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When should I avoid an Assisted Stretch appointment?

Information on contraindications for Assisted Stretching

Assisted Stretch is a safe, gentle, and beneficial treatment for most people – whether as a complement to massage, for recovery after sport, or simply as a time out for the body. However, there are situations where it's better to skip an appointment or consult a doctor beforehand. Please read the following notes carefully – your health always comes first for us.


Pregnancy

During pregnancy, we unfortunately do not offer Assisted Stretch treatments. Assisted Stretch works with active stretching, mobilisation, and targeted movement impulses that are not suitable for you and your baby during this special time. We therefore ask you to refrain from booking a Stretch appointment – regardless of which trimester you are in.

What we offer instead: Our Pregnancy Massage is specifically tailored to the needs of expectant mothers and is available from the second trimester onwards. It releases typical tension in the back, shoulders, pelvis, and legs, and gives you the time out you deserve.


Minimum Age – Our Treatments from Age 18

Our treatments – including Assisted Stretch – are available for people aged 18 and over. This applies without exception to all Soulhouse treatments.

We are unable to offer treatments for people under 18, regardless of circumstances. If you’re looking for a gift for someone approaching their 18th birthday, a Soulhouse voucher is a great option — valid for 2 years and redeemable for any treatment.


Acute Injuries & Recent Operations

In the case of fresh injuries – such as muscle tears, ligament tears, or fractures – as well as directly after an operation, Assisted Stretch is not suitable. The tissue needs time to recover before it can be safely stretched without risk. Starting too soon can delay the healing process or worsen injuries.

As a rough guide: after operations, we generally recommend waiting at least 6 weeks before booking an Assisted Stretch appointment. However, please always clarify this individually with your treating doctor – depending on the type and extent of the procedure, a longer waiting period may be necessary.


Acute Inflammation & Infections

In the case of acute inflammation in joints or muscles, for example during a flare-up of inflammatory rheumatism or tendon inflammation, you should avoid Assisted Stretch. Stretching and mobilisation can intensify inflammatory processes and make you feel worse.

Please wait until the inflammation has fully subsided, and seek medical advice in advance if you are unsure.

Infections and illnesses: Assisted Stretch is possible as long as there is no infection or illness in the treatment area. If there is, please speak to our support team beforehand or seek medical advice. Fever and acute infections such as a cold affect the whole body: please reschedule your appointment. A cold sore is no obstacle to Assisted Stretch.


Osteoporosis & Bone Loss

With pronounced osteoporosis, the stretching and mobilisation involved in Assisted Stretch can increase the risk of fractures, as the bones have lost density and stability. We want to support you safely and well – which is why we recommend discussing with your doctor in advance whether and to what extent a treatment is suitable for you.


Herniated Disc & Nerve Pain

In the case of an acute herniated disc or severe nerve pain – for example with sciatica – caution is advised. Assisted Stretch can be soothing and relieving in some cases, but may worsen symptoms or put pressure on affected nerves in others.

Please make sure to clarify with a doctor or physiotherapist beforehand whether and what form of Assisted Stretch is appropriate for your individual situation. We are happy to work with you to find a treatment that is both suitable and safe for you.


Cardiovascular Conditions & Thrombosis

If you have existing thrombosis, severe cardiovascular conditions, or known vascular problems, you should only book an Assisted Stretch appointment after explicit medical clearance. Certain stretching movements can influence circulation and venous return – a medical assessment gives both you and us the reassurance we need.


Fever & Acute Illness

If you have a fever or are acutely unwell, we ask you to reschedule your appointment. Your body needs all its energy for the healing process at this point – a treatment would place additional strain on it and can slow down recovery. You can cancel your appointment at any time via the app and use your voucher to book a new slot once you're feeling better.


Not Sure? Talk to Us or Your Expert.

Not certain whether Assisted Stretch is right for you at the moment? Feel free to reach out to our support team in advance – we'll help you make the right decision. Alternatively, you can raise your concerns directly with your expert at the start of your appointment. We adapt the treatment individually to your needs and current condition – and will always be honest with you if we feel a treatment isn't advisable in your situation.

When in doubt: it's always better to seek medical advice first rather than starting too soon. Your health comes first.


FAQ

I'm pregnant – can I still book a treatment at Soulhouse? Yes, absolutely. We offer Pregnancy Massages from the second trimester onwards, specifically tailored to expectant mothers. Assisted Stretch is unfortunately not possible during pregnancy.

I have chronic back pain – is Assisted Stretch still an option for me? It depends on the cause. For muscle-related back pain without an acute injury, Assisted Stretch can be very helpful and provide relief. For a herniated disc, nerve involvement, or inflammatory causes, we ask you to clarify with a doctor beforehand what is possible for you.

I recently had an operation – how long do I need to wait? That depends on the type and extent of the procedure. As a rough guide: we generally recommend at least 6 weeks after a surgical procedure. Please clarify this with your treating doctor, though – in some cases a longer waiting period makes sense.

My child is 16 and would like to book a Stretch appointment – is that possible? Unfortunately not. Our treatments are exclusively available for people aged 18 and over, without exception. A Soulhouse voucher makes a great gift for someone approaching their 18th birthday — it’s valid for 2 years and can be used for any treatment.

I take blood thinners – can I still do Assisted Stretch? In general, this is not a problem, as Assisted Stretch is not an invasive treatment and does not involve needles or instruments. If you are still unsure, check briefly with your doctor or speak with your expert at the start of the appointment – we'll always take the time for you.

I recently had Botox, fillers, or another aesthetic treatment – can I still come for Assisted Stretch? After injective or needle-based aesthetic treatments – such as Botox, hyaluronic acid, fillers, PRP, microneedling, or mesotherapy – we ask you to wait at least 3 days before booking an Assisted Stretch appointment. The tissue needs time to settle, and the active substances should be able to take effect undisturbed. This waiting period applies regardless of how well the injection sites appear to have healed. For individual questions, we recommend consulting your treating doctor in advance.

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