A new stretching technique has been introduced in the UK which promises to improve flexibility, realign posture and boost energy.

The recently-opened Stretch Centre, which is based at the Queen Anne Medical Centre in London, is the first clinic in the UK to offer the Active Isolated Stretching (AIS) method – designed to work just one muscle at a time.

Developed by former US powerlifting champion Aaron Mattes after he crushed his lower vertabrae, AIS is a hands-on therapy intended to help both improve an athlete’s performance and help people with specific physical ailments.

Mattes is also a trained kinesiotherapist and massage therapist.

The Stretch Centre is a 750sq ft (70sq m), open plan clinic, with six therapists. It has been established by Chris Watts, a former apprentice of Mattes who also runs a 2,300sq ft (214sq m) AIS centre in Hong Kong. Details: www.stretch.co.uk

Photograph: Chris Watts, director of The Stretch Centre