Muscle Scraping in Kansas City
Muscle scraping uses a smooth-edged handheld tool to work on tight muscles and the fascia around them. Dr. Kowin Casey evaluates you first and decides with you whether it belongs in your plan.
What Is Muscle Scraping?
Muscle scraping is the common name for instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization, often shortened to IASTM. A smooth, rounded tool is glided over the skin along a tight or sore area, with a lotion or gel so it moves easily. The tool lets pressure be applied evenly along a muscle and the fascia, the connective tissue that surrounds it.
It is used most often for muscle tightness, soreness and restricted movement, including the overuse problems common in sport and in physical jobs. It is closely related to the hands-on soft tissue care the practice already offers, such as Active Release Technique and myofascial release, and it can be combined with them.
At KC Wellness and Physiotherapy, muscle scraping is one part of a broader plan. The practice's approach is to look for the underlying causes of pain and restricted movement, so muscle scraping can be paired with stretching, therapeutic exercise and chiropractic care when they fit your needs.
Muscle Scraping May Be Worth Asking About If You Have
- Tight, knotted muscles in the back, neck, shoulders or legs
- Soreness or stiffness that limits how far you can move
- An overuse problem from sport, training or repetitive work
- Tightness that keeps returning in the same spot
- A goal of moving more freely alongside your exercise program
What to Expect
- An evaluation with Dr. Casey to check that muscle scraping fits your condition
- A smooth-edged tool glided over the skin with a lotion or gel
- Pressure adjusted to your comfort throughout, so speak up at any time
- Muscle scraping that can be combined with Active Release Technique, stretching, therapeutic exercise and chiropractic care
- Stretches and exercises to support your progress between visits
How Dr. Casey Approaches Muscle Scraping
Evaluation by Dr. Casey
Dr. Casey reviews your history and examines how you move to find what is driving your tightness or pain. He also screens for reasons muscle scraping should be avoided, so it is only used where it is appropriate.
A Personalized Plan
When muscle scraping fits, it is matched to the area that needs attention and paired with other care, such as Active Release Technique, stretching and therapeutic exercise.
Ongoing Support and Education
You learn stretches and exercises to keep your progress going between visits, and your plan is adjusted as you improve.
Benefits
May Ease Muscle Tightness
Muscle scraping is widely used to help tight muscles and fascia loosen up, which may make movement feel easier.
Even, Targeted Pressure
The tool lets pressure be applied smoothly along a muscle and around a joint, including areas that are hard to work on by hand.
Works With Your Other Care
Muscle scraping can be combined with Active Release Technique, myofascial release, therapeutic exercise and chiropractic care in one plan.
Non-Invasive
Nothing is injected and the skin is not broken. A lotion or gel helps the tool glide over the skin.
What to Expect
Before Your Session
Share your health history and medications. Tell us if you take blood thinners, bruise easily, have a bleeding disorder, or have a rash, a sunburn, broken skin or varicose veins over the area to be treated.
During Your Session
You will feel firm pressure and a scraping sensation. Tell us at any time if it is too much, and it will be adjusted.
Afterward
Some redness is common, and small red marks or mild soreness can appear afterward. They usually fade on their own over the following days. Drink water and keep up with your exercises.
About the practice
KC Wellness and Physiotherapy was founded by Dr. Kowin Casey, DC, a chiropractic physician who received a certification in physiotherapy with an emphasis in sports rehabilitation.
Common Questions About Muscle Scraping (IASTM)
What is muscle scraping?
Muscle scraping is the common name for instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization (IASTM). A smooth-edged tool is glided over the skin to work on tight muscles and the fascia around them.
Does muscle scraping hurt?
You will feel firm pressure and a scraping sensation. It can feel uncomfortable over very tight areas, but it should not be sharply painful. The pressure is adjusted to your comfort, so tell us at any time.
Will muscle scraping leave marks?
Redness during and right after a session is common, and some people notice small red dots or light bruising. These usually fade on their own over the following days.
How is muscle scraping different from Active Release Technique or massage?
All three are soft tissue care. Active Release Technique and massage are done by hand, while muscle scraping uses a tool to apply pressure along the muscle. They can be combined in one plan.
Who should not have muscle scraping?
It is not right for everyone. It is generally avoided over broken or irritated skin, a recent injury with swelling, varicose veins, or an area with a blood clot. Tell Dr. Casey if you take blood thinners or bruise easily, and he will decide at your evaluation whether it fits you.
How do I ask about cost for muscle scraping?
Call our office at (913) 424-2410 before your visit to ask about cost and whether your insurance plan covers it.
Related Services
Related Service
Active Release Technique & Myofascial Release
Hands-on soft tissue work for tight, restricted muscles and the fascia around them.
Related Service
Massage Therapy
Therapeutic massage for tight, overworked muscles and everyday tension, also offered at our office.
Related Service
Sports Injury Care & Team Physicals
Care for sports injuries, including the overuse problems muscle scraping is often used for.
Ask About Muscle Scraping
Request an appointment online or call our office at (913) 424-2410 to find out whether muscle scraping fits your care. We are at 1815 Grand Blvd. in Kansas City.