About Michigan Stretch Therapy

Michigan Stretch Therapy makes the perfect gift! We offer the greatest level of Ph.D.-designed assisted stretching for you or a loved one. Our advanced stretching techniques are provided in a safe and clinically proven method, and all in a clean and professional atmosphere you will absolutely love.

Many places offer stretch therapy, but let’s discuss why we are different from the rest. The techniques used by our Stretch Techs are taught by a Doctor of Physical Therapy with 27 years of orthopedic experience and with specializations not only in spine care but also in manual therapy called OMPT (Orthopedic Manual Physical Therapy). OMPT is an intensive two-year orthopedic residency in addition to a standard Physical Therapy program.

When stretching, you are stretching what is known as ‘contractile tissue’ which is a muscle and tendon to a much lesser degree. But, during stretching, protective measures must be taken to preserve non-contractile tissue. This includes nerve tissue, joints, ligaments, and the discs in the spine.

Why Michigan Stretch Therapy is the Right Choice

Take for example the relatively common hamstring stretch. Most will stretch this muscle group keeping the knee straight while raising the leg. Sometimes the ankle will be flexed to bring the toes toward the knee to ‘enhance’ the stretch sensation. In actuality, the maneuver will tension the sciatic nerve, which happens to run parallel with the hamstring. Tensioning the sciatic nerve is used in Physical Therapy as a provocative test to elicit symptoms. Therefore, it makes little sense to tension nerve tissue when the goal is to stretch muscle. We preserve the safety of the nerve by taking up slack at the hip first, then taking the knee into extension while keeping the ankle relaxed. We are specific in our technique; therefore, we can be safe to you, the client, giving you a more effective stretch without creating other issues. We also incorporate neuromuscular techniques such as Contract-Relax.

Speaking of Physical Therapy, we have some advantages. Physical therapy is funded by insurance, and therefore, has limitations as to how long or often you can attend. Also, PT does not address maintenance programs. We are here to assist you after your PT benefit is exhausted. And we can treat you at the times and frequencies that work best for you. Also, when attending PT, you are typically treated for one body part. Michigan Stretch Therapy is free to treat the entire body. And we can focus on trouble areas to help achieve your goals.

One last major difference between Michigan Stretch Therapy and the others is that we perform 45-minute stretch sessions as opposed to 30-minute sessions. This allows us to deliver a more thorough stretch with longer hold times which has been shown to be more effective. This extended treatment session also allows us to treat more areas.

Paul Carlesimo, DPT, OMPT

Dr. Paul Carlesimo is a Board Certified Physical Therapist with over 25 years of clinical experience. He received his Master Degree from Oakland University. He graduated Magna Cum Laude. Shortly after, he completed a two-year orthopedic residency at Oakland University, the OMPT Certification (Orthopedic Manual Physical Therapy). Again, he graduated Magna Cum Laude. He completed his Doctorate of Physical Therapy from Oakland University, Magna Cum Laude.

Dr. Carlesimo spent a large part of his early career working closely with orthopedic surgeons, and observing several live surgical procedures. He then shifted his focus to spine care, when he joined a Physical Therapy team that collaborated closely with a group of physiatrists, neurologists, and neuro- surgeons.

Dr. Carlesimo currently works for a large Michigan health system, where he was selected to be a part of the Spine IPU Program, which is an interdisciplinary team specializing in the complete care and treatment of the spine.

Dr. Carlesimo was Director of Training for another Partner Assisted stretch program, where he developed safety protocols and training techniques. He has presented several times as a guest lecturer at Oakland University and Baker College. He was also a Teaching Assistant at Oakland University’s Physical Therapy Program. Dr. Carlesimo also developed stretching programs when he coached MS/HS lacrosse and when he trained local youth baseball teams.