This article on ‘What is ‘Muscle Scraping’ & Who Needs It?’ may contain affiliate links to products. This means I may receive a small commission should you buy a product I mention. However, this does not increase the pricing for you
As gyms open back up, you may start to see some new recovery tricks people learned while in quarantine. Muscle scraping isn’t new to the recovery side of fitness, but its growing popularity sure is.
In the world of physical therapists and licensed providers, they know it as the Graston Technique or instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization (IASTM).
To clarify, the Graston Technique is a type of muscle scraping with specialized training, tools, and protocols. For the sake of this article, I will be specifically focused on the Graston Technique and its benefits.
Remember, like my other articles, this is not meant to be used as an alternative to medical advice from your healthcare provider. This is me simply sharing my experience with you. Consult your healthcare provider with any questions or concerns you may have before muscle scraping of any kind.
The information I provided is not meant to treat or diagnose any medical conditions. Please consult your primary doctor for all recommendations and questions that you may have before any muscle scraping. The views and opinions here are based either on my own personal experience, preference, and/or research. (full medical disclaimer)
The Graston Technique is a form of IASTM (instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization) used after an acute injury or during rehabilitation. The goal of the Graston Technique, during acute injury, is to decrease edema, pain, and improve the range of motion of the affected area.
What makes the Graston Technique stand out from traditional muscle scraping is the unique tools and protocols used.
Tools & Protocols
The tools are stainless steel and specially designed with curves and shapes to find and target muscle restrictions.
Secondly is the protocol. The Graston Technique is more than just muscle scraping that you may see at the gym or on YouTube. It’s a collective therapeutic process. This process includes:
- Cardiovascular warm-up to the tissue/area
- Graston Massage
- Light stretching + light resistance training
- Finished with a small cryo(cold) therapy session
Photo by Andrea Piacquadio from Pexels
The cardiovascular warm-up increases blood flow to the affected area which promotes a healing environment.
With Graston Massage, the practitioner will determine which tools they need to treat the area. They use specific stroke techniques to treat and target this particular area.
Then light stretching and resistance training are used to complement the previous work done and check for effectiveness. This helps promote proper movement through the treated area.
Lastly, cryotherapy or some type of cold treatment can be used. Practitioners use this to help minimize any minor swelling, bruising, or redness in the treated area. These are not expected, but rather, possible effects of the treatment of ‘muscle scraping’ that occurs in the process.
How Does it Work?
Using specialized instruments and stroke techniques for Graston Technique, practitioners can better target unique areas.
Think of a masseuse using both hands to work on your body. That’s a lot of ground to cover and hard to get into smaller places with their hands. Picture that masseuse using more direct, nearly pinpoint devices to target your pain. This allows them to work in smaller, tighter areas.
By using the trained method, the practitioner will rub or brush against the area of difficulty. Doing this creates vibrations for them to feel for in order to target the area more specifically. Once they go back over the identified area, they create what is called microtrauma to the site.
Don’t let the trauma part scare you off. It may seem aggressive, but it’s actually promoting blood flow to the area. Simultaneously, it’s remodeling any knots, scar tissue, or other adhesions. This process can help restart the healing process in that area. (1)
Remember, this type of therapy produces better results when paired with other conjunctive therapies. You’ll likely see it paired with stretching, acupuncture, cupping, and dry needling to name a few. (2)
Who can Benefit From ‘Muscle Scraping’?
Muscle scraping when generalized to the mass public has not been widely studied enough. However, it’s gaining popularity fast as a new recovery method anyone can do. Do not jump on the bandwagon just yet. Let’s clarify a few things first.
Photo by Florian Doppler from Pexels
The Graston Technique has provided many positive outcomes for the following cases:
- Lower back pain and strains
- Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
- Cervical Sprains/Strains
- Rotator Cuff Tendinosis
- Tennis Elbow
- Shin Splints
- Achilles Tendinosis
- Plantar Fasciitis
That being said, if these apply to you, you should be seeking professional help to recover efficiently. Consult with your primary doctor or therapist before performing any ‘muscle scraping’ on yourself.
You risk adding more to the injury site if you are not careful.
Can You Perform it On Yourself?
This takes us back to the beginning when we pictured people coming out of quarantine with this new skill. The answer is: it depends.
Ask yourself these questions first. Am I trained to do so? Where is the injury located?
Do not perform ANY version of ‘muscle scraping’ without first being trained to do so or without the right tools. Secondly, you need clearance from your doctor or therapist that it’s okay as well. Make sure the person you’re receiving muscle scraping from is properly trained and certified.
Secondly, where is the injury located?.
Depending on the location you may not be able to reach it or reach it and maintain proper body alignment for scraping. Certain areas need to be in specific alignments in order to be worked on. So if you’re certified, have medical clearance, and can maintain correct alignment- go for it.
Use the above two questions to help you figure out if general ‘muscle scraping’ fits your needs. Chances are if you need it, seeking help from a trained practitioner will be your best bet. It also doesn’t hurt to learn a new skill that could help you in the short and long term.
Just because it works for someone else does not mean it’ll work for you.
Where Can You Find A ‘Muscle Scraping’ Provider?
Check your local gyms or nearby outpatient therapy centers. They probably have resources for clinicians they utilize or recommend. Make sure they are properly certified and trained, and that you’ve discussed this with your doctor.
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