New Skills Unlocked: Myofascial Cupping & Scraping

Over the last couple of years, I have added new techniques and instruments to my practice, including myofascial cupping and scraping techniques. In June 2023, I took a Graston Technique intensive, and in April 2024 I trained in myofascial cupping. Using these new instruments and tools has added depth to my practice. The results can differ from manual massage therapy as they help me access areas of the soft tissue that may be harder to reach with my hands alone. For example, some muscle fibers don’t want to be squished, and it can be both painful and ineffective to try. Sometimes they need to be untangled, “brushed”, or lifted. That would be when cupping or scraping would come into play. 

Why I began using tools in my practice…

Sometimes muscles are tight and stubborn, and using my hands alone isn’t as effective as I feel it could be. In certain cases, manual myofascial release techniques only get me so far, and it can be painful for the client (and the practitioner) to try deeper pressure. After practicing massage therapy for over 10 years, I have begun to feel the physical wear and tear on my own body. I wanted to find a way to preserve and take care of my body, while continuing to improve and develop my practice.
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In my career as a massage therapist, I have had many deep tissue clients that want me to apply pressure as hard as possible. I’ve been happy to oblige that request, and was proud of my ability to do so for years. Unfortunately, I can’t do that forever. Furthermore, I have learned that applying too much pressure has the potential to backfire. As good as deeper pressure may feel to some people, the force can be too intense for the nervous system, resulting in muscles tightening up unconsciously to “fight back”. When that happens, massage may become extremely unhelpful and/or painful. As a side note, deep tissue massage doesn’t always have to mean deep pressure. Often using deeper pressure isn’t as effective as one might think.

Cupping: What is it, what does it do, and how do I use it?

Cupping therapy, also called myofascial decompression, is an ancient technique, going back as far as 5500 years. It is said to have been used in Ancient Egypt, Macedonia, Greece, Rome, China, and India. Over time it has moved through many parts of the world, with varying techniques and purposes. Traditionally fire was used to create suction, while today a hand pump is more common. Cups–typically made of plastic, silicone, or glass–are used to create suction or negative pressure, which makes space between the layers of tissue and muscle fibers.
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I use a handheld vacuum pump and plastic cups, placing cups directly over the tissue that is being worked on. The vacuum lifts the tissue and helps to separate “stuck” muscle fibers and fascia. Cupping often helps to relieve muscle tension, improve mobility, decrease inflammation, and increase circulation to the targeted areas thus facilitating the healing of connective tissue.

My experience using myofascial cupping with clients…

I used to experience sessions where it felt like the tissue was asking for something that I couldn’t give. During such sessions, I felt tight and stuck tissue that wouldn’t move no matter how hard I dug my elbow in. Now when I apply myofascial cupping in these circumstances, I find the technique works much better than deep pressure, and clients have observed a  noticeable difference as well. It’s not only made my job easier, but I have been able to accomplish so much more in a shorter amount of time with several of my clients.

Instrument Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization aka Myofascial Scraping

Myofascial scraping is a technique that uses specially designed beveled edge tools to apply strokes to the fascia and connective tissue. It is believed to have origins in Gua Sha, a traditional Chinese medicine practice designed to stimulate healing by boosting circulation to affected areas using objects such as soup spoons and polished stones. IASTM is somewhat different as its primary goal is to address myofascial restrictions, and the instruments are usually made of stainless steel. These instruments are used to target deeper layers of tissue, such as damaged or frayed muscles and tendons, as well as scar tissue.

IASTM has been found to decrease pain and muscle tension, improve range of motion, break down adhesions and scar tissue, increase blood flow and lymphatic drainage, and ultimately promote tissue regeneration. The Graston TechniqueⓇ is a specific style of IASTM that was designed to identify, stretch, separate, and break down fascial adhesions and scar tissue. It has a specific protocol and specialized stainless steel instruments with convex and concave designs that may differ from other IASTM methods.

In my practice, I integrate what I’ve learned in my Graston training into my sessions, using Graston shaped instruments as well as others I may have found. I use them to apply pressured brushing and sweeping strokes to the surface of the skin, which creates a “detangling” effect in the soft tissue beneath. This breaks up any tissue that may feel glued or stuck and helps frayed fibers in the muscle fascia to heal and reintegrate. The scraping action is also known to kickstart the body’s natural healing process, thus helping the body repair itself.

My experience using myofascial scraping with clients…

I find that IASTM and scraping techniques can be a way to get down into the deeper layers of fascia that are normally harder to get to. Or at least a less intense way, as the sensation is usually much more subtle than people expect. I have had a few clients request this technique when an area is too tender or painful to work on with manual massage. The results of using IASTM are often profound, with several people reporting a feeling of relief they didn’t think possible. 

Manual massage therapy may achieve incredible results on its own, but sometimes circumstances call for reinforcement. Adding both cupping and scraping techniques to my massage practice has made things easier for both my clients’ bodies and mine. There is no need for unnecessary pain for anyone when a less painful and potentially more effective treatment can be used. I’m thrilled to have integrated these new skills into my work. 

If you’re interested in trying one or both of these techniques with me, just let me know at the beginning of your next session. I am always available if you have further questions on these practices and if they’re suitable for your particular concerns. Either way, I look forward to connecting with you soon! Please book an appointment by clicking here. 

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