instead of holding a static stretch at the end we gently rock and sway creating a mobilisation of the fascial network.
Hold-Relax-Swing(blast) PNF
Hold-Relax-Swing is an advanced and aggressive PNF stretch that we only use with athletes or dancers as a good degree of muscle control is required. Basically, after the hold-relax technique, we swap out the static stretch for some dynamic or ‘ballistic’ type stretch movements.
During your stretch we may stick to just one or two types of the stretches listed above or we might combine many, it really depends on your goals, current flexibility and bodies response to different types of stretches.
what happens
The Process
The process
If this is your first appointment, you’ll be emailed a new client intake form to complete online once you’ve booked your appointment. If you’re an existing massage client you’ll get to skip this step.
When you come in for your appointment please bring or wear clothes that are comfortable and unrestrictive. Gym, yoga or sports clothes such as Leggings, Shorts, Joggers and Yoga top, sports top or T-shirt are perfect.
Please also bring a fresh pair of socks with you too 😊
We’ll have a quick chat about what you’re looking to get out of stretching and if you have any particular areas you would like to focus on or are struggling with at the moment.
If needed, I’ll give you a few minutes to change into your stretch clothes.
Then it’s time to Get Stretched.
On the table
Sessions start with a few minutes of the massage gun or some rocking and compressions to warm the muscles up.
We’ll then run through a quick, full body warm up stretch to get everything moving.
Then it’s time for the main event, a full body stretch and, if needed, a focus on your problem areas.
Unlike massage, assisted stretching is an active therapy. You’ll be moving around the table into different positions for different stretches, we also might do some seated stretches too.
Assisted stretching can sometimes feel challenging but it shouldn’t be painful. Pain triggers contraction which is the opposite of what we want.
I’ll talk you through all the stretches as we go through them, your feedback is important throughout.
If, at any time, the stretch feels too intense or you’re experiencing any pain or discomfort please let me know straight away.
get stretched
Prices
The One-Off Stretch
The perfect introduction to assisted stretching and great if you just want to book a stretch when you’re feeling tight or restricted.
60 minute session
£58 (pay as you go)
The Six Pack Stretch
A pack of assisted stretch sessions to use over 12 months. It’s great knowing you have a stretch already paid for whenever you need it.
6 x 60 minute sessions
£324 (6 session package)
Massage + Stretch
The best of both worlds. In this session you get a great massage with some simple stretches thrown in to help loosen everything off.
90 minute session
£87 (pay as you go)
what clients say
Testimonials
trevor chisman
Your Therapist
Hi, I’m Trevor
I’m an assisted stretch and massage therapist in Glasgow, Scotland.
I believe stretching regularly is one of the easiest and best ways to feel better in your body.
Regular stretching helps to improve our Proprioception (sense of position in space), Co-Ordination, Motor Control and of course, Range of Movement.
Training:
- Assisted Stretching: Andrea Molin, head stretchologist & trainer at StretchLab, London.
- Sustainable Yoga: 200hr teacher training with Brea Johnson, Heart and Bones Yoga.
faqs
Does it hurt?
Assisted stretching shouldn’t hurt but it may sometimes feel a little uncomfortable or challenging.
Pain triggers our bodies into defensive mode, this includes muscle contraction, the absolute opposite of what we want when we’re stretching.
That old saying “No Pain, No Gain” really doesn’t apply when it comes to assisted stretching or any form of stretching for that matter.
Saying that, assisted stretching might not always be comfortable.
It’s quite normal to experience moments that are breathe-taking or a little challenging during a session.
But with that said, our goal is for your stretch session to feel pleasant, enjoyable and relaxing at all times.
This is the 1 to 10 stretch scale I use:
- Can’t feel anything
- Maybe feel something
- definately feel something
- This feels easy
- That’s a really nice stretch
- Oh, that feels amazing
- Wow, that’s a little intense
- OMG, I think that’s too much
- I think my muscle is about to explode
- Holy shit, Nooooooooooo 😫
We are generally aiming for between 5 and 7 on this scale, if we’re hitting higher than that, let me know!
more faqs
Questions
let’s get stretched
Book now
Please note, I only accept stretch clients between the ages of 18 and 65.