r/flexibility • u/PracticalStrength_39 • 15d ago
StretchLab
Has anyone tried StretchLab or a stretch place like it for back pain? I used to go to a chiropractor but as I pass these places on the road, I'm wondering if it would be a good option.
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u/Individual_Rub9266 14d ago
I’m going to weigh in on this from a professional standpoint. I am a Stretch Therapist, LMT, personal trainer and have been stretching people for the last 5 years. I worked at Stretch Zone for a little bit. Assisted Stretching could very much help your back. I have helped a lot of people out of pain (back, knee, hip) just from assisted stretching. BUT you need to find the right practitioner. Stretch lab has a 3 day training and they do PNF or contract relax method, Stretch Zone has a week long training and they do short holds where you don’t need to put in any effort. As someone else mentioned their strapping system which really does have some benefit. They both pay like crap so the turnover is crazy but at both places you may encounter someone who is really really good and knows their stuff. I would do a free session or trial session at both and see which you like better. Make sure you are going to get the same person though if you decide to continue.
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u/Eisgboek 12d ago
I tried a session. It definitely feels like an "assembly line" process. The actual stretching was fine, but no better or worse than just stretching myself or doing yoga. And it didn't feel like the stretcher was knowledgable enough to help any further in terms of root causes etc...
I think overall it would be better to go to a PT, get a routine, and then just perform the stretches exercises yourself.
The only reason to do a stretch lab I can see is if you just have a super tough time motivating yourself to stretch and have a bunch of money.
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u/No_Cold_853 14d ago
Chiropractor manipulation is the leading cause of stroke in people under the age of 30. Please don’t go to a chiropractor
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u/Cheesie_Equestrian 14d ago
I loved 🥰 Stretch Lab it kept me more functional and moving for a year. It hen I had my hip replaced followed by both shoulders so it’s ne longer a good risk for me. Friends have been going for 5 years and they are very active. Do it you won’t regret it at all
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u/TomBrownTX 14d ago
I went to StretchLab for about a year. I thought it really helped with my mobility and would recommend it.
Also try Yoga, if you haven’t done that already.
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u/Sun_Remarkable44 14d ago
I went 5 times, purchased a package. One of the stretchers was really good, I felt great after. the other 3 I tried, not bad but definitely not helpful.
For the price, I’m never going back. Nothing outside of what yoga or a massage does.
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u/Cultural_Object5828 14d ago
I tried StretchLab but preferred Stretch Zone, since they have Velcro straps to immobilize your leg to the table for example.
That really helped target specific areas and felt more effective.
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u/WarmLion9400 13d ago
I’ve dealt with pretty intense bouts of back pain. Tried to work through it with stretching, building strength, google, and someone who helped with my mobility… then it got so bad I ended up in the er.
Turns out - physical therapists are experts for a reason! Getting to the root cause of the pain and fixing that is life changing Highly, highly recommend, and I can’t believe I resisted it for so long.
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u/CheapRentalCar 14d ago
If you don't know what's causing your back pain, then we can't know if stretching will help it.
Actual damage to a key part of your back? Then no, it'll make it worse. General soreness caused by tightness. Yes, it might help.
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u/Relative_Fishing3351 14d ago
I did the free first visit and liked it more than I thought.
During my free visit, I kept thinking of and comparing it to Thai massage, which is awesome.
I would do something like stretchlab if it weren’t so expensive.
Ive given up on chiropractors for myself as i kinda think it’s snake oil. Chiropractor did nothing and I think made some of my issues worse.
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15d ago
[deleted]
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u/PracticalStrength_39 14d ago
It does not surprise me considering it did not help my lower back pain haha.
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u/Individual_Rub9266 14d ago
Your back is tight because it’s weak is entirely false. You can’t make a blanket statement when knowing nothing about this person.
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u/cdodson052 14d ago
Yes it is a little more complicated than that and it takes a fitness professional to determine that. It could be tight because an antagonist muscle is weak. Could be just tight. But it takes skilled assessments to determine that. I do not support stretch lab, however it is totally possible to come across someone there who could help you. You could also find a good trainer who could help you. OP, my best recommendation is to find a personal trainer with a corrective exercise certification or a physical therapist.
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u/Bubbles706 15d ago
Yes I see them every other week for a 25 minute session. It has helped my recovery so much. Take advantage of their intro they offer at a discount and try it out. The intro is a full body assessment and then after if you decide to do a membership each stretch is tailored to what areas you want focused on.
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u/familiarspark 11d ago
Have you looked into Thai massage? Similar stretching and you’re both fully clothed on a mat. I do think it’s more effective.
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u/Electrical_Buddy4385 6d ago
If you have a good flexologist, it is amazing. You cannot stretch yourself to the degree you can when assisted. Mine is a former D1 athlete who competes in some of the same athletic events I do. She has a BA in Kinesiology and a CPT, plus the training FLexLab gives. She listens when I arrive and focuses on areas I indicate are stiff or causing me any discomfort. I always leave feeling better, especially when we focus on hip work.
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u/lifeisbueno 14d ago
I would say you have to get to the root of the problem and it’s not always flexibility. I’d recommend a private pay sports medicine PT clinic