Stretching-only studios are bringing the chill back to a hyped-up, high-intensity fitness climate. Walk into any studio from California to Boston and a few minutes later you could be stretching out a week's worth of workouts. The studios promise to elongate muscles, rejuvenate the body, and fend off injuries with little more than a 30-minute sesh.
Where Things Get Murky
Some experts argue that you should be the only one stretching your body on a regular basis-you know your own ranges of motion best, they say.
And while stretch studios argue that many people aren’t stretching correctly or that you can get more out of a stretch by having someone help you, many experts argue that (a) you’re probably doing better than you think, and (b) if you notice pain you think is attributed to something you’re doing wrong, you should see a physical therapist (PT). Even fitness professionals themselves debate the topic of whether or not a personal trainer should be assisting clients with stretching (and whether or not it’s beneficial).
“For the average person working out on a regular basis, if you can learn how to move your body within a range of motion that doesn’t create pain, you’re probably doing the right thing,” says Karen Joubert, D.P.T., a physical therapist based in Southern California.
Also, to perform manual work, someone should not only have a certification but also a solid background in human anatomy. "You must have a license to massage, stretch, and provide PT services," says Scott Weiss, C.S.C.S., a New York-based physical therapist.
The good news is that many stretch studios do have licensed professionals doing the work. Crosby says Motion Stretch’s Boston coaches are certified in massage therapy or are athletic trainers. Stretch Lab notes its employees are “already certified in an array of related fields-physical therapy, chiropractic medicine, yoga, Pilates, and more” and Stretch*d says “we are seeking candidates with a background in personal training, yoga instruction, coaching, massage therapy, kinesiology, sports science or similar. Bonuses: Degrees in kinesiology, exercise science or physical therapy.”
But Weiss makes the point that this kind of education matters a lot. "A physical therapist has a doctorate degree and is extremely experienced on anatomy, physiology, and detecting dysfunction," says Weiss.
FWIW, stretch studios don't sell themselves as replacements for physical therapy. "We're not physical therapists-we don't treat injuries. We tell people to come back when you're feeling better and we'll keep you from getting injured again," says Stretch Lab cofounder Saul Janson. It's worth noting that some assisted studios, like Stretch Lab, are recruiting the help of physical therapists to develop their technique.
The Bottom Line?
No one thing (stretching, in this case) is the be-all and end-all to good, effective recovery. And as is? Stretching a highly-debated topic in the fitness industry with mixed research.
That's not to say recovery isn't important. It is. Big time. And stretching-namely dynamic stretching before a workout and a little bit of static stretching post-workout (if you like it)-can be a part of that recovery, says Joubert. So can working with a PT, a sports chiropractor, a certified massage therapist for a massage every now and then, and many other forms of self-care. Depending on your workout routine, your body, and how you feel, mobility work, dynamic exercises, or even light cardio to get your blood pumping can serve as recovery, too, notes Joubert.
If you're curious about a one-on-one session at a stretch studio, do your homework and ask questions (most importantly: what are your certifications or degrees?) before you let someone stretch you.
And, remember, if you're ever in pain, schedule a medical appointment rather than a stretch sesh. "Any true rehab from an injury or dysfunction should be treated and evaluated by a physical therapist," notes Weiss.
