Picture this: you’re enjoying your morning jog through Richmond Park, feeling strong and free. Suddenly, a twinge in your hamstring pulls you up short. Or perhaps you’ve spent a bit too long hunched over your laptop, and your neck feels like it’s fused with your shoulders. Sound familiar? We’ve all been there. Injuries, whether from an intense workout or simply the grind of daily life, can derail our plans and leave us feeling frustrated. But what if there was a way to significantly reduce your risk of these unwelcome interruptions?
Enter assisted stretching – a game-changer in the world of injury prevention, gaining serious traction right here in the UK. Forget the old-school idea of painful static holds; this is a sophisticated, guided approach to improving your body’s resilience. I’m here to unpack everything you need to know about assisted stretching, from how it works its magic on your muscles and tendons to how it can keep you moving freely, no matter your age or activity level.
Table of Contents
ToggleWhat Exactly is Assisted Stretching, and How Does it Differ from Self-Stretching?
Let’s clear this up right from the start. You’re probably familiar with self-stretching – the kind you do on your own, whether it’s touching your toes or reaching for the sky. It’s great, and definitely has its place! But assisted stretching takes things to a whole new level.
Think of it like this: when you stretch on your own, you’re limited by your body’s natural “stretch reflex” – a protective mechanism that tells your muscles to contract when they feel they’re being stretched too far (Sharman et al., 2006). It’s a survival instinct, but it can also prevent you from reaching your full flexibility potential.
With assisted stretching, a trained stretch specialist or professional applies gentle, controlled external force to move your limbs into deeper, more effective stretches. This external support combined with techniques like Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation (PNF) allows your muscles to relax more fully, often bypassing that pesky stretch reflex, and exploring a greater range of motion (ROM) than you could achieve independently (Hindle et al., 2012). It’s not about pain; it’s about precision and pushing your boundaries safely and effectively.
Table 1: Assisted Stretching vs. Self-Stretching for Injury Prevention
Feature | Self-Stretching | Assisted Stretching |
Control | You control the stretch based on your own perception | Specialist guides and controls the stretch |
Depth | Limited by stretch reflex and individual strength | Can achieve deeper, more effective stretches |
Targeting | Often generalized; harder to isolate specific muscles | Targeted and precise, addressing specific muscle imbalances |
Feedback | Internal, relies on your body’s sensations | External, specialist provides real-time feedback and cues |
Injury Risk | Can be higher if improper technique is used | Lower risk of injury due to professional guidance |
Suitability | Good for general maintenance and warm-up routine | Ideal for specific mobility goals, injury prevention, and rehabilitation |
How Does Assisted Stretching Improve Muscle-Tendon Compliance for Injury Prevention?
Now, let’s get a little bit scientific, but don’t worry, I’ll keep it simple! Our muscles and tendons work together as a unit. When we move, these musculotendinous units need to be compliant – meaning they can lengthen and adapt without excessive resistance (Kay & Blazevich, 2009). Imagine a stiff elastic band versus a super stretchy one. The stretchy one is less likely to snap, right? That’s what we’re aiming for with our muscles and tendons.
Assisted stretching, particularly techniques like Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation (PNF) stretching, can significantly enhance this muscle-tendon compliance (Witvrouw et al., 2007). PNF involves a sequence of contracting and relaxing the muscle being stretched, often with the assistance of a specialist. This technique capitalises on a neurological phenomenon called autogenic inhibition, where activation of the Golgi tendon organs (sensory receptors in the musculotendinous junction) causes the muscle to relax, allowing a deeper stretch (Sharman et al., 2006). This effectively “tricks” your nervous system into allowing a deeper stretch than it might normally permit on its own.
By regularly improving muscle-tendon compliance, assisted stretching helps:
- Increase Range of Motion (ROM): Greater ROM means your joints and muscles can move through their full, natural arcs without encountering restrictive tightness. This is crucial for activities ranging from lifting groceries to performing complex athletic manoeuvres.
- Reduce Passive Stiffness: Think of passive stiffness as the resistance your muscles and tendons offer when they’re stretched by an outside force. Assisted stretching can decrease this stiffness, making movement feel smoother and less effortful (Freitas et al., 2015). It primarily influences the viscoelastic properties of the connective tissues surrounding muscle fibres, making them more pliable.
