Today we’d like to introduce you to Lorena Alvarado.
Hi Lorena, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
In high school, my grandpa was going through Physical Therapy after suffering from a stroke. His PT asked my mom and I if we could be at a couple of his sessions. HIs PT explained my grandpa was feeling unmotivated and having a rough time with Physical Therapy and how it would help if we were there. We said yes, of course, and sat next to him as he went through his Physical Therapy appointments.
What I didn’t know at the time was how impactful being there with my grandpa was not only for him but also for me and my future. I enjoyed hanging out with him, my mom and I were there because we wanted to support my grandpa. I didn’t realize how much physical therapy could help someone recover from a stroke (among many other conditions.) Watching him get stronger, more mobile, happier and watching the stress wash away from both my mom and grandpa was the deciding factor for me. I knew what I wanted to be when “I grew up.” I wanted to help others feel better. I wanted to help others live with no pain and do the things they haven’t been able to do in a while because of pain, injuries or whatever their case may be. I wanted to help others and their loved ones live with less stress and concern. And That’s what I think of when I think of what I do and being a Stretch Therapist.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
I struggled with the pressure of being a First Generation student. I wanted to make my parents proud and validate the sacrifices they made coming into a foreign country. On top of that, I struggled and still do with imposter syndrome. As a First Gen, I feel like I have to be 5x more qualified than my American peers. Navigating higher education and the workforce as a First Gen wasn’t easy. I didn’t know how to prepare for college, how to apply to college or what that process was even like. As a teenager, I looked up to my classmates for guidance and discovered how to do things through them. My parents ingrained the importance of having an education so I knew that was one thing I had to put all my efforts into.
I graduated from the University of Houston with a BS in Exercise Science and Kinesiology, hoping to get into a doctorate program for Physical Therapy. After receiving rejection letters from the programs I applied to, I wanted to get more experience and re-apply for the next round. I spent some time at a physical therapy clinic and a wellness clinic after graduating from UH. At the wellness clinic is where I really felt like I was making a difference. I was helping others feel better. People were personally seeking me out to help them. It was great! My confidence was beginning to grow as a young First Gen professional. It was then when I knew being a Stretch Therapist is what I wanted to do. I was a Stretch Therapist at that company for about two years. At the beginning of 2022, the company told me they were discontinuing my service at the end of February, therefore leaving me jobless in about 45 days. The company offered me a different position but it wasn’t what I had a passion for. My time there was over and it was time to take matters into my own hands.
I went into overdrive and started planning and looking for everything that I needed to start my own business. Within a month of receiving the news, I signed my studio lease. After two months of receiving the news, I had my first day at my own stretch studio and I haven’t looked back ever since.
As a kid, I looked up to my dad for being an entrepreneur and for being so resourceful. He established a business in the U.S., speaking only Spanish with very little knowledge of the English language and only having a 2nd-grade education. I was amazed by what he had accomplished. I knew I wanted to be my own boss, just like him and that’s exactly what I did and I have loved every second of my journey.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I own a wellness facility that focuses on overall wellness through Assisted-Stretch Therapy. Unwind Stretch Studio is a wellness facility specializing in Stretch Therapy. Our goal is to educate as many people as possible about their bodies, the impact stretching has and how to take care of their bodies. We want to make stretch information accessible and readily available to everyone.
What do you do, what do you specialize in / what are you known for?
I specialize in Assisted-Stretch Therapy for pain management, sports recovery, stress management and overall wellness. Many of my clients come to see me for issues such as low back pain, neck pain, muscle soreness and sciatica nerve discomfort- to name a few conditions. Each session begins with a full body assessment to identify postural issues, muscles tightness and body imbalances. I treat individuals according to their specific pain, symptoms and body mechanics to effectively target their symptoms. Designing an individualized plan for each of my clients is how we get to their desired results.
What sets you apart from others?
At Unwind, we offer table-based stretching, floor-based stretching and mobility work. I have experience and certifications in both floor-based and table-based stretching. While they are fairly similar, floor-based gives more variability to the body and allows for deeper stretches. In addition to that, floor-based stretching helps clients to fully relax and melt into the floor versus being on a table. At times, I will get a really anxious client who fears they will fall off the stretch table with certain stretches. Having extensive knowledge of floor-based stretching allows clients to fully relax and melt into their parasympathetic state (resting state), allowing their body to receive all the benefits of assisted-stretching.
What are you most proud brand wise?
The one thing I am proud of brand-wise is the platform I have to educate my clients and others. Many people are unaware of the difference stretching can make and how helpful it can be to manage pain, stress and muscle tightness. My goal during each session is to relay information to my clients so they have a better understanding of what is happening in their body. Informing them what muscles are causing issues and how to correct that in the studio and at home. Educating my clients about their bodies and how it moves is the one thing I am most proud of. Stretching on your own and Assisted-Stretch Therapy is such an underestimated tool, and my goal is to educate as many people as I can.
What do you want our readers to know about your brand, offerings, services, etc?
Unwind Stretch Studio offers 30, 60 and 90-minute stretch sessions. I always recommend 60+ minutes as a first session to fully understand what is happening in their body. From there, we decide the frequency and length of sessions for future appointments.
What do you like and dislike about the city?
I love how diverse Houston is. I love trying new food around the city, exploring our parks, and supporting local fitness classes around Houston that take place at our parks. I enjoy walking and biking around neighborhoods that make me forget I live in the city.
One thing I dislike the least is how un-walkable and non-bike-friendly our city is.
Pricing:
- 60 Minute Stretch Session $95
- 90 Minute Stretch Session $135
- 30 Minute Stretch Session $55
Contact Info:
- Website: www.unwindstretchstudio.com
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/unwindstretchstudio?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y=
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/unwindstretchstudio
- Yelp: https://yelp.to/ITVYhTTIXrb
