Important Risk and Safety Information for Gebauer’s Spray and Stretch:

  • Do not spray in eyes
  • Over spraying may cause frostbite
  • Freezing may alter skin pigmentation
  • Do not use this product on persons with poor circulation or insensitive skin
  • Do not use on open wounds or abraded skin
  • If skin irritation develops, discontinue use
  • Rx only

How does Gebauer’s Spray and Stretch work?

Mechanism of Action: There are several theories that provide an explanation for the mechanism of action that makes vapocoolant sprays effective when used with the spray and stretch technique. Janet Travell and David Simons’ theory surmises that the tactile stimulation produced by the changing gradient of the skin temperature transmits a continuing barrage of impulses to the spinal cord. This barrage of impulses from the afferent nerves of the skin blocks the trigger point impulse activity by “jamming the spinal switchboard” so that the muscle sensation becomes disconnected, permitting the muscle to temporarily relax. There are physiological principles that explain these effects including spinal inhibition, descending inhibition (Gate Control Theory) and trigger point inhibition.

Lehman, J. & Delateur, B. Theraputic Heat and Cold, 4th Edition; Baltimore, Williams and Wlkins; 1990.

Topical Anesthetic Skin Refrigerant

Gebauer’s Spray and Stretch® is an instant topical anesthetic skin refrigerant that effectively manages myofascial pain and trigger point release when used in conjunction with the spray and stretch technique. The fine stream spray is a practical means of covering many muscles in one region of the body allowing significant progress toward pain relief. Gebauer's Spray and Stretch is non-drug, non-flammable and non-ozone depleting.

Immediate Onset of Action

Gebauer's Spray and Stretch allows clinicians to get faster results with less strain and damage to their hands during manipulation. It is portable and can be used in any treatment room and in facilities that restrict the use of flammable components.

The suggested application preference for:

  • Trigger Point Therapy
  • Myofascial Pain Syndromes
  • Pre-injection anesthesia
  • Muscle spasms
  • Restricted motion
  • Minor sports injuries

* Kostopoulos, D, Rizopoulos, K. Effect of topical aerosol skin refrigerant (spray and stretch technique) on passive and active stretching. Journal of Bodywork and Movement Therapies (2008) 12, 102-103.

** Simons DG, Travell JG, Simons LS. Travell & Simons’ Myofascial Pain and Dysfunction: The Trigger Point Manual. 2d ed. Baltimore: Williams & Wilkins, 1999: 11-93