- Enhance Energy Absorption: Compliant muscle-tendon units are better at absorbing and dissipating forces, which is vital in preventing injuries during sudden movements, jumps, or impacts (Witvrouw et al., 2007). A more “elastic” system can handle stress more effectively, much like a good shock absorber in a car.
How Does Assisted Stretching Help Prevent Injuries?
So, how does all this improved flexibility and compliance translate into fewer injuries? It’s a pretty elegant process.
- Addressing Muscle Imbalances: Our daily lives often lead to certain muscles becoming tight and others weak. Sitting at a desk all day, for instance, can tighten hip flexors and weaken glutes. These imbalances create uneven tension on joints and can predispose you to injury (Sahrmann, 2002). Assisted stretching helps identify and address these imbalances, restoring equilibrium to your body.
- Improving Movement Efficiency: When your muscles are flexible and your joints have optimal ROM, your body moves more efficiently. This means less compensatory movement, reduced strain on overloaded areas, and overall smoother mechanics, which drastically lowers your risk of overuse injury. Imagine a tight hamstring forcing your lower back to compensate during a run – fixing the hamstring reduces stress on the back.
- Enhanced Neuromuscular Feedback: Your nervous system plays a huge role in how your muscles function. Assisted stretching can improve the communication between your brain and your muscles, enhancing proprioception (your body’s sense of its position in space) and neuromuscular control (Shrier & Gossal, 2000). Better communication means better reactions and coordination, helping you avoid awkward movements that can lead to injury.
- Increased Stretch Tolerance: This isn’t about literally making your muscles longer overnight, but rather increasing your body’s ability to tolerate a stretch without pain or resistance (Freitas et al., 2015). Over time, your nervous system becomes more comfortable with deeper stretches, allowing for greater freedom of movement.

What Types of Injuries Can Assisted Stretching Help Prevent?
Assisted stretching isn’t a magic bullet for every conceivable injury, but it’s a powerful tool in preventing many common issues that plague active individuals and those with sedentary lifestyles alike.
- Musculotendinous Injuries: These are your classic strains (muscle tears) and tendinitis (inflammation of a tendon). By improving the compliance of these tissues and ensuring they can handle the demands placed upon them, you reduce the likelihood of them tearing or becoming inflamed (Witvrouw et al., 2007). For instance, a hamstring strain during sprinting often occurs when the muscle is eccentrically loaded beyond its current capacity; improved flexibility and compliance can increase this capacity.
- Overuse Injuries: Think runner’s knee, shin splints, or shoulder impingement. These often stem from repetitive movements with underlying muscle imbalances or poor movement patterns. Assisted stretching helps correct these imbalances, allowing your body to distribute forces more evenly and reducing localised stress.
- Ligament Sprains (indirectly): While stretching primarily targets muscles and tendons, improved flexibility and stability around a joint can indirectly reduce the strain on ligaments during sudden movements or impacts by ensuring optimal joint alignment and muscle support.
- Posture-Related Pain: Many of us suffer from neck, shoulder, and lower back pain due to poor posture, especially common in office workers. Assisted stretching can address the tight muscles (like pectorals and hip flexors) and strengthen the weaker ones that contribute to slouching, helping to improve posture and reduce associated overuse injuries in daily activities.
Table 2: Common Injuries and How Assisted Stretching Can Help
Injury Type | Common Causes | How Assisted Stretching Helps |
Muscle Strains | Tightness, sudden movements, inadequate warm-up | Improves muscle-tendon compliance, increases ROM, enhances elasticity |
Tendinitis | Overuse, repetitive strain, muscle imbalances | Reduces muscle tension, improves movement efficiency, addresses imbalances |
Runner’s Knee | IT band tightness, weak glutes, poor biomechanics | Addresses hip/quad/IT band flexibility, promotes balanced muscle function |
Lower Back Pain | Tight hamstrings/hip flexors, weak core, poor posture | Lengthens tight muscles, improves spinal mobility, encourages better alignment |
Shoulder Impingement | Tight chest muscles, poor scapular stability | Releases chest tightness, improves shoulder girdle mobility |
Is Assisted Stretching Safe for Everyone, Including Seniors and Those Recovering from Injury?
