Beyond Stretch Zone Method [for Stretch Practitioners]

We have a very knowledgeable and valuable staff of stretch practitioners. Many are massage therapists, personal trainers, yogis, or on their student path to physical therapy, exercise science, nursing and the like. If you've been through our certification, you know that a high degree of physiology and anatomy knowledge is needed to even pass our testing, which is certified through the National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage & Bodywork. Not everyone that tries passes this rigorous testing...

Because we know that our practitioners are so knowledgeable and experienced, it's important to understand the role of the Stretch Practitioner here. SPs are expected to follow the Stretch Zone Method and perform approved stretch protocols ONLY as identified in the spiral Practitioner Workshop Booklet kept in the studio.

We know it may be tempting to incorporate your additional background to help your clients by adding non-approved therapies that you are aware of, but people come to us for expert assisted stretch and that is what SPs are employed to provide. We do want you to use good, safe and professional judgement when making approved modifications for a client's safety and needs. AND practitioners are required to adhere to our Stretch Zone protocols that have been determined through our corporate team to be safe, effective and covered under our liability policy. This protects the studio and you personally in the event of any incident.

Following Stretch Zone's outlined program also helps the client have a consistent branded experience so they know what they can count on whenever they come in for a stretch, regardless of which practitioner they are scheduled with. Here are some Do's and Don'ts to answer specifics about this;

DO this:

• Do use only the stretches outlined in the spiral book in studio and their approved variations. When you are performing a stretch, it should be obvious to anyone certified in the studio which cell it is in, and which stretch it is by name.

• Do have clients use the 3-5-7 intensity scale or indicate in some way (verbally or visually) where they are at with intensity.

• Do clean and dress every table immediately after finishing a stretch so the studio looks clean at a glance. Members should never wonder if their table has been sanitized, or have to look at an untidy studio while they wait. Keep it professional, like they would expect at a more expensive therapeutic environment like a doctor or chiropractor office.

• Do provide periodic Range of Motion updates so they can measure and understand their progress. Help them see that it's related to their consistency with us.

• Do address imbalances. If someone has more than 10 degrees of imbalance, it's ok to focus on the shortfall area to help restore the body. Here's how:

  • Start on the more mobile / easier side and stretch so the client knows what the stretch should feel like

  • Work on the second side, incorporating breathing and moving slowly and gently to keep the protective Stretch Reflex from firing and guarding.

  • Later in the session, add a second stretch set on the shortfall side to help the two sides of the body become more equal in mobility

  • Do NOT skip one side of the body. Instead, stretch both sides and then return again a second time to stretch just the side that needs to "catch up".

DO NOT DO this:

• Do not perform any contra-indicated stretch, even if the client pleads with you to make an exception. Keep everyone safe.

• Do NOT perform massage, mobility or physical therapy style exercises, or other therapies outside of our prescribed assisted stretch.

• Do NOT perform client suggested stretches that are outside of our protocols. We are the experts at what we do. If a client has a request, see your leadership for approved variations of a specific area.

• Do NOT endanger your own body to compete a stretch. Never stand on a table to perform a stretch. If something doesn't feel comfortable to perform, ask your leadership for options. The Stretch Zone Method is designed with practitioners' safety in mind, to keep you healthy and stretching with us over the long term!

• Do not suggest therapeutic exercises or "homework". Stretch Zone is simple - "ALL you do is come in, lay on a comfy table and WE do ALL the work!" Help us keep that brand promise! This also underscores that what we do is different than what they can do for themselves at home. If a client wants direction for at-home stretching, refer them to our social media. Each studio should have a saved Instagram highlight button with a collection of simple stretches published through Stretch Zone corporate to keep them progressing on their own. We can also send educational links.

• Do not give anatomical advice other than which stretch protocol is being performed and the names of the area impacted. The practitioner certification is designed to assist healthy, qualified individuals progress in their mobility and recovery. We want it clear that we do not diagnose or prescribe (even movements or exercises). We are not licensed medical professionals and do not want to give that impression.

Thanks for being a valuable part of our studio. Without educated, caring hands to deliver our product we would have no business! We trust our practitioners to deliver our product at the highest level - we appreciate you!

If you have questions about any stretch or stretching policy, do not hesitate to ask your studio leaders. We welcome additional questions, clarifications and learning whether you have been with us a long or short while!

HAPPY stretching!