What is Assisted Stretching Massage?

Key Points

☆ This service combines massage therapy with guided, passive stretching techniques.
☆ It improves flexibility, range of motion, and muscular balance.
☆ Ideal for athletes, active individuals, or anyone with tightness, stiffness, or movement restrictions

Defining Assisted Stretching Massage

Massage with assisted stretching is a hybrid session that blends traditional massage techniques with targeted stretching of the muscles and joints. While massage helps to release tension and improve circulation, stretching works to lengthen muscles, mobilize joints, and restore functional movement patterns.

Your therapist will guide you through passive or active-assisted stretches—gently moving your limbs while supporting your body in a relaxed position. This combination is especially effective for improving performance, preventing injury, and recovering from physical stress or repetitive strain.

What to Expect

Passive Stretching
Passive stretches are performed entirely by your therapist while you remain relaxed. These stretches help lengthen muscles, release fascial restrictions, and improve joint mobility. You may be lying on the massage table, supported with bolsters or pillows, while your therapist moves your arms, legs, hips, or neck through controlled ranges of motion.

Expect long, gentle holds and slow movements. Passive stretching is ideal for clients who feel stiff, restricted, or need help relaxing tight muscles without engaging them.

Active-Assisted Stretching
Active-assisted stretching involves some light muscle engagement on your part. Your therapist may ask you to push or hold against gentle resistance before relaxing into a deeper stretch. This method helps re-educate movement patterns, reset muscle length, and build functional flexibility.

This portion of the session may feel more energizing and interactive—perfect for clients who want to improve athletic performance or mobility with a more engaged approach.

Potential Benefits

This type of session is commonly used to support:

  • Improved flexibility and mobility

  • Reduced muscle stiffness and joint pain

  • Enhanced athletic performance and recovery

  • Better posture and body mechanics

  • Reduced risk of injury from overuse or imbalance

  • Support for chronic pain and tension patterns

  • Improved circulation and lymphatic flow

  • Increased body awareness and coordination

It’s a great option for people who sit or stand for long hours, lift weights, play sports, or experience muscle imbalances.

Do Assisted Stretching Massages Hurt?

  • Stretching during massage may feel intense, especially if you’re tight, but it should never feel painful. You’re encouraged to breathe deeply and relax into each stretch—your therapist will never force your body past its limits.

  • Communication is key. Let your therapist know if anything feels uncomfortable or if you’d like more or less intensity.

Assisted Stretching Techniques May Include:

  • Passive Stretching: Therapist moves your limbs into a stretch while you stay relaxed.

  • Active-Assisted Stretching: You engage muscles slightly as the therapist supports and deepens the stretch.

  • PNF Stretching (Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation): Contract-and-relax techniques to increase flexibility and reset muscle length.

  • Table-Based Stretches: Performed while you lie on the massage table, allowing for full support and comfort.

  • Functional Range Movements: Mobilization of joints through their full, natural range of motion.

    These techniques are always tailored to your current flexibility, comfort, and goals.

Side Effects and Precautions for Assisted Stretching

Massage with stretching is generally safe but should be adjusted or avoided in some cases:

  • Acute injuries or inflammation

  • Recent surgeries or fractures

  • Joint instability or hypermobility

  • Severe osteoporosis or bone fragility

  • Certain neurological or autoimmune conditions

If you’re unsure whether stretching is appropriate for your body, check with your healthcare provider—especially if you’re managing a chronic condition or recovering from injury.

After your session, you may feel a bit sore (especially if you’re not used to stretching) but should also feel looser, lighter, and more mobile. Hydrate well and give your body time to integrate the work.

Curious to try an assisted stretching massage with one of our licensed therapists? See Providers→