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Any experience with a muscle scraper (Myofascial Release, Gua Sha)?

Posted by dieterreuther @dieterreuther, Mar 26 10:21am

A muscle scraper, like the one offered from Sidekick, is typically used for muscle pain. Any experience applying it for relief from peripheral neuropathy nerve pain? Please share your learnings.

The Sidekick support team shared: while there isn’t direct clinical evidence that Sidekick tools specifically help with peripheral neuropathy, research on Gua Sha and myofascial release suggests they may offer benefits related to circulation and pain relief.

Studies have shown that:
Gua Sha can enhance microcirculation, which may help improve blood flow to affected areas. A 2007 pilot study in Explore: The Journal of Science & Healing found that Gua Sha increased surface microcirculation, which could contribute to pain relief.

Myofascial release (MFR) may help with pain management. A 2015 systematic review in the Journal of Bodywork and Movement Therapies analyzed multiple trials and found MFR to be effective for certain types of musculoskeletal pain.

Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the Neuropathy Support Group.

arflmi33 | @arflmi33 | 5 days ago

I had a very bad experience with a professional, licensed chiropractor using the Graston tool/technique on me. I went in for nerve issues in my upper leg at the time. I ended up in MUCH more pain that I was before I had the treatment. The scraping can be gentle, or it can be harsh, or anything in between, so it would be important to find someone who is really skilled. What I use now for myofascial release is the MELT Method and the various balls that it uses. That way I can control the pressure and location myself. I have had helpful results from using MELT. The balls can be very gentle as you can choose what level of ball to use. Another good resource is the ROLL MODEL technique, which is very similar. I would recommend either one or both.

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Jennifer, Volunteer Mentor | @jenniferhunter | 5 days ago
In reply to @daj3333 "Thank you for the information. I have ideopathic SFN which I believe was caused by the..." + (show)
@daj3333

Thank you for the information. I have ideopathic SFN which I believe was caused by the Shingrix vaccine so not sure how helpful MFR would be for me but I may give it a try.

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@daj3333 Another benefit of MFR is it gets microcirculation working better which helps remove the body's waste products along with chemicals you may be exposed to. There is a lot of fluid exchange outside of the blood circulation with the cells of body tissues. When you untwist and expand the fascia, that fluid can circulate better, and the fascia is also an electrical conductor that assists when the nerve impulse lands at an organ or muscle. I guess that's today's fun fact.

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