Published on June 22, 2023
What is Muscle Scraper?
A muscle scraper, also known as a gua sha tool and soft tissue mobilization tool, instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization (IASTM) tool, It is often made of stone, jade, or stainless steel. Muscle scrapers are used in traditional Chinese medicine to relieve pain, improve circulation, and promote healing. In the western world people also known it as a Graston tool, Use for break up adhesions, scar tissue, and fascial restrictions. Muscle scraper used by many practitioners on muscle therapy such as massage therapist, athletic trainer, physical therapist and personal trainers.
Muscle Scraper benefits
Reduces pain: Muscle scraping can help to reduce pain by breaking up adhesions and scar tissue, which can put pressure on nerves and other tissues.
Improves range of motion: Muscle scraping can help to improve range of motion by breaking up adhesions and scar tissue, which can restrict movement.
Promotes healing: Muscle scraping can help to promote healing by increasing blood flow to the area, which brings nutrients and oxygen to the tissues.
Reduces inflammation: Muscle scraping can help to reduce inflammation by breaking up adhesions and scar tissue, which can trap fluids and irritate the tissues.
How to use a muscle scraper?
Muscle scraping is generally safe for most people, but it is important to use caution if you have any open wounds or skin conditions. You should also avoid muscle scraping if you are pregnant or have a bleeding disorder.
Here are the steps on how to use a muscle scraper:
Choose a muscle scraper. There are many different types of muscle scrapers available, so it is important to choose one that is the right size and shape for you. You may want to try out a few different types to see which one feels the most comfortable.
Apply a lubricant. To help the muscle scraper glide smoothly over your skin, you may want to apply a lubricant such as massage oil or lotion.
Find a comfortable position. You can sit or lie down in a comfortable position. If you are sitting, you may want to place a pillow behind your back for support.
Locate the area of pain or tension. Once you are in a comfortable position, locate the area of pain or tension. You may want to use your fingers to press on the area to find the tender spots.
Start scraping. Hold the muscle scraper in your dominant hand and apply gentle pressure. Use long, smooth strokes to scrape over the area of pain or tension. You may want to start with light pressure and gradually increase the pressure as you get used to the technique.
Scraping in a circular motion. You can also scrape in a circular motion. To do this, hold the muscle scraper in your dominant hand and apply gentle pressure. Use small, circular motions to scrape over the area of pain or tension.
Scraping for 10-15 minutes. Scrape for 10-15 minutes, or until you feel the pain or tension start to dissipate.
Rest. After you are finished scraping, take a few minutes to rest. You may feel some soreness in the area that you scraped. This is normal and should go away within a few hours.
You can repeat this process as needed. If you are new to muscle scraping, you may want to start by scraping for 5-10 minutes and gradually increase the time as you get used to the technique.
Here are some additional tips for using a muscle scraper:
Don’t scrape over bones. Avoid scraping over bones, as this can cause pain.
Don’t scrape over open wounds. If you have an open wound, avoid scraping over it.
Don’t scrape too hard. It is important to apply gentle pressure when scraping. If you apply too much pressure, you can cause bruising or other injuries.
Listen to your body. If you feel any pain or discomfort, stop scraping.
Which muscle scraper should i choose?
Traditional stainless steel scrapers are cold and uncomfortable to use, requiring heating up the scraper in the hot water. It’s very thin and difficult to hold with use of massage lotions/oils and fatigues your hands with long term use. But now there is heated muscle scraper available to use, It combines scraping therapy and heat therapy in one device.Has three adjustable temperatures. Suitable for different body parts with different heat sensitivities. Warm up the muscle tissue faster, Very comfortable and pain free.
The bottom line
If you are looking for a natural way to improve your muscle function, reduce pain, and increase relaxation, muscle scraping may be a safe and effective option for you. The cons of muscle scraping can cause bruising and can be painful. But heated muscle scraper without painful.
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