Gwasha is an instrument assisted soft tissue mobilization (IASTM). A manual technique originally used in Chinese medicine, Gwasha is now used widely by physical therapists and chiropractors. Gwasha can perform using a plastic, jade, porcelain or metal tool known as a “blade.” Your therapist can perform Gwasha using a variety of pressures and speeds to help healing and inflammation, facilitate a contraction – turn a muscle on, or inhibit a muscle – turn a muscle off.

Fascia is the connective tissue that goes all over the body. The blade effectively breaks down fascial restrictions and scar tissue. The design of these instruments provides the physical therapist with the ability to find damaged areas and allows the physical therapist to treat the area with the appropriate amount of pressure. The introduction of controlled small tissue movement to the affected muscles, tendons and/or ligaments will cause a mild inflammatory response. This will start the natural process of healing.

For more information, contact Vineyard Complementary Medicine.