What I’ve come to learn is that many people have heard of scraping, but don’t know the actual name of the treatment, its purpose, or what conditions and symptoms might benefit from it.
On top of that, many people are hesitant to try these treatments because of the markings that can appear afterward. These marks are a natural response by the body, caused by small blood vessels breaking under the skin, creating what is known as petechiae. To be clear, these treatments are not designed to be painful. A skilled practitioner will always adjust pressure based on patient feedback to ensure comfort.
Gua Sha
- A 2,000-year-old Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) practice
- Uses smooth tools with a broader approach and consistent stroking motions
- Known for its holistic approach, focusing on overall wellness
- Traditionally aimed at promoting circulation, moving energy (Qi), and supporting the body’s natural healing processes
- Common treatment areas include the back, neck, shoulders, and forearms
Graston Technique
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- Developed in the early 1990s by David Graston, an athlete and chiropractor, and inspired by Gua Sha
- Uses specially designed stainless steel instruments with a variety of stroking techniques
- Primarily used for injury rehabilitation and breaking down scar tissue
- Petechiae can occur but is generally less common compared to Gua Sha
- Common treatment areas include the neck, shoulders, hamstrings, quadriceps, calves, and feet
As you can see, these techniques are similar in many ways, but they also have distinct differences. By far, the most common treatment areas are the neck and back—which is no surprise, given my role as a chiropractor.
Over my 15+ years of treating patients, I’ve found that when you address soft tissue restrictions, spinal adjustments become easier, and patients often feel relief more quickly.
If you have any questions or want to schedule an appointment give our office a call at 515-277-2377 or request an appointment on our website.
Blog by Dr. Abbie Mork at Price Performance Chiropractic
