TL;DR: Key Takeaways
IASTM stands for Instrument-Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilisation. It involves using a specially designed tool to apply controlled pressure to soft tissues.
IASTM may help improve range of motion and manage some musculoskeletal symptoms, but research findings are mixed and the evidence is not conclusive.
Muscle scraping does not need to cause bruising, severe pain or visible marks to be useful.
IASTM does not physically break apart scar tissue or trigger points, despite some claims you may see online.
At My Massage Therapist in Liverpool, NSW, IASTM is used when appropriate as part of a sports or remedial massage appointment, not as a standalone treatment.
Assessment, exercise and practical movement advice may also form part of treatment depending on your needs.
You might have seen videos of athletes having a metal tool scraped across their calves, shoulders or thighs. Sometimes the skin turns bright red, and the person receiving treatment looks uncomfortable.
It's commonly called muscle scraping, but the technique is more accurately known as Instrument-Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilisation (IASTM).
So, what is IASTM muscle scraping, and does it actually work?
IASTM is a hands-on technique that uses a specially designed instrument to apply controlled pressure to soft tissues. It may be useful for some people experiencing muscular tension or movement restrictions, but it isn't a miracle treatment.
The research is still developing, and the technique should be used for a clear reason rather than automatically included in every massage.
What Is IASTM Muscle Scraping?
IASTM is a soft-tissue treatment technique that uses a specially designed instrument instead of relying entirely on the therapist's hands.
The instrument is moved across the skin using controlled pressure and different treatment strokes.
Depending on the technique, the tool may be used over areas such as the calves, quadriceps, hamstrings, forearms or shoulders.
The aim is generally to influence soft-tissue symptoms or movement comfort as part of a broader treatment approach.
A 2024 systematic review examined the effects of IASTM on range of motion in people with and without musculoskeletal conditions.
The review included nine randomised controlled trials involving 450 participants. It found possible improvements in range of motion, although the certainty of the evidence was low or very low.
That means IASTM may be useful in some circumstances, but we should be careful about making strong claims.
Is IASTM the Same as Graston Technique?
IASTM is the broader name for instrument-assisted soft-tissue treatment.
Graston Technique is a particular branded approach that uses instruments and specific treatment methods.
Not every therapist who uses IASTM is providing Graston Technique, and the two terms should not automatically be treated as interchangeable.
At My Massage Therapist, I refer to the service as IASTM or muscle scraping.
Does IASTM Muscle Scraping Actually Work?
IASTM may help some people improve range of motion or manage certain musculoskeletal symptoms, but the evidence is mixed and does not establish that it works better than other appropriate treatments.
The 2024 range-of-motion review reported possible benefits for joint mobility.
However, the authors noted limitations in the available studies, including low certainty in the findings.
A more recent 2026 systematic review examined 20 randomised controlled trials investigating IASTM for musculoskeletal disorders.
The review considered outcomes such as pain, function and range of motion.
While some findings were favourable, differences between studies and limitations in the evidence mean the results should not be interpreted as proof that IASTM is necessary or superior for everyone.
This is why I don't believe muscle scraping should automatically be the first treatment choice.
It is one technique that may be considered after assessing your symptoms and movement.
Does IASTM Improve Flexibility?
IASTM may produce short-term improvements in range of motion for some people, but that doesn't necessarily mean the treatment has permanently changed the length or structure of a muscle.
For example, someone might find an ankle movement more comfortable after treatment around the calf.
That change could be useful for their immediate movement goals.
However, it doesn't prove that a particular tissue restriction has been permanently removed.
The available research suggests possible mobility benefits, but longer-term effects and the best treatment protocols remain uncertain.
How Does IASTM Work?
IASTM applies mechanical pressure to the skin and underlying soft tissues using a treatment instrument.
The exact mechanisms behind any improvements in pain or movement are not fully established.
Changes in sensation, pain sensitivity and tolerance to movement may contribute to how someone responds.
Some explanations online suggest that scraping physically destroys scar tissue or mechanically removes restrictions.
Those claims go beyond what the evidence can reliably demonstrate.
A person may experience an improvement in movement without the therapist having physically altered the structure of the tissue in the way those explanations suggest.
