blog

Welcome to the Stretch Life blog where you can read more about the power of one-on-one assisted stretching.

post run stretches for runners

Proper post-run stretching is crucial for maintaining flexibility, preventing injury, and aiding active recovery. While static stretching is good, PNF assisted stretches turn up the dial on your stretch routine as this method is far more effective. It targets both the muscles and the nervous system, helping you get beyond your natural range of motion and delivers instant and long-lasting results. Perfect for improving your running performance.

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assisted stretching for back pain

Living with back pain and/or sciatica? It can be fixed.

According to the Global Burden of Disease Study (GBD 2017), lower back pain is the leading cause of disability globally. Couple this with sciatica and you have a millions of cases of chronic pain worldwide.

Whether caused by poor posture, far too many hours sitting at a desk or on the sofa, muscle imbalances, or underlying conditions such as herniated discs, there’s no doubt that back pain and sciatica can significantly impact quality of life.

But, if you think you just have to learn to live with back pain, then think again. There is an effortless solution available to all.

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is assisted stretching worth it?

In the book Outlive, Dr. Peter Attia talks compellingly about the importance of optimising your health span – the period of your life spent in good health and independence. This extends way beyond increasing lifespan; it's about maximising your quality of life as you age. Maintaining flexibility and a full range of motion are crucial pillars of longevity and arguably the most important ones.

Take a moment to imagine your future self where you're not just living longer, but thriving longer. Picture yourself at 80, still travelling, dancing like no one is watching (or is that just me!), chasing after your grandchildren at the park, swimming in the warm sea or simply enjoying the freedom of movement that allows you to live independently, keep an active social life and and pursue your purpose. This vision of a long and vibrant health span is in reach for all of us - if you are prepared to be proactive with your health instead of reactive.

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more mobility, less tension

We were delighted to welcome Alasdair to the Stretch Life studio in Islington for his first assisted stretch. Here’s his candid review of his experience.

”I’ve never tried anything quite like Stretch Life before, and I have to say - wow! My session with Donell, the physio-led Stretch Life therapist, felt like it was designed just for me.

I’ve had some low-level stiffness down one side for a while now, not to mention poor rotation in my hips and neck - issues I’ve kind of accepted as a desk-bound worker. Donell didn’t just notice these things; he identified them with care and tackled them step-by-step.

By the end of the session, I could feel a real improvement - more mobility, less tension, and a surprising sense of ease throughout my body.”

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stretch therapy can rewire your nervous system

In today's fast-paced world, our bodies are constantly under stress and our nervous systems are always on heightened alert. From long hours at the desk to the relentless demands of modern life, it's easy to feel tension building up in our muscles and minds. But what if there was a way to unwind, relax, and rejuvenate without the need for strenuous exercise or complex yoga poses?

Introducing PNF Stretching: Your Path to Effortless Relaxation

Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation (PNF) stretching is a powerful technique that was designed  by a neurophysiologist in the 1950's to not only improve flexibility but also to calm your nervous system, increasing blood flow, reducing cortisol levels and inflammation. 

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