A PT’s Opinion on Stretching Studios

Over the past couple of years, we’ve noticed a variety of stretching studios popping up in our area. The premise of these establishments is to provide individualized stretching sessions with someone who has some knowledge of human biomechanics—often called “flexologists”—to passively move you through full-body stretches. It’s not a massage, not physical therapy, and not a one-on-one yoga class; it is solely focused on passive stretching. Sometimes you're strapped to a table, while other times you’re asked to provide light resistance using “contract-relax” principles. These sessions typically cost around $100 and are meant to be done regularly—anywhere from monthly to as often as three times a week.

Here are my thoughts on the topic. As stated in the title, this is just my opinion, so please don’t take it as gospel truth.

I’m skeptical. It seems to me that these stretching studios are capitalizing on one small aspect of a person’s physical health journey in order to make some money. I don’t believe the general population—or even avid fitness enthusiasts—needs to pay someone to stretch them for an hour several times a week. I believe that time could be better spent on active recovery (e.g., Zone 2 cardio, a yoga class, a brisk walk, or even meditation), rather than lying passively on a table.

Now, if you’ve tried everything else, and this is the only time in your week when you find peace and quiet—and it helps your mental health—then great! Sign up for all the stretching sessions you want. But in general, I believe there are more effective and meaningful ways to invest your time and money.

Broadly speaking, I’m a strong advocate for taking an active role in your health and fitness. I’m naturally skeptical of any long-term benefit from a treatment or modality where you’re not actively involved. When you stretch on your own, you learn to feel your own mobility limits, notice side-to-side differences, and become more attuned to your body. Much of that benefit is lost when someone else is guiding the process—especially if they’re following a predetermined routine they’ve used on every other client.

That said, I do see value in having a professional guide you—especially if stretching is new to you. In the short term, guided active stretching (with some passive stretching included for learning technique) can be helpful.

Another point I’d like to raise is this: many people with chronic pain believe their discomfort stems from muscles that are “always tight.” While it might be true that they have tightness, in my experience, this sensation often comes from a heightened sensitivity in the nervous system, usually linked to a prior injury or trauma. If the root cause—whether physical or emotional—isn’t addressed, then no amount of stretching is likely to resolve the issue.

A major reason people feel tight is actually due to muscle weakness. When muscles are weak, the joints detect instability, which triggers the muscles to create stiffness to help provide a sense of security. Instead of endlessly stretching these “tight” muscles, try strengthening them instead. You may be surprised by how much that reduces the feeling of tightness—while also supporting your joints and lowering your risk of injury.

Shannon Hall, PT, DPT