Los Angeles is witnessing a surge in assisted stretching studios, with names like StretchLab, Stretch Zone, and StretchMed popping up in various neighborhoods including Echo Park, Glendale, and Venice.
This growth mirrors a growing trend in the fitness world, where recovery techniques aimed at rejuvenating muscles and promoting mobility are gaining popularity among a diverse clientele—from serious athletes to office workers looking to alleviate stiffness.
Curiosity about assisted stretching has been rising, as individuals seek to improve their performance and overall well-being through targeted muscle recovery.
StretchLab, which began its journey in Venice back in 2015, has expanded to over 500 studios across the nation, with 15 locations in the Los Angeles area alone.
The clientele typically includes dedicated athletes, older adults, desk workers, and individuals recovering from injuries or managing chronic pain.
Many clients appreciate the personalized touch of working one-on-one with a trained practitioner, who can provide tailored stretches that target specific areas of concern rather than relying on self-directed stretching techniques.
According to Gabi Khowploum, StretchLab’s director of marketing, the goal is to help clients discover and isolate muscular imbalances.
“For many folks who come in with back pain, it could be something related to hip mobility that they are unaware of,” Khowploum notes.
It’s essential to note that stretch therapists, sometimes termed ‘flexologists’, differ significantly from certified medical professionals such as chiropractors or physical therapists.
While these therapists do not diagnose or treat injuries, they focus on enhancing flexibility and mobility through assisted stretching techniques.
There are no national certification standards for stretch therapists; however, many receive in-house training from their employing studios.
Dr. Jeremy Swisher, a sports medicine physician at UCLA Health, explains the benefits of assisted stretching, noting it can improve flexibility, stimulate blood flow, and promote better posture.
For individuals who sit for extended periods, consistent stretching can also alleviate stress and pain, while potentially helping to prevent injuries in the long run.
However, Swisher warns that assisted stretching is not a ‘cure-all’.
“It’s just one part of a larger solution,” he states.
He emphasizes the importance of strength training and other exercises alongside stretching to maintain overall health.
Additionally, he cautions that individuals with acute injuries or conditions such as hypermobility syndromes should consult a doctor before engaging in assisted stretching, as it may exacerbate their situation.
During a recent visit to StretchLab in Echo Park, it was evident that the studio was busier than anticipated, with clients experiencing a mix of dynamic stretches.
Practitioner Joel Badilla led a session with a 3-D body scanning tool called MAPS, which evaluates mobility and posture to create tailored stretching plans for clients.
After some preliminary assessments, Badilla guided me through 26 different stretches in a 50-minute session, revealing the effective use of PNF (proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation) techniques that involve a push-release method to deepen the stretch progressively.
The experience was described as blissful, allowing for a sensation of freedom in movement, especially in the lower back.
However, the immediate relief was short-lived for me after my return trip home.
As Amber Donaldson, Vice President of Sports Medicine Clinics for the United States Olympic & Paralympic Committee, points out, consistent stretching over time is necessary to see meaningful benefits.
“Just stretching once isn’t beneficial,” she emphasizes, recommending at least two weeks of regular stretching sessions to achieve positive outcomes.
The debate continues within the sports medicine community regarding the effectiveness of stretching, especially regarding timing—whether it is more beneficial pre- or post-workout.
StretchLab is far from the only establishment of its kind in L.A.
There are over half a dozen different studios dedicated to assisted stretching, and the trend has been growing since 2017-18.
Aside from popular franchises like StretchLab and Stretch Zone, many personal trainers and physical therapists also offer assisted stretching, as do several gyms and massage outlets in the area.
While the basic principles of assisted stretching remain consistent across these varying venues, the approaches can differ slightly in technique and structure.
Stretch Zone, for example, employs a distinct graduated stretch modality that scales intensity from one to ten, stopping short of maximum discomfort during sessions.
On the other hand, StretchMed in Glendale emphasizes a warm-up routine prior to stretching, aiming to enhance circulation and prepare the body for more effective stretching.
Despite my positive experience with assisted stretching, the commitment to regular sessions at prices upwards of $320 monthly at StretchLab, or comparable rates at other studios, made it challenging for me to consider long-term involvement.
Although I felt noticeably more flexible and upright following my session, the financial commitment for ongoing treatment may prove prohibitive for many.
Nonetheless, this new trend of assisted stretching certainly leaves its mark, fostering the growth of wellness and recovery in Los Angeles.
image source from：https://www.latimes.com/lifestyle/story/2025-06-16/professional-stretching-flexologist-in-los-angeles