For me, the practical question is whether a technique is appropriate for the person's presentation and whether it contributes to a useful treatment outcome.
Does Muscle Scraping Break Down Scar Tissue?
No reliable evidence establishes that routine IASTM treatment physically breaks scar tissue apart.
Scar tissue is a normal part of the body's response to injury or surgery.
Some people may experience stiffness or sensitivity around previously injured areas, but that does not mean aggressive scraping is required.
In particular, recently injured tissue, surgical sites or areas that have not fully recovered may need a different approach.
The goal should be comfortable, appropriate treatment rather than attempting to force a structural change.
Is IASTM Supposed to Hurt or Leave Bruises?
No. IASTM does not need to cause severe pain, bruising or visible marks to be effective.
Some people experience a firm scraping sensation or temporary tenderness during treatment.
The skin may also become slightly red.
However, the amount of redness is not a reliable measure of whether treatment has worked.
Aggressive pressure can irritate sensitive tissue and may increase the risk of bruising.
The NCCIH massage safety guidance notes that serious adverse effects from massage are uncommon, but vigorous soft-tissue treatment may carry additional risks in some circumstances.
Although this guidance covers massage more broadly rather than IASTM specifically, it reinforces the importance of selecting appropriate treatment pressure.
If you're receiving IASTM and the pressure feels too intense, you should speak up.
The technique can be adjusted or stopped.
Why Do Some Muscle Scraping Videos Show Red Marks?
Redness can occur when pressure and friction affect the skin and superficial blood vessels.
Some scraping approaches deliberately produce visible marks, but that is not the goal of IASTM at My Massage Therapist.
Visible marks don't tell us whether your movement has improved or whether the treatment has helped your symptoms.
I don't use bruising as a measure of treatment success.
What Conditions Might IASTM Be Used For?
IASTM may be considered for certain presentations involving muscular tension, overuse-related discomfort or movement restrictions.
That doesn't mean every person with these symptoms needs scraping.
Depending on the assessment, areas where IASTM might be considered include:
Calf tightness or restricted ankle movement.
Forearm muscular tension associated with repetitive gripping.
Quadriceps or hamstring tightness.
Shoulder or upper-back muscular restrictions.
Selected training-related overuse complaints.
The decision should depend on the individual, their symptoms and the purpose of treatment.
For example, if a lifter experiences difficulty getting into a comfortable squat position, it may be useful to assess the ankles, hips and relevant movement patterns before deciding whether soft-tissue treatment is appropriate.
Likewise, someone with forearm discomfort from repetitive work may benefit from a broader approach that considers workload and strength rather than relying on scraping alone.
My IASTM service explains how the technique may be incorporated into treatment.
A Real Example: IASTM for a Runner With Achilles-Region Discomfort
One case involved a 42-year-old recreational runner who had experienced left Achilles-region discomfort for approximately six months.
He was also dealing with morning stiffness and reduced ankle dorsiflexion, which is the movement that brings your foot upwards towards your shin.
Rather than focusing only on the painful area, the session considered the calf, ankle movement and the demands of running.
What Did the Treatment Involve?
IASTM was used for approximately three minutes around the Achilles and calf musculotendinous region, using light-to-moderate pressure.
It was one part of a broader remedial massage appointment.
The session also included:
Hands-on treatment around the calf and foot.
Passive ankle stretching.
Eccentric calf-raise exercises.
This matters because the session involved several interventions, not just muscle scraping.
What Was the Result?
In this individual case, ankle dorsiflexion increased by approximately 15 degrees immediately after treatment.
At the one-week follow-up, the client reported roughly 50% less morning stiffness.
He had also completed a light 3 km run with minimal discomfort.
Those were encouraging results for that particular client.
However, it would be inaccurate to attribute the improvement entirely to IASTM.
The broader hands-on treatment, exercises and the client's activity management may also have contributed.
It's a useful example of how I approach treatment: IASTM can be one component, but it isn't necessarily the most important part.
How Is IASTM Used at My Massage Therapist?
At My Massage Therapist, IASTM is a brief technique that may be incorporated into sports or remedial massage when the assessment indicates it is appropriate.
