Why Assisted Stretching?
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Why is Stretching Important?
Stretching is essential for everyone—not just athletes:
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Improves flexibility, reduces pain, enhances performance, prevents injury, boosts circulation, and supports mental wellness.
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What are some benefits of Stretching?
Stretching Helps Combat Sarcopenia by Supporting Muscle Activation
As we age, we naturally lose muscle mass and strength—a condition called sarcopenia. But studies show that regular stretching can actually help maintain neuromuscular function, improve muscle activation, and even support strength training efforts. Stretching keeps the muscle fibers ‘awake’ and responsive.
Flexibility Loss Starts as Early as Your 30s—But It’s Reversible
Most people don’t realize this, but we start losing flexibility and joint range of motion in our 30s and 40s—not just in our 70s. Without regular mobility work, the fascia tightens and joints stiffen. But the good news? Stretching, especially paired with techniques like shiatsu, can reverse this trend and restore functional movement—even in people over 60.
Dynamic and Assisted Stretching Improve Balance and Reduce Fall Risk
One of the biggest dangers with aging is losing balance—which leads to falls. Stretching that targets the hips, ankles, and spine improves proprioception, posture, and balance—reducing that fall risk dramatically. It’s not just about bending further—it’s about living longer, stronger, and safer.
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Stoke and Parkinson's Benefits
Stretching Helps Reduce Spasticity in Stroke Survivors
After a stroke, many people develop spasticity—a condition where muscles involuntarily tighten or contract. Stretching helps reduce this muscle stiffness, improves joint mobility, and makes everyday movement easier. When combined with techniques like shiatsu, it can also soothe the nervous system and reduce pain.
Stretching also helps improve the mind-body connection. In stroke recovery, this is key. It prepares the muscles for retraining and improves sensory feedback, which helps people regain better control over their limbs.
Stretching Improves Flexibility and Balance in People with Parkinson’s
Parkinson’s disease often limits flexibility and balance, increasing the risk of falls. Research shows that stretching—especially when targeted to the spine, hips, and shoulders—improves postural control and helps people move with more ease and confidence.
Beyond the physical, shiatsu and stretching together create a calming effect that reduces anxiety—something many people with stroke or Parkinson’s struggle with. It’s a holistic support system, not just a body tune-up.
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Why is Stretching better than Foam Rolling?
Foam rolling and self-stretching are helpful, but they have serious limitations—because you're only working within your own comfort zone and range. You can't fully relax when you're the one doing the work, and you often miss key angles or tension points.
With assisted stretching, your body is completely relaxed your limbs are guided through precise, deeper ranges of motion that you'd never reach alone. It’s like the difference between brushing your hair and getting a professional scalp massage—they’re not the same.