Better U: Scrape Away the Pain

Ever tried to unwrinkle a shirt, or a bed sheet by only using your hands? You try so hard stretching it out, running your hands over it back and forth applying hard pressure to the area. Yup, that’s also muscle scraping. It definitely sounds like it hurts, but the post results are completely worth it. Muscles scraping can relieve discomfort, and loosen muscles to have better movement.

What is Muscle Scraping?

Muscle scraping is a form of soft tissue therapy that uses a smooth, specially designed tool to gently “scrape” over the skin and underlying muscles. This technique targets adhesions, scar tissue, and tight fascia that can limit movement and cause discomfort.

How It Works

• Breaks up adhesions: The scraping motion helps break down small knots or scar tissue that may form from injuries, overuse, or poor posture.

• Stimulates circulation: Increased blood flow brings oxygen and nutrients to the area, promoting faster healing.

• Relieves pain & tension: By reducing restrictions in the soft tissue, muscles can move more freely and with less discomfort.

• Improves mobility & performance: Regular sessions can enhance flexibility and range of motion, making it a great option for athletes and active individuals.

Who Can Benefit

Muscle scraping isn’t just for athletes! Anyone experiencing tension, soreness, or limited movement can benefit. It’s especially effective for:

• Runners, lifters, and weekend warriors dealing with sore muscles

• Desk workers with neck and shoulder tension

• People recovering from injuries or repetitive strain

What to Expect in a Session

At Better U Family, our trained providers will first assess U to understand your needs. A lubricant is applied to the skin to reduce friction, then a stainless-steel or composite tool is used in gentle, gliding strokes over the targeted area.

Sessions are typically quick, and results can often be felt right away and many members notice improved movement, reduced soreness, and an overall sense of relief. One of our Occupational Therapists, Andrei, often pairs muscle scraping with cupping to help release and reduce large adhesions. The difference is noticeable immediately after treatment.

Similar to trying to unwrinkle something with your hands, you can also think of it like rolling out dough: when baking, dough is rolled to press out air bubbles and create a smooth, even surface. Under your skin, adhesions and muscle “knots” can build up in a similar way. The scraper works to break them down, smooth them out, and restore better movement.

After your session you might notice some redness, that is completely normal, don’t worry! Here is why it happens:

• Increased blood flow: Scraping stimulates circulation in the targeted area. The redness (called erythema) is simply more blood rushing to the surface of the skin to promote healing.

• Breaking up adhesions: When the scraper glides over tight tissue or scarred fascia, it creates a mild inflammatory response. This is your body’s natural way of repairing and restoring the tissue.

• Release of metabolic waste: Tension and adhesions can trap waste products in the tissue. Scraping helps release them, and the redness is part of that flushing process.

• Microtrauma for healing: Similar to how a workout creates tiny muscle tears that heal stronger, scraping creates controlled microtrauma that signals the body to recover and rebuild.

Come in and try it out today! This is personally my second favorite treatment to get after cupping! And it is great that they follow up after each other. 

“The perfect opportunity does not exist.”