‘I felt wonderful the next day … I called and signed up for three months of sessions’
By Joe Sarnicola
I can no longer call myself a young man. But I exercise regularly and I am a certified yoga instructor.
When I signed up for an introductory session at StretchLab in Victor, I wondered if I might end up like the 1980s toy, Stretch Armstrong, only I might not snap back into my original position. I am not as flexible as I used to be.
But what was my experience at StretchLab really like?
After I told the receptionist I was there for my appointment with Jason, I was asked if I had skid-resistant socks, which are required for safety. I did, but if I didn’t, I could have borrowed or purchased a pair there. I was also wearing the recommend comfortable clothing. I wore what I typically wear to the YMCA. Then I sat and waited for my turn.
Waiting for an appointment can be boring or even uncomfortable if the chairs are hard, but that was not the case at StretchLab. The regular chairs were comfortable and massage chairs were available, too. The studio itself is well-lit and spacious with therapy tables arranged in rows to allow the flexologists to work.
The whats?
The treatment at StretchLab is called flexology (not to be confused with reflexology, which involves pressure points on the feet and hands), so the therapists are called flexologists. On a simpler level, the practice is also called one-on-one assisted stretching.
Jason and Jodi, another flexologist, were working with their clients while I was waiting. I noticed they were having friendly conversations with their clients, which helped to put them at ease, to establish a personal connection and, most importantly, to listen to them in order to give a customized treatment within their limits.
I had a similar experience with Jason. He would always ask me how I was feeling during treatment and he listened. It was never the case where he tried to impose a treatment on me. He proceeded based on the feedback I gave him and I am sure that is case with all of the flexologists there.
According to one of their brochures, “Increasing your range of motion and maintaining your flexibility is an integral part of your overall health and wellness. An assisted stretch helps you get a deeper, more concentrated stretch than you could on your own, allowing you to improve your mobility and flexibility.”
Although my session was considered introductory, the flexologists usually design a path to wellness, working with the clients over a given period of time.
StretchLab offers a variety of session packages to help their clients reach their goals. The sessions themselves are either 25 or 50 minutes in length. The standard 50-minute is a full body stretch that focuses on all major muscle groups and extremities, which helps to loosen tight muscles and ease stiff joints. The 25-minute is a maintenance session that works on just the major muscle groups. This is recommended for those who may not have the time for a full body stretch or just want some muscle relief.
Maria is the lead flexologist at the Victor studio, so she manages the staff, coordinates their regular continuing education and training and provides customer service to the clients. “Much of what we do here is forward flexion and strengthening and working muscles to correct imbalances. The first stretch is a discovery,” she said.
As part of developing a plan for each client, StretchLab offers a tool called MAPS, which stands for mobility, activation, posture and symmetry. This full body, 3D infrared scan evaluates how well the clients can move and calculates a score that helps the flexologists create the plan.
“Our therapists follow the plans for their clients,” Maria said. “We only hire people who are compassionate and knowledgeable. Yes, this is a commitment. It takes repetition. Every plan is personalized. The more often you come here, the better. It takes about three months to experience real results.”
The flexologists at StretchLab have a wide range of fitness backgrounds, including yoga, occupational therapy, sports medicine, personal training and martial arts. The practice itself is based on commitments to freedom, energy, growth, community and caring. The staff I met at Victor was welcoming, friendly and understanding.
Remember my Stretch Armstrong analogy? Jason assured me we would never go past my physical limits and we never did. Notice I said “we” and not “he?” I was not so much receiving therapy as I was participating in it with Jason.
You may be wondering the same thing I did: How was I going to feel the next day?
I worked at a job that was physically demanding, so I have had my share of strained muscles and overstressed joints plus a torn rotator cuff and a whiplash injury to my neck. But I felt wonderful the next day. I had more movement in my neck than I have had in a long time. I called and signed up for three months of sessions.
For me it is worth the drive from Auburn, where I live, to Victor, just off Thruway exit 45 to receive this wonderful treatment.
More information
There are two StrechLab locations in Rochester. One at 3349 Monroe Ave., Pittsford; the other at 237 High Street Extension in Victor (behind the Fleet Feet near East view Mall). The phone for both is 585-512-8100. For more information, visit www.stretchlab.com.