This is a really important question, and the answer is generally yes, with the right approach and professional guidance.
For seniors, assisted stretching can be incredibly beneficial. As we age, our natural flexibility tends to decrease, and joints can become stiffer (Shephard, 1990). Assisted stretching, for seniors, often utilising gentle passive stretching and even active-assisted techniques, which can help maintain and improve range of motion, reduce pain, enhance balance (a key factor in fall prevention), and generally improve overall quality of life and independence (Stretchmasters.co.uk, 2025).
Research shows that stretching – especially when assisted – can improve mobility, balance, and functional performance in older adults (Stanziano et al., 2009; Cristopoliski et al., 2009). Evidence also suggests a link between flexibility and longevity (The Times, Gregory, 2024), making stretching a valuable part of healthy ageing. A qualified stretch specialist will tailor the session to the individual’s specific needs, considering any pre-existing conditions like arthritis or mobility limitations. Always consult with your GP before starting any new exercise regimen, especially if you have underlying health conditions or recent surgeries.
For individuals recovering from injury, assisted stretching can play a crucial role in rehabilitation. It helps restore lost range of motion, reduce scar tissue formation (by promoting better collagen alignment during healing), and improve circulation to the injured area, speeding up the recovery process (Kjær, 2004; Page, 2012). However, it’s absolutely vital that these sessions are conducted under the supervision of a qualified professional who understands the nature of your injury and can work in conjunction with your physical therapy or rehabilitation program. It should never replace physical therapy but can be a powerful complementary tool.
Are there risks or side effects associated with assisted stretching? As with any physical activity, there’s always a minimal risk if not performed correctly. The primary risks come from overstretching or improper technique. This is precisely why seeking a qualified and experienced stretch specialist is paramount. They understand proper body mechanics, communication, and how to work within your comfortable range, ensuring a safe and effective experience (Human Kinetics, n.d.). You should never feel sharp pain during an assisted stretch; mild discomfort or tension is normal as you approach your end range of motion, but pain means stop.
How Often Should I Get Assisted Stretching Sessions for Optimal Injury Prevention?
Ah, the million-dollar question! There’s no one-size-fits-all answer here, as it really depends on your individual goals, current flexibility, activity level, and any specific areas of concern. However, consistency is key, much like brushing your teeth or hitting the gym.
For optimal injury prevention and noticeable improvements in flexibility and mobility, many experts suggest aiming for 1-3 sessions per week initially. This allows for consistent progress and helps your body adapt to the increased range of motion. Once you’ve achieved your initial goals and are feeling more mobile, 1-2 sessions per week can be sufficient for maintenance and continued overall wellness (Stretchmasters.co.uk, 2025).
Think of it as a journey, not a sprint. Regular, gentle sessions are far more effective than sporadic, intense ones. Just like watering a plant – a little bit often keeps it thriving, whereas sporadic deluges might overwhelm it!
Can Assisted Stretching Replace Physical Therapy or Other Rehabilitation Methods?
This is a firm and resounding no. Assisted stretching is an incredibly valuable tool for injury prevention, enhancing flexibility, and improving overall physical well-being. It can be a fantastic complement to rehabilitation programs, helping to restore range of motion and reduce stiffness after an injury.
However, Physiotherapy (PT) and other rehabilitation methods encompass a much broader scope. PT often involves specific exercises to strengthen weakened muscles, improve balance and coordination, address neurological deficits, and manage pain through various modalities. It’s a comprehensive approach to recovery from injury or surgery, guided by a chartered physiotherapist.
Assisted stretching can work in tandem with your PT, helping you regain flexibility that might be hindering your progress in strengthening exercises. For instance, if tight hamstrings are limiting your ability to perform certain squats in PT, assisted stretching could help lengthen them, allowing for better form and more effective strengthening. Always discuss any complementary therapies like assisted stretching with your physical therapist to ensure they align with your overall recovery plan.
Do I Need to Be Flexible Before Starting Assisted Stretching?
Absolutely not! This is a common misconception, and it’s like asking if you need to be strong before going to the gym. Assisted stretching is designed to improve your flexibility and range of motion, regardless of your starting point.
