Evidence for muscle scraping tools (instrument soft tissue mobilization)

Evidence continues to emerge regarding using scraping tools for managing pain, improving Range of Motion, or using tools after surgery to decrease adhesions. Histological studies have show microtearing of adhesions with muscle scraping tools, but RCT studies showing how this effects someone with elbow tendonitis, after an ankle sprain or a post surgical scar adhesion are limited. Lets be clear that proper tissue loading through strengthening is the cornerstone to healing and health. As a Doctor of Physical Therapy, I use both strengthening and manual therapy to help my patients with pain, function and healing.

In my practice, I use scraping tools to help desensitize tissue through neurological changes, improve mobility, decrease trigger points and improve circulation. I also have found it very helpful to improve tissue mobility of scar adhesions, such as after knee replacement, or elbow surgery, and reduce pain from adhesions such as abdominal adhesions and mastectomy scar adhesions, leading to improved patient function.

Conclusions from a meta-analysis and select Randomized Controlled studies

https://search.pedro.org.au/search-results/record-detail/50506

“CONCLUSIONS: These outcomes support the idea that IASTM may have an impact on physiological changes by providing an increase in blood flow, reduction in tissue viscosity, myofascial release, interruption of pain receptors, and improvement of flexibility of underlying tissue.””

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40412751/

Conclusion: IASTM effectively improved pain, ROM, upper extremity function, and kinesiophobia in the short term after arthroscopic RCR. Therefore, adding IASTM to rehabilitation programs after arthroscopic RCR may obtain more effective results.”

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40325639/

“Conclusion: Overall, IASTM-GT acutely enhances DF ROM, vertical jump, and balance performance by improving PF muscle flexibility in professional football players. While no significant muscle strength improvement was observed, IASTM-GT may support injury prevention, performance enhancement, and rehabilitation.”

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41263714/

“Conclusion: An IASTM treatment with warm-up immediately reduced PF symptoms, increased weight-bearing 1st MTPJ and ankle ROM in both groups, and decreased group differences in origin thickness.”