It is not a separate bookable appointment.
1. Assessment Comes First
I'll discuss your symptoms, work or training demands and what you're hoping to achieve.
Depending on your presentation, I may assess relevant range of motion, strength or movement.
For example, if you're experiencing calf tightness during running, I may consider ankle movement and the activities that aggravate your symptoms.
2. Selecting an Appropriate Technique
If IASTM is suitable, I may use it over a relevant area as part of the hands-on treatment.
A typical application takes approximately two to five minutes per specific area.
The pressure is adjusted to the area being treated and your response.
Not every painful or tight area needs scraping.
3. Combining Treatment Approaches
IASTM may be used alongside other suitable soft-tissue techniques during your sports massage or remedial massage appointment.
Depending on your needs, this might involve targeted massage, trigger point techniques or other appropriate hands-on treatment.
4. Reassessment and Movement Advice
Where appropriate, I'll reassess relevant movement following treatment.
I may also recommend exercises, stretching or activity modifications when appropriate and when appointment time permits.
My exercise prescription approach is designed to support practical movement and self-management alongside treatment.
The aim is to consider what you can do outside the clinic, not just what happens during the appointment.
Is IASTM Better Than Regular Massage?
There isn't enough consistent high-quality evidence to say that IASTM is generally better than regular massage for everyone.
Both approaches may be used to address muscular discomfort or movement-related symptoms, but their suitability depends on the individual.
The 2026 IASTM review examined a range of musculoskeletal outcomes, but the available research does not establish that every person would benefit more from scraping than from other appropriate approaches.
Similarly, a sports massage meta-analysis found some evidence of small improvements in flexibility and delayed-onset muscle soreness following sports massage, without clear direct improvements in athletic performance.
The two bodies of research do not establish that one approach is universally superior.
For me, the choice is about what makes sense after assessment.
If targeted massage and movement advice are more appropriate, there is no reason to include scraping simply because it looks more specialised.
Who Should Avoid IASTM Muscle Scraping?
IASTM may be unsuitable or require modification for people with certain health conditions, skin problems or increased bleeding risks.
Examples include:
Bleeding disorders or a tendency to bruise easily.
Use of blood-thinning medication.
Broken, irritated or compromised skin.
Recent injuries or unhealed tissue.
Recent surgical sites.
Certain sensitive anatomical areas.
Medical conditions that affect the suitability of pressure-based treatment.
These are reasons to discuss your health history before treatment, not a universal rule that everyone with one of these factors can never receive massage.
Some situations may require avoiding IASTM, using another technique or seeking appropriate medical advice.
If you have unexplained pain, progressive neurological symptoms or a suspected significant injury, assessment by an appropriate healthcare professional may be needed before hands-on treatment.
How Many IASTM Sessions Do You Need?
There is no reliable universal number of IASTM sessions that guarantees a particular result.
The number of appointments, and whether scraping is used again, depends on your symptoms, response and goals.
At My Massage Therapist, I don't follow an automatic scraping schedule.
If IASTM is used during one appointment, its future use depends on reassessment and how you respond.
Someone with temporary muscular tightness may have very different needs from someone experiencing persistent symptoms that interfere with work or training.
The available IASTM research also varies in treatment frequency, duration and application methods, which makes it difficult to recommend one standard protocol for everyone.
The priority is selecting treatment based on your presentation rather than booking a fixed number of scraping sessions.
IASTM Muscle Scraping in Liverpool NSW
IASTM can be a useful addition to sports or remedial massage for some people, particularly when muscular tension or movement restrictions are relevant to their symptoms.
But it isn't essential for everyone.
The research suggests possible benefits for movement and some musculoskeletal outcomes, while also highlighting important limitations.
At My Massage Therapist in Liverpool, NSW, I use an assessment-led approach to determine whether IASTM is appropriate.
When used, it is incorporated into your normal sports or remedial massage appointment, with no additional standalone IASTM fee.
The treatment may also include other hands-on techniques and relevant movement advice depending on your needs.
Interested in finding out whether IASTM is suitable for you?
Explore the My Massage Therapist services page to learn more about the available treatments and choose an appointment that suits your needs.
