The Stretch and Spray technique is one of the many effective methods of alleviating trigger points and overused and tight muscles. Trigger points are hyper-irritable spots within the muscle belly or fascia that can produce pain upon compression and can often refer pain to other areas. But how does the stretch and spray technique work?
We can identify a trigger point or a taut muscle band in a section of muscle tissue, and we then apply a passive stretch to that muscle (the Inertia Health Group stretching that tissue). The power is taken to a full range of movement, and a vapour coolant spray is applied along the taut muscle band, usually from the muscle’s origin to the insertion points.
The cooling sensation from the spray inhibits the pain and reflex spasm that would otherwise prevent stretching the muscle. As the muscle relaxes, a further range of movement is achieved, helping to deactivate some of those pesky trigger points. The stretch and spray massage technique can help manage common conditions like shin splints, headaches, muscular traumas, or soft tissue injuries. If this sounds like you, we suggest trying it or asking more about it with your therapist in Physiotherapist Semaphore!
