Muscle Scraping Therapy (IASTM)Douglas Morris2023-07-12T17:15:29-07:00
Overview
Why is muscle scraping therapy treatment done?
Risks
How you prepare
What to expect with Graston technique
After IASTM
Results and success rates
IASTM (Muscle Scraping Therapy) in Scottsdale
What is IASTM(Muscle Scraping Therapy)?
– Dr. Nikita Vizniak
Graston Technique®: How Does It Work
Overview
IASTM or “muscle scraping therapy” is a technique that uses stainless steel instruments where the practitioner uses a scraping motion
[1]
to treat muscle injuries,
[2]
Trusted Source
Physical Therapy Reviews
Peer-reviewed journal
Internationally recognized journal
Go to sourceconnective tissue injuries, loosen adhered scar tissue and promote healing.
Fascia is a type of connective tissue that surrounds different parts of our bodies including muscles, blood vessels, and nerves. In some instances, fascia binds things together, and in others, it allows for sliding movement.
Muscle scraping therapy has become popular in sports rehab and among athletes
[3]
due to its effectiveness in treating patients with limited or painful motion, patients with decreased muscle recruitment and patients suffering from excessive scar tissue.
[4]
Trusted Source
Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation
Peer-reviewed journal
Internationally recognized journal
Go to sourceIASTM (Muscle scraping therapy) is thought to be an evolution of a Chinese medicine called “Gua sha”.
[3]
The difference would be that Gua sha has a different goal: to make blood stagnation (a heart qi disruption) leave the body.
[5]
Trusted Source
International Journal of Sports Physical Therapy
Peer-reviewed journal
Internationally recognized journal
Go to sourceA British orthopedic surgeon, Dr. James Cyriax, heavily influenced the development of IASTM or muscle scraping therapy.
[6]
Trusted Source
Journal of athletic training
Peer-reviewed journal
Respected United States Organization
Go to sourceOne of the first IASTM therapies, Graston Technique®, came from an amateur athlete, David Graston, that suffered a knee injury water skiing. Graston used his machining background to make special muscle scraping tools that became “Graston Technique®. ”
Why is muscle scraping therapy treatment done?
Fascial adhesions in the muscle and connective tissue can originate from surgery, immobilization, repeated strain.
[7]
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PubMed Central
Highly respected database from the National Institutes of Health
Go to source[8]
[9]
Trusted Source
Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise
Peer-reviewed journal
Multi-disciplinary journal
Go to sourceMuscle scraping tools, like ones used in Graston Technique®, are used to break down restrictions in the fascia and scar tissue. Muscle scraping therapy induces microtrauma which activates an inflammatory response
[3]
so that healing can start.
Common benefits of muscle scraping include:
[4]
Trusted Source
Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation
Peer-reviewed journal
Internationally recognized journal
Go to sourceFaster recovery. Muscle scraping therapy like Graston Technique® accelerates rehabilitation
[10]
Trusted Source
Journal of the Canadian Chiropractic Association
Peer-reviewed journal
Written by experts
Go to sourceImproved range of motion. Research shows improvements in range of motion and strength.
[11]
Trusted Source
Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise
Peer-reviewed journal
Multi-disciplinary journal
Go to sourceDecreased pain. Muscle scraping therapy has research touting decreased pain perception.
[11]
Trusted Source
Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise
Peer-reviewed journal
Multi-disciplinary journal
Go to sourceSee AlsoThe GTM with Clay BlogDecreased scar tissue formation. IASTM works great on scar tissue. Research shows it can be reduced and structural remodeling can occur after muscle scraping therapy.
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IASTM is great for:
Neck pain
Low back pain
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Myofascial Restrictions
Post-surgical or traumatic scaring
Medial Epicondylitis (golfer’s elbow)
Lateral Epicondylitis (tennis elbow)
[9]
Trusted Source
Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise
Peer-reviewed journal
Multi-disciplinary journal
Go to sourceCarpal Tunnel Syndrome
Plantar Fascitis
Rotator Cuff Tendinitis
Patellar Tendinitis (jumper’s knee)
[8]
Tibialis Posterior Tendinitis (shin splints)
Heel Pain /Achilles Tendinitis
DeQuervain’s Syndrome
Post-Surgical and Traumatic Scars
Ligament Sprains
Muscle Strains
Trigger Finger
Hip Pain after surgical replacement
IT Band Syndrome
Call for an Appointment
480-585-5577
or Request an Appointment Online
Call for an Appointment
480-585-5577
or Request an Appointment Online
Risks
IASTM (muscle scraping therapy) is generally safe. When side effects occur, they tend to be mild and are short lived.
