IASTM; Gua Sha Therapy
Ancient Healing, Modern Benefits
At Intertreat Bodyworks, we offer Gua Sha therapy, a traditional Chinese healing technique, alongside IASTM (Instrument-Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization), a modern soft tissue treatment. Both approaches are instrument-assisted techniques designed to relieve pain, improve mobility, and enhance recovery. While they stem from different traditions, they share a common goal: to help your body heal efficiently and move freely.
Gua She & IASTM Therapy @ Intertreat Bodyworks
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What’s the Difference Between Gua Sha & IASTM?
✔ Gua Sha is a traditional Chinese therapy that uses smooth-edged tools, such as jade or stone, to gently scrape the skin. It follows meridian pathways, promoting Qi (energy) flow, reducing stagnation, and relieving muscular tension. It is commonly used in holistic and acupuncture treatments and often results in temporary redness or mild bruising (“Sha”), which is considered removing pathogens and promote a natural healing response.
✔ IASTM Therapy is a modern, evidence-based approach used in physiotherapy, sports medicine, and rehabilitation. It involves specially designed stainless steel or plastic instruments that help break down scar tissue, release muscle adhesions, and enhance tissue mobility. Unlike Gua Sha, IASTM focuses on targeted soft tissue mobilization, applying controlled pressure to specific areas without excessive bruising.
Despite these differences, both methods work to enhance circulation, relieve pain, and restore movement. At Intertreat Bodyworks, we integrate both techniques to create a tailored treatment plan suited to your needs—whether you seek deep tissue relief, injury recovery, or ongoing wellness support.
Benefits of Gua Sha & IASTM Therapy
✔ Pain Relief – Reduces chronic pain, muscle tension, and joint stiffness
✔ Improved Circulation – Enhances blood flow and oxygen delivery to promote healing
✔ Faster Recovery – Helps break down scar tissue and adhesions, speeding up recovery from injuries
✔ Enhanced Mobility – Improves joint flexibility and range of motion
✔ Reduces Inflammation – Aids in reducing swelling and muscle soreness
✔ Supports Stress & Relaxation – Helps with stress-related muscle tension and fatigue
✔ Versatile Treatment – Suitable for athletes, office workers, and individuals with chronic pain or movement restrictions
By combining these therapies, we enhance circulation, relieve pain, and support long-term healing through both Western and Eastern approaches.
What Conditions Can Gua Sha & IASTM Therapy Support?
Musculoskeletal & Joint Disorders
✔ Back pain
✔ Neck or Shoulder pain
✔ Joint stiffness
✔ Tennis elbow
✔ Plantar fasciitis
✔ Osteoarthritis
✔ Rheumatoid arthritis
✔ Rotator cuff tears related issues
✔ Degenerative Disc Disease
Soft Tissue & Injury Recovery
✔ Tendonitis
✔ Carpal tunnel syndrome
✔ Soft tissue injuries
✔ Sports injuries (Sprains, strains, and tears)
✔ Unresolved pain from trauma
✔ Repetitive stress injuries
✔ Work-related injuries
✔ Car accident injuries
✔ Post-operation support / rehabilitation
Neuromuscular & Stress-Related Conditions
✔ Headache and Migraines
✔ Muscular weakness / loss of strength
✔ Muscle wastage / pain / cramps
✔ Muscle spasticity (stiffness)
✔ Difficulty using one or more muscle groups
✔ Numbness, tingling, or painful sensations
✔ Problems walking, balance issues, and frequent falls
✔ Depression and anxiety
✔ Digestive disorders
✔ Stress-related tensions
✔ Fatigue and sleep disorders
✔ Fibromyalgia
We also support many other conditions related to your inner health & adjusting your energy flow through Gua Sha, Acupuncture and dry needling, and more. Get in touch today to book your next appointment!
"I felt I had reached my limit with managing the pain in my body stemming from a life of farming and horse riding. In just one session with Intertreat I felt immediate improvement and a notable reduction in my pain.
With each treatment I can feel my body recovering. I am sleeping better and finding I have more energy throughout the day.
Under the continued care and guidance of Intertreat I finally feel I am on the road to recovery."
— GJENIE E, INTERTREAT CLIENT
FAQs
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Both therapies are suitable for athletes, office workers, and individuals experiencing chronic pain or movement restrictions.
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✔ Muscle tension & tightness
✔ Joint stiffness & restricted movement
✔ Chronic pain conditions
✔ Sports injuries & soft tissue recovery
✔ Headaches & stress-related muscle pain -
✔ Gua Sha may cause temporary redness or bruising (“Sha” marks), which typically fade within a few days.
✔ IASTM is generally gentler but may cause mild redness or sensitivity.✔ Some soreness or sensitivity may occur for 24–48 hours as tissues adjust, similar to deep tissue massage.
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Yes, Gua Sha can cause temporary redness or mild bruising (“Sha”), which is a normal healing response. These marks usually fade within a few days.
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The number of sessions depends on your condition. Some people feel instant relief after one session, while others may benefit from ongoing treatment for long-term recovery.
At Intertreat Bodyworks, Gua Sha and IASTM are not offered as stand-alone treatments. Instead, our practitioners integrate these techniques as part of a personalized treatment plan, selecting the most effective methods to address your specific needs. They may combine or modify these therapies within a session to ensure the best outcome for you.
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✔ Not recommended for individuals on blood thinners or those with clotting disorders.
At Intertreat Bodyworks, our practitioners carefully assess your condition and integrate the best-suited techniques within your session to ensure a safe, personalized, and effective treatment.
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📝 No referral is needed—simply book online or call us!
Transform your health with Intertreat Bodyworks today
At Intertreat Bodyworks, we believe in nurturing your overall health and wellbeing by treating the mind, body and spirit, with over 15 years’ experience in both Western and Chinese medicine.