When I heard about Stretch Smart opening by me, I knew it sounded like a place I needed to check out ASAP. Being injured, I was especially interested in finding out what this infrared sauna and stretch place could do for me. Here’s a quick recap of my visit this week to the Arlington, Virginia location.
Stretch Smart Infrared Sauna and Stretch
A session at Stretch Smart is an hour long dose of infrared therapy. Here’s how it works. Your session starts with a 30 minute infrared sauna session in your own individual treatment room. The sauna is set around 135 degrees delivered by infrared technology so it does not feel like 135 degrees. I did not feel super hot the way that I would in a traditional sauna or steam room.
There was an ipad available to watch movies or listen to music while in the sauna however, I chose to just relax and take it all in. The rooms were immaculately clean and new. The time went by pretty quickly. I was now ready for my stretch session.
After a brief chat with the “stretchologist”, I settled onto my stretch table. The massage table was again heated with infrared heat heated pad and crystals. I immediately felt relaxed and enjoyed the warmth heat I felt through my clothes. Throughout the 30 minute full body stretch, my therapist (Jennifer) repeatedly checked in with me about pressure and intensity.
I was surprised by how amazing I felt after this, new to me experience. Additionally, I slept so well that night and woke up pain free (in my hip area) for the first time in weeks. I have a feeling Jennifer and I will become good friends.
So why infrared heat?
Infrared heat is said to have many health benefits from anti-aging to pain relief to lower blood pressure. Infrared heat provides warmth that is able to penetrate deeper into the body than traditional steam saunas to offer a soothing therapeutic heat. This natural heat is designed to provide a deeper stretch. I felt similar to how I feel in hot yoga with the added benefit of an assisted stretch.
I believe that I got a lot of relief in my achy spots from my stretch session and look forward to going back. The combination of the heat and the stretch was just heavenly and unique recovery option for athletes. Tell me, have you tried an Infrared sauna? A guided stretch therapy session?
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Did you feel that your massage therapist could get deeper into the tissues because of the infrared therapy? I’m intrigued by this! Thanks for the great review.
Yes I think so! It just felt so different than a normal massage and stretch. I am going back next week I will let you know how it feels the second time. I am trying to do everything I can to get back out there!
I want that! That must be the most relaxing thing in the world. And great that you woke up pain-free the next day.
Not sure if you happen to know this: what kind of background does a “stretchologist” have? Going by the photos, Jennifer might have background as a physiotherapist.
I will ask more q’s about that next week when I go back. She is also a massage therapist and accupuncturist
I’ve never heard of infrared heat being used on injuries before. Sounds like a really cool experience! Hopefully one will come near me soon so I can try it out. There’es not like a good, deep stretch
Definitely true!
oh WOW! this sounds amazing! I don’t think we have anything like that here or I would be ALL over it!
It was really fantastic!
Oh this sounds wonderful!!!! I love heat (big surprise LOL) and I would probably be struggling to stay awake. I’d love to give this a try!
It was so relaxing!
That’s awesome that you found so much relief.
A massage place I go to has an infrared wrap. I’ve done it a few times, and that has helped me a lot — although I would get really, REALLY hot in there.
There’s also another place near me with an infrared sauna I’ve wanted to try, but haven’t yet. Truth be told, I want one at home! And they actually do make person infrared saunas. But they’re pricey. A girl can dream!
Yes indeed! 🙂
I’ve heard there are a lot of benefits to infrared saunas! :] Haven’t had a chance to try it out yet, but I’d love to sometime! I’m glad you had a good experience!
Ooh this is very interesting and my first time hearing about this. Thanks so much for your review!
It was fun to try out
I actually booked an appointment earlier this week for the same thing. Now I’m really looking forward to the Infrared and the stretch.
Oh great curious to hear how you like it! Hope you enjoy
I’ve heard about the benefits of infrared saunas from one of the podcasts I listen to. What an innovative idea to pair it with a stretch. Going to see if they have one in my area.
It was a fantastic combination hope you have a chance to try it out
I’ve never heard of this before. I wonder if it is a similar concept as to why people get hot stone massages?
Glad you enjoyed it.
It was really different than a hot stone massage. This heat is able to penetrate much deeper
This sounds amazing! My muscles are so tight all the time that I definitely need to give this a try!
Hope they open one near you soon as well. It was fantastic
We’ve always wanted to try this! It looks like it really makes a difference, and it has to be nice after a hard workout too!
Hope you have a chance to try it it’s great
The wellness center where I used to contract had an infrared sauna, but I never tried it (I’m not very good at sitting still unless I’m told I have to). The doctor swore by it and had his patients (some my clients) use it weekly. We also had a hyperbaric chamber. It was a cool place to work!
I really liked the infrared. I am going to try it again this week
I actually just found out that we have a place like this where I live – I’m gonna check it out!
Oh yes hope you enjoy it
So cool! I keep hearing about stretch places opening up but haven’t tried one out… yet! I’m hoping to check it out soon.
I really enjoyed it I am going back this week again
I have never heard of this. It sounds really fascinating, although I think it would be a bit too warm for me. I’m so glad you found something that works so well.
You never know until you try
This sounds amazing. I need to look into whether there’s one near here.
I really enjoyed it! Going back this week
Infrared is used to treat arthritis pain and is also used in other conditions. Research shows that Infrared therapy is safe. https://www.drugsbanks.com/best-infrared-heating-pads-pain/