Muscle scraping therapy like Graston Technique® isn’t for everyone. Your doctor might caution against IASTM if you have contraindications to treatment.
Mild side effects include:
Discomfort or pain. Muscle scraping therapy can be slightly uncomfortable depending on the body part being treated. Soreness after is normal.
Bruising.
[4]
Trusted Source
Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation
Peer-reviewed journal
Internationally recognized journal
Go to sourcearound the treatment area can occur due to microtrauma or the amount of adhered tissue in the area.
Spontaneous connective tissue release. occurs when scar tissue, especially from older trauma, releases. This can trigger on a physical, mental or emotional level.
Redness. That looks somewhat like a sunburn is normal after muscle scraping therapy.
Contraindications
An Open wound
An Unhealed fracture
Thrombophlebitis
Uncontrolled hypertension
A hematoma
Osteomyelitis
Myositis ossificans
Hemophilia
How you prepare
Before IASTM (muscle scraping therapy), your practitioner will likely:
Review your medical history.Be prepared to answer questions in regards your condition, to prior treatment interventions, current medications, current or prior conditions, family history, etc.
Do a physical exam.an exam may include: vital signs, range of motion testing, or orthopedic testing.
Discuss your expectations.Talk about reasons for seeking treatment, risks, how many treatments you might need, and how long it will take for results.
Food and medications
There are no special precautions on diet or medications.
Clothing and personal items
Wear something so that the area of treatment is easily accessible.
Loose fitting clothing like stretchy fabric (leggings, yoga pants), sweatpants, gym shorts, shorts.
If possible, try to avoid wearing: tight clothing, dresses or skirts, pantyhose or shape-wear, jewelry, a suit jacket or tie, tight belts, layered, bulky or delicate clothing.
What to expect with Graston technique
The patient is either in a sitting position or lying down, depending on the area being treated. The practitioner uses stainless steel muscle scraping tools to find areas of fibrotic tissue and restriction. Fibrotic and restricted areas typically feel like sand or gravel as the tool passes over them.
After an area has been located, the practitioner uses the IASTM tools to scrap or rub the area using a variety of strokes and directions. The practitioner will usually spend 30 to 60 seconds on the area before moving on to another area.
While muscle scraping therapy like Graston Technique® is not intended to cause pain, there is some mild discomfort. If the treatment is not tolerable or is too uncomfortable, make sure to let your practitioner know.
After IASTM
After Graston Technique® muscle scraping, the skin the treated area may be slightly red and there can be some minor bruising.
The day following IASTM, it is normal to experience soreness and mild discomfort. To ease pain and discomfort after muscle scraping, apply a cold pack as needed.
Patients are able to return to normal activities immediately after muscle scraping.
Typically, patients usually get muscle scraping therapy like Graston Technique® twice a week for 4 to 5 weeks; however, frequency can change and is dependent upon the individual’s tolerance and reaction to treatment.
Results and success rates
Many patients start to see results after 3 or 4 sessions of muscle scraping therapy. While IASTM (muscle scraping therapy) and its results are dependent upon the practitioner’s level of skill, research shows that it can improve soft tissue function and ROM in acute or chronic sports injuries.
[3]
Studies suggest that muscle scraping, when used correctly, can significantly decrease pain. Since the first controlled research study in 1997,
[6]
Trusted Source
Journal of athletic training
Peer-reviewed journal
Respected United States Organization
Go to sourcethere has been much more research done to support using muscle scraping. Research additionally shows benefits of muscle scraping like Graston Technique® improving range of motion in healthy individuals and decreased pain and improved function in healthy and injured patients.
[6]
Trusted Source
Journal of athletic training
Peer-reviewed journal
Respected United States Organization
Go to sourceIn order to back up the information in our articles, Arizona Chiropractic & Holistic Health Center exclusively cites high-quality sources such as peer-reviewed research. We strive to provide accurate, dependable, and trustworthy content based on the best evidence avaliable.
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- Howitt, S., Jung, S., & Hammonds, N. (2009). Conservative treatment of a tibialis posterior strain in a novice triathlete: a case report.The Journal of the Canadian Chiropractic Association,53(1), 23–31. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19421350/
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