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Cement Floor

Dr. Jennifer L. Ng
DACM, MS, LAc, CES

Gua Sha
Graston Technique
Muscle Scraping

Cement Floor

What is Gua Sha?

Instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization (IASTM) such as Graston Technique is a form of manual therapy whose origins are rooted in a traditional Chinese medicine modality called Gua Sha. Our San Francisco Gua Sha and Graston Technique therapies are similar to standard massage but utilize specialized tools in the place of the practitioner’s hands. 
 
Firm pressure is applied to the smooth-edged instruments as the instruments glide across the tissue in a scraping manner. In doing so, red or purple spots, or petechiae, may appear on the surface of the skin. Lotion or a similar lubricant is often applied to the skin to allow the tools to glide more freely. Our San Francisco Graston Technique and Gua Sha therapies can be used to treat both large and smaller, more targeted areas. By using tools of different shapes and sizes, as well as applying the tools with varying angles and degrees of pressure, the practitioner can focus on treating specific layers of soft tissue.
 

What does Gua Sha do?

Cement Floor

Through the use of these specialized tools, both Gua Sha and Graston Technique allow for more direct treatment of the muscles, fascia and connective tissue, ligaments, and tendons. Specifically, Gua Sha and Graston Technique use the instruments to assess the quality of the soft tissues, identifying and treating areas with restrictions and adhesions. These restrictions and adhesions can develop as a result of trauma, repetitive overuse, poor posture, and muscle imbalances. 
 
The gliding and scraping action of the instruments in Gua Sha and Graston Technique produce microtrauma to the affected tissues. This stimulates a local inflammatory response, which in turn, initiates the reabsorption of unhealthy tissue and promotes tissue remodeling and healthy tissue production. As a result, our San Francisco Gua Sha and Graston Technique treatments have been shown to decrease pain, improve circulation, and increase range of motion.


 

What are the benefits of Gua Sha?

  1. Pain relief: Gua Sha in San Francisco can help alleviate pain associated with soft tissue injuries and musculoskeletal conditions. The controlled pressure applied to the affected area can reduce muscle tension and trigger the body's natural pain-relieving mechanisms.
     

  2. Improved tissue mobility: The application of Gua Sha can help release knots and trigger points and mobilize scar tissue that may have formed due to injuries or repetitive stress. By doing so, it can improve tissue flexibility and mobility, leading to increased range of motion.
     

  3. Enhanced circulation: Our San Francisco Gua Sha treatments can stimulate blood flow to the treated area, which promotes tissue healing and the removal of metabolic waste products. Improved circulation can accelerate the recovery process.
     

  4. Faster recovery from injuries: Gua Sha may aid in the rehabilitation of soft tissue injuries, such as sprains, strains, and tendinitis. By addressing tissue restrictions and promoting healing, it can help individuals recover more efficiently.
     

  5. Improved athletic performance: Athletes often use Gua Sha and Graston Technique as part of their training and recovery routines. It can help prevent injuries, reduce muscle soreness, and enhance overall athletic performance by maintaining optimal tissue health.
     

  6. Complementary treatment: Gua Sha is often used in conjunction with other therapeutic techniques, such as traditional acupuncture, dry needling, electroacupuncture, ear acupuncture, and cupping. It can enhance the effects of other treatments and contribute to a comprehensive rehabilitation plan.
     

  7. Non-invasive approach: Gua Sha and Graston Technique in San Francisco provide non-invasive alternatives to traditional surgery or more aggressive treatments for certain soft tissue injuries and conditions.

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