Instrument-assisted soft tissue work to break down restrictions and restore free, comfortable movement.

Scraping (IASTM)

What it is

Scraping, properly known as instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization (IASTM), uses specially designed tools to gently work across the skin and the tissue beneath. The technique lets your therapist apply precise, controlled pressure to restricted areas, breaking down adhesions and scar tissue in muscle and fascia while stimulating blood flow and a natural healing response.

What it helps

We use scraping for muscle tightness and chronic tension, scar tissue and adhesions, restricted fascia limiting your range of motion, and lingering pain from overuse. By loosening these restrictions, it helps improve flexibility and movement for both everyday comfort and athletic performance.

What to expect

Your therapist runs a smooth-edged tool over the target area using light to moderate pressure. It shouldn't be painful, though you may feel mild scratching or tenderness over tight spots. As with cupping, scraping can leave temporary redness or light marking that fades within a few days, a normal sign of increased circulation. There's no downtime, and we often pair it with other manual therapy and exercise for longer-lasting results.

MANUAL THERAPY

  • TISSUE MOBILIZATION

    Targeted hands-on work to release tight muscles and fascia, improve circulation, and restore mobility to restricted areas.

  • MYOFASCIAL RELEASE

    Sustained pressure on the connective tissue that surrounds your muscles, easing tension and improving how you move.

  • A person wearing glasses and a face mask pointing at a brain MRI scan on a lightbox, with other MRI images visible in the background.

    DRY NEEDLING

    Thin needles placed into trigger points to release muscle knots, reduce pain, and improve function. For stubborn, deep tension.

  • CUPPING

    Cups lift and decompress soft tissue to increase blood flow and relieve tightness, complementing hands-on work.

  • SCRAPING

    Instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization to break down adhesions and scar tissue to restore pain-free movement.

  • TAPING

    Kinesiology and supportive taping to offload injured tissue, improve movement awareness, and support you between sessions.

ADVANCED TECHNOLOGY

  • DIAGNOSTIC ULTRASOUND

    Real-time imaging that lets us look directly at muscles, tendons, and other soft tissue. We can assess an injury on the spot and guide treatment with a clearer picture of what's going on.

  • SHOCKWAVE THERAPY

    Acoustic wave therapy that stimulates healing in tendons and soft tissue, particularly effective for stubborn conditions like plantar fasciitis and tendinopathy that haven't responded to other care.

  • LASER THERAPY

    Targeted light therapy to reduce inflammation, ease pain, and accelerate tissue healing.

Get started with a free Atomic PT consultation

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