Stretch therapy and assisted stretching are sweeping the nation, becoming almost as common as a massage. It can be challenging to search the web and try to distinguish the quality of service you are signing up for. Some flex0logists or stretch0logists are trained in a day or so through online videos, with little background in body anatomy, little education on soft tissue, or little to no education on the functional movement of the body.
Highly trained assisted stretch professionals have a state license. A licensed health provider holds a state license to legally touch people, such as a massage therapist, physical therapist, chiropractor, etc. Therapists with a license to touch people are held to a higher standard of education and are expected to attend continuing education courses frequently to maintain their license status. They also have a formal college-level education on the tissues of the body, how the body moves, and injury prevention. Many have spent years studying and working in the industry.
Three Original Assisted Stretch Methods
Thai Massage, also known as Thai Yoga Massage or Nuad Bo-Rarn, was developed more than 2,500 years ago in India by Jivaka Kumar Bhaccha (Shivago Kompara). Thai Massage ties in with yogic philosophy and movement. The emphasis of Thai Massage is on the opening of 13 sen lines, which are considered the energy lines of the body. It is a whole-body-focused, relaxing blend of static and dynamic stretching while the client remains passive. A typical session is an hour and a half to two or three hours. Training for a Thai practitioner can be certified in a 16-35 hour course with a massage license, or specialized Traditional Thai Massage therapists with advanced training may have 90-250+ hours of training. The expected cost for these services is $60 for a beginner, up to $100-$200 for someone more experienced.
Active Isolated Stretching was created by Aaron Mattes. His method has been a standard in sports medicine for over 50 years. Stretching USA is a dynamic type of stretching involving a combined approach using reciprocal inhibition and strengthening/re-education of the muscles. Mattes has three books: "Active Isolated Stretching," "Specific Stretching for Everyone," and "Strength Book: Active Isolated Strengthening." His program is effective for range of motion improvement and strengthening the areas that are weak to help retain the benefits of the stretch therapy. This is a very active approach and requires participation from the client. Movements learned in a session can be applied outside of the treatment, and clients can have the tools they need to continue to do the work on their own. Beginner level training is about 24 hours of training, and advanced training is an additional 24 hours. You must be a licensed bodyworker or have a degree or certification in the exercise industry to study this method. You can anticipate spending $80-$200 for a session with a specialist in AIS.
Fascia Stretch Therapy or FST was created by the Stretch To Win Institute back in the 90s. The pioneers of the method, Ann and Chris Fredrick, have done a fantastic job of bringing together the science of PNF stretching and the newer science of fascial nets. This method targets seven known fascial nets of the body. FST approaches the body from a whole-body perspective. It's truly fascinating and effective work that leaves the body feeling light and free of restriction. Clients find it to be quite relaxing as the PNF technique is applied in a light manner while working to keep the client in a parasympathetic (resting) state on the custom cutout massage table with the two stabilization straps. This approach is relaxing, effective, and clients can receive a great improvement in mobility and restriction without forcing the body into a greater range of motion.
Ann and Chris Frederick have published two books, "Stretch to Win" and "Fascial Stretch Therapy." Their training program consists of 4 levels. Each level is 35 hours of in-person, hands-on training and requires proof of 100 practical hours to advance higher than level 1. You have to be approved to begin the program by demonstrating you are an existing bodyworker or fitness professional. Their standards are high to maintain consistency in service worldwide. FST is used by many competitive sports professionals worldwide. Expect to pay anywhere from $120-$250 per session.
With so many methods popping up worldwide, keep in mind that many of them are an offshoot of one of these original three methods. If you want to get the best quality service for your money, ask the important questions.
What is your background?
How long did you train to do this?
Do you have a license in the bodywork industry?
At a bare minimum, I would make sure your stretch professional is certified with one of the more reputable exercise certifications like NSCA, ACSM, NASM, or has a degree in the exercise industry. This helps to ensure they at least know what muscles they are stretching.
Many stretch franchises typically train with online modules initially, then briefly in-house, hands-on. They often do not disclose the duration of their training, the background of their practitioners, or the experience and qualifications of their workers. You can literally have no degree and no formal anatomy training and still get hired by a franchise. Buyer beware!
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