What Is Assisted Stretching? How It Works and Who It's For

How assisted stretching works

You lie on a custom bench while your Flexologist positions your body and guides each stretch to a depth that feels challenging but comfortable. You stay relaxed. Your Flexologist handles the movement and checks in with you throughout.

At StretchLab, a session starts with a Personal Movement Assessment, a quick 3D scan that helps your Flexologist decide where to focus. Watch Master Flexologist Shares Why You Need StretchLab

Types and techniques

Two techniques are common in assisted stretching:

• Static assisted stretching. An outside force, such as a practitioner, lengthens your muscle while you stay relaxed. You hold the position at a stretch you can feel.
• PNF stretching. Proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation pairs a stretch with a muscle contraction. In a common version, you contract the muscle, then relax as it is stretched further.

StretchLab blends PNF methodology with its Flexologists' hands-on training. In a 2025 expert panel review, static and PNF stretching were the techniques advised for building flexibility over time. (2025 expert consensus statement)

Benefits of assisted stretching

The clearest research finding is that regular stretching improves range of motion. Assisted stretching adds what stretching alone often lacks:

• Guidance. A trained practitioner chooses and adjusts each stretch.
• Access. You can reach positions that are hard to get into alone.
• Relaxation. You do not have to hold yourself in position. StretchLab describes sessions as calming and restorative.
• A plan. Your sessions build on each other, based on your goals and assessment.

The same expert panel did not recommend stretching to speed muscle recovery or to prevent injuries in general. Think of assisted stretching as one part of a routine that also includes strength training, rest and good technique.

Who assisted stretching is for

StretchLab works with clients of all ages, body types and experience levels. You do not need prior stretching experience or special equipment. People often try it if they:

• Sit for long stretches and feel tight
• Run, lift or play sports and want help with range of motion
• Stay active and want to keep moving the way they like
• Are new to stretching and want guidance

If you have an injury, pain or a medical condition, check with your healthcare provider first and tell your Flexologist.

What a Flexologist does

Flexologist is StretchLab's title for its certified, one-on-one assisted stretching practitioners. A Flexologist:

• Guides you through your Personal Movement Assessment and reviews the results
• Positions and supports your body through each stretch
• Communicates throughout and adjusts to your comfort
• Builds a plan that progresses as you do

Flexologists come from backgrounds such as massage therapy, yoga instruction, personal training, chiropractic care and physical therapy assisting. Each completes StretchLab's Flexologist Training Program. A Flexologist is a stretching practitioner, not a medical provider, so talk with your healthcare provider about pain or injuries.

How long is an assisted stretching session?

StretchLab sessions run 25 or 50 minutes. Both are personalized full-body stretches, and the 50-minute session allows a deeper stretch. Your Flexologist can recommend a length and rhythm that fit your goals.

Built for the long run and everything in between

Find a studio, book a session and start your stretch.

Find a Studio

Guided by Experts. Designed for Life.

This article is for general education and is not medical advice. Talk with your healthcare provider before starting a new exercise or stretching program.

Recent Articles: Assisted Stretching Or Massage: Which Is Better?, Is Assisted Stretching Painful?