In fact, if you’re feeling particularly stiff or inflexible, you might be an ideal candidate for assisted stretching. A qualified stretch specialist will assess your current mobility and tailor the session to your individual needs and limitations. They’ll work within your comfortable range and gradually help you expand your flexibility over time. So, no need to touch your toes before you even begin – just bring your body and an open mind!

What Qualifications Should I Look for in a Stretch Specialist or Professional?
This is paramount to ensuring a safe and effective experience. The field of assisted stretching is growing, and with that comes the need for proper qualification and expertise. When looking for a stretch specialist in the UK, consider the following:
- Accredited Training and Certification: Look for certifications from reputable organisations that offer comprehensive training in assisted stretching techniques. While there isn’t one single overarching regulatory body for “stretch specialists” in the same way as there is for physiotherapists, many excellent courses focus on functional anatomy, biomechanics, and various stretching modalities like PNF stretching and active isolated stretching.
- Background in Movement Sciences: Many highly skilled stretch specialists will have backgrounds in related fields such as sports therapy, massage therapy, personal training, or even physiotherapy. This foundational knowledge ensures they understand the intricacies of the human body and movement efficiency.
- Experience: Ask about their experience and how long they’ve been practicing assisted stretching. Experience often brings a deeper understanding of diverse client needs and a keen eye for effective technique.
- Client Testimonials and Reviews: Check online reviews and testimonials to get a sense of other clients’ experiences.
- Communication Skills: A good stretch specialist will be an excellent communicator. They should listen to your concerns, explain what they’re doing, and provide clear instructions. They should also be receptive to your feedback during the session.
- Professional Affiliations: While not always mandatory, membership in professional bodies (where applicable) can indicate a commitment to professional standards and ongoing development.
For those curious about professional stretching techniques and services in the UK, you might want to check out the StretchMasters® website. They offer professional stretch therapy tailored to individual needs across various locations in the UK.
How Long Does It Take to See Results from Assisted Stretching for Injury Prevention?
This is another “how long is a piece of string?” question, but I can give you a good idea. While you might feel an immediate sense of relief and increased range of motion after just one session, sustained and noticeable results for injury prevention typically take consistent effort over time.
Think of it like building a house – you don’t build it in a day. You might feel looser and more mobile after your first session, which is great! However, for lasting changes in muscle-tendon compliance, reduced stiffness, and improved movement patterns that truly contribute to injury prevention, a period of several weeks to a few months of regular sessions is often recommended.
Many clients report significant improvements in flexibility and a noticeable reduction in aches and pains within 4-6 weeks of consistent assisted stretching. For more chronic issues or significant flexibility gains, it could take longer. The key is to be patient, consistent, and communicate openly with your stretch specialist about your progress and goals.
What are the Key Differences Between Assisted Stretching and Self-Stretching for Injury Prevention?
We touched on this earlier, but let’s really drill down on the key differentiators when it comes to keeping those injuries at bay.
Assisted Stretching Advantages for Injury Prevention:
- Deeper, Safer Stretches: A specialist can safely guide your body beyond what you might achieve on your own, accessing deeper fascial and muscle tissue that contributes to chronic tightness (Schleip et al., 2012). This reduces the risk of you pushing too far and inadvertently causing an injury.
- Targeted Muscle Work: Self-stretching can often be generic. A professional can identify specific muscle imbalances or areas of restriction that you might not even be aware of and target them precisely. For instance, they can use PNF stretching for injury prevention by specifically focusing on a tight hip flexor that’s contributing to lower back pain.
- Neuromuscular Re-education: The specialist provides proprioceptive feedback, helping to re-educate your nervous system about your new, extended range of motion. This can improve movement quality and reduce the likelihood of your body reverting to old, less efficient patterns.
- Accountability and Consistency: Having scheduled appointments provides the motivation and accountability to stick to a regular stretching routine, which is crucial for long-term injury prevention benefits.
Self-Stretching Advantages (Complementary, Not Replacement):
- Accessibility and Cost-Effectiveness: You can do it anywhere, anytime, for free!
- Daily Maintenance: Ideal for quick warm-ups (dynamic stretching) or cool-downs (static stretching) to maintain flexibility between assisted sessions.
- Body Awareness: Practicing self-stretching helps you become more attuned to your body’s sensations and areas of tightness.
