Our Story: Pioneering Full Body Assisted Stretching

From family gatherings to +400,000 clients served.

John-Carey

The Stretch U Story

It all started with a simple idea at a family gathering. John Carey, a Physical Therapist with over 20 years of experience, began using his expertise to provide life-changing stretches for his family members. That compassionate beginning grew into Stretch U, a community dedicated to improving flexibility and mobility for over 400,000 clients and counting. We are experts in one-on-one assisted stretching, and this is our story.

The Stretch U System

Drawing from his deep background in physical therapy, John developed a personalized protocol for full body assisted stretching. Our system is built on safety and effectiveness, emphasizing a neutral neck and spine alignment in every movement. This detailed approach, which incorporates principles of techniques like Myofascial Release, allows us to cater to a wide range of individuals—from young athletes seeking a competitive edge to retirees looking to stay active and mobile.

Expansion and Future Plans
Established in September 2010, Stretch U has grown to nine brick-and-mortar locations across Oklahoma, Missouri, and California, with plans for further expansion nationwide. Discover how Stretch U can improve your flexibility. Contact us today to find a location near you.

Our Values

Our core values guide every stretch and every client interaction.

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Heart for Healing

At Stretch U, you will find staff who genuinely care about helping you move and feel better. Our compassionate team is dedicated to understanding and addressing your unique mobility needs.

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Community/Relationships

Stretch U provides a welcoming, supportive, and interactive space for everyone building and nurturing meaningful relationships with both our employees and our beloved clients. Pop in to any one of our locations and you will feel the fun, laid back, and inviting culture.

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Proactive Mindset

Being proactive is not just a trait, it’s a powerful mindset. Our staff uses this mindset to anticipate client needs and deliver exceptional service.

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Quality and Consistency

Our Certified Stretch Techs hold more trained hours and education than the industry standard. You can expect a superb experience no matter which studio you visit or which staff member you stretch with.

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Certified Stretch Techs

Our Premier Training Program

Exceptional client experiences begin with exceptional training. We invest heavily in ensuring our Certified Stretch Techs are the best in the industry.

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Rigorous Selection

We prioritize candidates who demonstrate extensive knowledge in human anatomy and functional movement through a B.S. in Exercise Science, completion of Massage Therapy School, or a Nationally Accredited Personal Training Certification.

Comprehensive Training

Once selected, our trainees embark on an intensive training program including 100+ hours of in-depth coursework and hands-on practice covering advanced stretching techniques with a diverse range of clients, ensuring they can adapt to different needs and body types.

Final Assessment

Trainees must exhibit mastery of the techniques with confidence in tailoring stretches to the individual. At Stretch U, we don’t just meet industry standards—we set them.

Employment

Join Our Team

Ready to Feel the Difference? 

Find your nearest Stretch U studio and book your first full body assisted stretching session today!

Articles and Resources

Most Recent Blog Posts

How Improving Flexibility Transforms Your Well-being

In today’s fast-paced world, maintaining our physical health is more important than ever. Flexibility is a cornerstone of overall wellness, yet it’s something many of us in the University City community overlook. Improving your flexibility impacts everything from your comfort during the workday to your performance in weekend activities at Forest Park. At Stretch U…

Integrating Myofascial Release Stretching into Your Fitness Regimen

Unlocking the Benefits of Myofascial Release Are you looking to enhance your fitness regimen and alleviate muscle tension effectively? Integrating myofascial release stretching into your routine can be a game-changer. At Stretch U in Missouri, we specialize in helping clients harness the power of myofascial release to improve their flexibility, mobility, and overall performance. Understanding…

Why Mobile Stretching is Essential for Active Lifestyles

Why Mobile Stretching Matters In an increasingly active world, it’s easy to overlook one essential component of fitness: stretching. Mobile stretching has become a vital practice for those engaged in an active lifestyle. At Stretch U in Missouri, we emphasize the significance of integrating stretching into your daily routine for optimal performance and recovery. Improved…