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.

John, Volunteer Mentor | @johnbishop | Mar 26 11:28am

Hi @dieterreuther, I only have numbness with my neuropathy but have thought about MFR. There are a couple of discussions on MFR in case you haven't seen them:
-- Myofascial Release Therapy (MFR) for treating compression and pain
https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/myofascial-release-therapy-mfr-for-treating-compression-and-pain/
-- Myofascial Release Therapy , why are there no blogs about this?
https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/myofascial-release-therapy-why-are-there-no-blogs-about-this/
I haven't tried a muscle scraper tool but often have used similar massage hand techniques on my legs in the evening to help with my lymphedema swelling when I take my compression socks off. It does make my legs feel a little better but I still have the numbness. Hopefully others can share their experience with you.

Sue, Volunteer Mentor | @sueinmn | Mar 26 12:34pm

@dieterreuther I do not have permanent neuropathy, but have had numerous temporary episodes after pinched nerves and surgeries. The scraper did help the affected areas feel better temporarily, and sometimes reduced the annoying "pins and needles" feeling, but it came back after a few hours.
I currently have nerves in my arm angry after shoulder surgery, and I find ice massage, with a small ice pack, helps relieve that even better than the scraper.
This one has lasted longer than any of my other episodes - hoping it goes away.

jwburns32 | @jwburns32 | Mar 26 12:46pm

When I get in bed at night, it takes a good hour for my feet to warm up and the ting go away

John, Volunteer Mentor | @johnbishop | Mar 26 1:36pm

In reply to @jwburns32 "When I get in bed at night, it takes a good hour for my feet to..." + (show)

Welcome @jwburns32, Mine take a little while to warm up also. I have idiopathic small fiber peripheral neuropathy. Have you been diagnosed with neuropathy?

jwburns32 | @jwburns32 | Mar 26 2:26pm

In reply to @johnbishop "Welcome @jwburns32, Mine take a little while to warm up also. I have idiopathic small fiber..." + (show)

You know that’s a darn good question. No the mayo told me several years ago that I had three years and I had no options so I only assume what I go through a blood clots tingling in the ankles and feet and coldness.

John, Volunteer Mentor | @johnbishop | Mar 26 4:16pm

In reply to @jwburns32 "You know that’s a darn good question. No the mayo told me several years ago that..." + (show)

@jwburns32 - I have to apologize for taking this discussion off of it's main topic which is to share experiences about using muscle scrapers to provide pain relief for peripheral neuropathy. Here's a search of Connect listing the discussions on cold feet if you want to scan through them and find one that fits your original post - https://connect.mayoclinic.org/search/discussions/?search=cold%20feet.

To get this discussion back on topic, I haven't tried a muscle scraper tool but often have used similar massage hand techniques on my legs in the evening to help with my lymphedema swelling when I take my compression socks off. It does make my legs feel a little better but I still have the numbness.

rollo8 | @rollo8 | Mar 27 2:57pm

In reply to @jwburns32 "You know that’s a darn good question. No the mayo told me several years ago that..." + (show)

Have you seen a neurologist? Do you have a diagnosis?
I have small fiber neuropathy of the feet and, to a lesser degree, my lower legs. No pain. My feet and half way up the calf are are frequently as cold as ice, literally. Day or night. I keep loose leg warmers near me both upstairs and downs. Before bed, feet get a good massage with lotion and if cold, then soft stretchy bamboo socks and loose leg warmers. If super cold, I fold a fleece blanket into a big folded cocoon for just my feet and legs. The layers of warmth really help.
Please tell us your diagnosis and other symptoms. Are you dealing with neuropathy?
Good luck!

John, Volunteer Mentor | @johnbishop | Mar 27 4:57pm

For those not familiar with muscle scraping for treating neuropathy, I thought I would share this reference:
-- Exploring scraping therapy: Contemporary views on an ancient healing – A review
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8483130/

bjk3 | @bjk3 | Mar 27 10:02pm

In reply to @johnbishop "@jwburns32 - I have to apologize for taking this discussion off of it's main topic which..." + (show)

Hi, @johnbishop -
My pt used Gua Sha on my feet a few times - it felt good as a treatment for the moment but my experience was just like that of @sueinmn. I wouldn't be able to use the tool on myself so its use has gone by the wayside. If a person were able to have regular (maybe daily or even several times a day) treatments I'll bet it would be beneficial, though.
Hope you have a fantastic Friday!
Barb