Ultimately, they’re not mutually exclusive. Combining regular self-stretching with periodic assisted stretching sessions offers a powerful one-two punch for optimal flexibility, mobility, and robust injury prevention.
Can Assisted Stretching Improve Posture to Reduce Overuse Injuries in Daily Activities?
Absolutely! This is one of the unsung heroes of assisted stretching. Many common overuse injuries, especially those affecting office workers, stem directly from poor posture. Think about it: hours spent hunched over a keyboard, craning your neck at a screen, or slumping on the sofa. This leads to a predictable pattern of tight muscles and weak muscles, for example:
- Tight Muscles: Pectorals (chest), hip flexors, anterior deltoids (front of shoulders), and often the neck extensors.
- Weak Muscles: Rhomboids and lower trapezius (upper back), glutes, and deep neck flexors.
This imbalance pulls your body out of alignment, creating undue stress on joints, ligaments, and even nerves (Kendall et al., 2005). For example, tight hip flexors can tilt your pelvis forward, leading to an exaggerated arch in your lower back and chronic lower back pain. Tight chest muscles can round your shoulders forward, contributing to neck pain and even headaches.
Assisted stretching can directly address these issues by:
- Lengthening Tight Muscles: A stretch specialist can effectively stretch those chronically tight muscles like your pecs and hip flexors, allowing your body to naturally find a more upright and neutral posture.
- Releasing Muscle Tension: Beyond just length, assisted stretching helps release the ingrained tension that contributes to poor posture, promoting muscle relaxation and muscle recovery.
- Improving Joint Health and Mobility: By restoring proper range of motion to areas like the thoracic spine (upper back) and hips, it allows for more natural and efficient movement, reducing strain on postural muscles and supporting overall joint health.
By rebalancing your body and improving your alignment, assisted stretching can significantly reduce the risk of overuse injuries that stem from everyday postural habits. You’ll not only feel better but look better too, standing taller and moving with greater ease.
Final Thoughts: Stretch Your Way to a More Resilient You
So, there you have it. From understanding how assisted stretching works its magic on your muscle-tendon compliance to its remarkable ability to prevent common injuries, it’s clear that this isn’t just a trendy fad. It’s a scientifically supported approach to building a more resilient, mobile, and pain-free body. Whether you’re a dedicated athlete aiming for peak athletic performance, a runner hitting the pavements of London, a lifter wanting to improve your lifts, a senior looking to maintain your independence, or someone simply tired of the aches and pains from daily life as an office worker, assisted stretching offers profound benefits.
Imagine moving through your day with less stiffness, recovering faster from your workouts, and having the confidence that your body is primed to handle whatever life throws at it. That’s the power of proactive injury prevention through intelligent, guided stretching.
Don’t let muscle tightness or limited mobility hold you back any longer. Why not explore how professional stretch therapy can transform your body and your life? Take the first step towards a more flexible, injury-resilient you.
Curious about how assisted stretching may support mobility, posture, and everyday movement comfort? Visit StretchMasters® to explore how it can complement your wellness routine in a safe and professional setting.
References
- Cristopoliski, F., Barela, J. A., Leite, N., Fowler, N. E., & Rodacki, A. L. F. (2009). Stretching exercise program improves gait in the elderly. Gerontology, 55(6), 614–620. https://doi.org/10.1159/000235863
- Freitas SR, Vilarinho D, Rocha Vaz J, Bruno PM, Costa PB, Mil-homens P. Responses to static stretching are dependent on stretch intensity and duration. Clin Physiol Funct Imaging. 2015 Nov;35(6):478-84. doi: 10.1111/cpf.12186. Epub 2014 Aug 27. PMID: 25164268. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25164268/
- Gregory, A. (2024, April 3). Best stretches for flexibility — and how they could help you live longer. The Times. https://www.thetimes.com/life-style/health-fitness/article/best-stretches-for-flexibility-live-longer-sq6tmpc32
- Hindle, K. B., Whitcomb, T. J., Briggs, W. O., & Hong, J. (2012). Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation (PNF): Its mechanisms and effects on range of motion and muscular function. Journal of Human Kinetics, 31, 105–113.https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3588663/
- Human Kinetics. (n.d.). Safety considerations for facilitated stretching. Retrieved from https://us.humankinetics.com/blogs/excerpt/safety-considerations-for-facilitated-stretching
- Kay, A. D., & Blazevich, A. J. (2009). Effect of acute static stretch on passive muscle properties of the human plantar flexors. Journal of Applied Physiology, 106(4), 1317-1322. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21659901/
- Kendall, F. P., McCreary, E. K., Provance, P. G., Rodgers, M. M., & Romani, W. A. (2005). Muscles: Testing and Function with Posture and Pain (5th ed.). Lippincott Williams & Wilkins.
