As a nutritionist, I’ve at all times prided myself on sustaining a wholesome life-style. My food plan is balanced, my train routine is stable, and I take nice care of my physique. However once I hit my mid 40s and entered perimenopause, I began experiencing sudden and excruciating joint ache. Regardless of my greatest efforts, there have been mornings when my knees ached, my decrease again felt stiff, and my shoulders screamed with rigidity. I used to be doing the whole lot proper—so why did I really feel so improper?
It seems that joint ache is a standard however usually neglected symptom of perimenopause. The drop in estrogen ranges impacts collagen manufacturing, resulting in irritation and stiffness. I used to be decided to search out aid past simply painkillers and heating pads, which is once I found StretchLab. Intrigued by the idea of assisted stretching, I made a decision to provide it a attempt. Over the course of three periods, I used to be astounded by the outcomes.
My expertise
From the second I stepped into StretchLab, I felt comfortable. The nice and cozy, inviting setting instantly put me in leisure mode. Lead Flexologist, Claudia Zappino, welcomed me with a reassuring smile and defined the method, assuring me that my aches and pains weren’t simply regular however manageable. She launched me to PNF (Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation), a stretching approach that entails contracting after which stress-free a muscle whereas being gently assisted right into a deeper stretch.
“This course of tips the nervous system into permitting a deeper stretch,” Claudia defined. “Assisted stretching, advisable at the least as soon as per week, helps girls in menopause by enhancing joint mobility, decreasing muscle stiffness, and growing flexibility to counteract age-related tightness. It additionally enhances circulation, helps posture, and lowers cortisol ranges, serving to to handle stress and stop damage.”
© Daniel CarsonThe transformation
Throughout my first session, I felt instant aid as my physique was gently maneuvered into positions that launched rigidity in my joints. My Flexologist guided me by means of every motion, making certain I remained comfy whereas reaching optimum stretches. It was somewhat intense at instances, however in one of the simplest ways attainable—like my physique was lastly waking up after years of stiffness. By the second session, I observed a big enchancment in my flexibility and a discount in morning stiffness. By the third session, I used to be waking up with far much less discomfort, and my general mobility had improved remarkably.
“Our motto is Dwell Lengthy, and we wish individuals to Dwell Lengthy Effectively!” Claudia informed me. “All girls who’re going by means of or approaching menopause must keep in mind that menopause is a transition, not a limitation—keep versatile, keep sturdy.”
© Daniel CarsonThe advantages of stretching for perimenopause
Stretching, significantly assisted stretching, has a myriad of advantages, particularly for girls navigating menopause. Claudia elaborated:
“Stretching enhances flexibility and vary of movement, reduces muscle rigidity and joint ache, reduces stress, improves posture, will increase circulation, improves sports activities efficiency, helps stop accidents, and helps general mobility. Custom-made assisted stretching ensures deeper, more practical outcomes than stretching alone. A relaxed, versatile physique results in a stronger, pain-free life.”
The aftercare perks
As if the stretching periods weren’t rewarding sufficient, StretchLab additionally provided an indulgent aftercare routine. After every session, I used to be handled to a cup of heat ginger tea, which soothed my senses and made me really feel immediately nurtured. I then relaxed with compression boots, which stimulated circulation in my legs, decreasing any lingering soreness. Lastly, I loved an LED masks therapy, which not solely felt luxurious but in addition helped to rejuvenate my pores and skin—as a result of let’s be sincere, something that makes us really feel somewhat extra radiant throughout this time of life is a win.
Incorporating stretching into my routine
After my expertise at StretchLab, stretching has turn into a non-negotiable a part of my self-care routine. Claudia suggested that for the perfect outcomes, I ought to purpose to stretch every day, however at the least two to 3 instances per week is important for sustaining flexibility.
“StretchLab’s assisted stretching as soon as every week supplies deeper, longer-lasting advantages than stretching by yourself,” she advisable. “Consistency is the important thing to a physique that strikes with ease and ages nicely.”
© Daniel CarsonStretching vs. different therapies
Earlier than discovering StretchLab, I had explored different strategies to alleviate my joint ache, together with therapeutic massage and chiropractic care. Whereas they definitely have their advantages, Claudia clarified the distinctions:
“Stretching actively lengthens muscle tissue and improves mobility, whereas therapeutic massage relieves rigidity and chiropractic care realigns the backbone and joints. StretchLab’s assisted stretching goes past leisure—it will increase flexibility, reduces stiffness, and helps stop future ache. Stretch for motion, therapeutic massage for aid, chiro for alignment—every performs a job in maintaining you at your greatest.”
The decision
Perimenopause might have thrown sudden hurdles my approach, however StretchLab has supplied me with a robust instrument to regain management over my physique. The distinction in my joint ache, flexibility, and general well-being has been extraordinary. For those who, like me, are fighting perimenopausal aches and pains, I extremely advocate giving assisted stretching a attempt. It’s not nearly relieving ache—it’s about reclaiming motion, power, and confidence in your physique.
I left StretchLab feeling taller, looser, and extra in tune with my physique than I had in years. Menopause could also be a transition, however due to stretching, I do know it doesn’t need to be a limitation.
