Massage Therapy
Therapeutic massage for muscle tension, soreness, stress, recovery, and relaxation.
- Muscle tension
- Stress
- Soreness
Gua sha and scraping therapy in Maple Ridge.
Gua sha and instrument-assisted soft tissue scraping use a smooth-edged tool along the skin to work on tight or restricted tissue, and may be combined with massage, stretching, or exercise as part of your care.
- ICBC Accepted
- WSBC Support
- Direct Billing
- Open Evenings
- Multidisciplinary Care
About the treatment
What are gua sha and scraping?
Gua sha is a traditional East Asian technique in which a smooth-edged tool is stroked firmly along lubricated skin. Instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization (IASTM) is a similar approach used in rehab settings, often with stainless steel tools shaped to fit different parts of the body.
Both are used to work on tight or restricted muscles and connective tissue, and are usually combined with stretching, exercise or massage in the same session. The tool lets your practitioner apply focused pressure and feel for areas of restriction.
Firm gua sha strokes can bring up small red or purple spots on the skin, known as petechiae or "sha". Scraping in a rehab setting is often lighter and may only cause temporary redness. Research is still developing and results are mixed, so scraping is best used as one part of a broader plan.
What treatment may include
Gua sha
Firm strokes with a smooth tool along the muscles, a technique from Traditional Chinese Medicine.
Instrument-assisted scraping (IASTM)
Lighter, targeted strokes with shaped steel tools, common in sports and rehab care.
Stretching and mobility
Stretching or movement right after scraping, while the tissues feel looser.
Strengthening
Exercises that build on the change and support longer-term progress.
What we can help with
Is this right for you?
Gua Sha & Scraping may support a range of concerns. Your practitioner will assess your needs and recommend an appropriate plan.
Muscle tightness
Restricted soft tissue mobility
Tendon-related irritation
Scar tissue mobility
Post-exercise muscle soreness
What to expect
Your visit, step by step.
- 1
Assessment
Your practitioner looks at the area, how it moves, and what may be contributing to your symptoms.
- 2
Suitability check
They check your skin and screen for reasons scraping may not suit you.
- 3
Scraping treatment
A lotion or oil is applied, and the tool is stroked along the tissue at a pressure you are comfortable with.
- 4
Movement or exercise follow-up
Stretching or exercise follows to make the most of the treatment.
- 5
Progress review
Your response is reviewed and the approach adjusted.
Before your visit
Good to know.
- Redness is normal. If small spots appear, they typically fade over a few days.
- Scraping is not done over broken skin, rashes, sunburn, bruises, or areas of recent injury.
- Tell your practitioner if you take blood thinners, bruise easily, or have a bleeding or skin condition.
- Wear clothing that gives easy access to the area being treated.
Why Kinetic Therapy
Connected care, all in one place.
Because our physiotherapists, RMTs, and a kinesiologist work under one roof, your gua sha care can be coordinated with other treatments when helpful — so your recovery feels more connected and complete.
Related services
You might also consider
Cupping Therapy
Suction-based soft tissue treatment that may help ease muscle tension and support recovery.
- Muscle tension and tightness
- Neck, shoulder, and upper back tension
- Low back tightness
Physiotherapy
Personalized care for pain, injury recovery, mobility, strength, and return to daily activity.
- Back pain
- Neck pain
- Shoulder pain
FAQ
Common questions.
Gua sha is a traditional technique, and instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization (IASTM) is a similar approach used in rehab settings. Both use a smooth-edged tool to work on soft tissue, and your practitioner will explain the approach used in your session.
Didn't find your answer?
Gua Sha & Scraping in Maple Ridge and nearby. Patients travel to our 238B Street clinic from across the area — see what care looks like in Pitt Meadows, Albion, Silver Valley and Websters Corners, or browse every area we serve.
Ready to start feeling better?
Book online in minutes, or contact our team if you're not sure which service is right for you.