- Kjær, Michael. 2004. “Role of Extracellular Matrix in Adaptation of Tendon and Skeletal Muscle to Mechanical Loading.” Physiological Reviews 84, no. 2: 649–698. https://doi.org/10.1152/physrev.00031.2003.
- Page, P. (2012). Current concepts in muscle stretching for exercise and rehabilitation. International Journal of Sports Physical Therapy, 7(1), 109–119. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3273886/
- Sahrmann, S. A. (2002). Diagnosis and treatment of movement impairment syndromes. Mosby.
- Schleip, R., Findley, T. W., Chaitow, L., & Huijing, P. A. (Eds.). (2012). Fascia: The Tensional Network of the Human Body: A Comprehensive Guide to the Anatomy, Physiology and Therapeutic Application of the Human Fascial System. Churchill Livingstone Elsevier.
- Sharman, M. J., Cresswell, A. G., & Riek, R. F. (2006). Proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation stretching: Mechanisms and clinical implications. Sports Medicine, 36(11), 929-939. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17052131/
- Shephard, R. J. (1990). Physiology and biochemistry of exercise. Praeger.
- Shrier, I., & Gossal, K. (2000). Myths and truths of stretching: Individualized recommendations for healthy muscles. The Physician and Sportsmedicine, 28(8), 57-63. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/20086656/
- Stanziano, D. C., Roos, B. A., Perry, A. C., Lai, S., & Signorile, J. F. (2009). The effects of an active-assisted stretching program on functional performance in elderly persons: A pilot study. Clinical Interventions in Aging, 4, 115–120. https://doi.org/10.2147/cia.s4152
- co.uk. (2025). Assisted Stretching for Seniors – Complete Guide. Retrieved from https://stretchmasters.co.uk/assisted-stretching-for-seniors/
- StretchMasters®. (n.d.). How Does Assisted Stretching Differ from Regular Stretching? https://stretchmasters.co.uk/why-athletes-should-try-assisted-stretching/
- co.uk. (2025). Why Stretching is Important for Athletes: Maximise Performance and Minimise Injuries. Retrieved from https://stretchmasters.co.uk/stretching-for-athletes/
- co.uk. (2025). The Ultimate Guide to PNF Stretching: Techniques and Benefits. Retrieved from https://stretchmasters.co.uk/what-is-pnf-stretching/
- Witvrouw, E., Mahieu, N., Danneels, L., & McNair, P. (2007). Stretching and injury prevention: An update of the current evidence. British Journal of Sports Medicine, 41(1), 1-5. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/15233597/
Disclaimer:
The content on this blog is provided for general information and wellness purposes only. It should not be considered medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. StretchMasters® services, including assisted stretching, are intended to support overall wellbeing and are not a substitute for professional healthcare guidance. While reasonable care has been taken in preparing and verifying the information presented in this blog, StretchMasters® makes no claims, representations, or guarantees regarding its completeness, accuracy, or reliability. This content is intended for general informational purposes only and is not a scientific article. Inconsistencies, inaccuracies, or errors — including in paraphrasing and citation — may be present. We strive to ensure that all information is accurate and up to date; however, due to the evolving nature of health research, we cannot guarantee that all content reflects the latest evidence. Additionally, external links shared in blog posts may change, be updated, or become inactive over time without notice. Always consult with a qualified medical professional before starting any new therapy, especially if you have existing health conditions. StretchMasters®, its parent company Skuil Ltd, and affiliated clinics accept no liability for decisions made based on this content. Opinions expressed in individual blog posts are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the views or policies of StretchMasters® or its subsidiaries. Any reference to third-party organisations, websites, services, or products is not an endorsement.