"I started seeing Dr. Chavez during my third trimester and it was the best decision I made for my pregnancy. The Webster Technique he uses completely transformed my comfort level in those final weeks. My back pain went from a 7/10 to basically nothing. He was so gentle and thoughtful throughout every visit. I'm now bringing my newborn in for pediatric adjustments and seeing amazing results there too."
Gua Sha Scraping Massage
Gua Sha uses a smooth tool to scrape the skin surface, breaking up fascial adhesions, stimulating circulation, and reducing chronic pain and stiffness.
Licensed & Board-Certified
Same-Day Appointments
In-Office X-Rays
Saturday Hours Available
What Is Gua Sha?
Gua Sha — pronounced “gwa shaw” — is a traditional East Asian healing technique that involves using a smooth-edged tool to repeatedly stroke the skin over lubricated tissue. The term literally means “to scrape away illness.” Modern research has confirmed that this centuries-old technique stimulates circulation, breaks up fascial adhesions, reduces inflammation, and supports the body’s natural healing response.
At Back 2 Health Chiropractic in Lubbock, TX, Dr. Brett Chavez, D.C. uses Gua Sha as an evidence-informed soft tissue technique to help patients with chronic pain, restricted movement, and stubborn musculoskeletal conditions that have not responded fully to other therapies.
How Gua Sha Works
A smooth-edged tool — typically made of rose quartz, jade, or medical-grade plastic — is pressed firmly against the skin and drawn in short, repeated strokes over the target area. The controlled friction:
- Breaks up fascial adhesions — restrictions in the connective tissue (fascia) that surrounds muscles, creating pain and limiting movement.
- Stimulates microcirculation — increases blood flow to the treated area, delivering healing oxygen and nutrients while flushing metabolic waste.
- Reduces inflammatory markers — research has shown that Gua Sha can decrease pro-inflammatory cytokines in the treated tissue.
- Activates the immune response — the superficial tissue stimulation triggers a systemic anti-inflammatory effect.
- Releases muscle tension — the combination of mechanical pressure and improved circulation helps tight, guarded muscles relax.
The technique produces a characteristic reddening called “sha” — superficial petechiae that indicate improved circulation and the breakdown of stagnant tissue. Like the marks from fire cupping, these are not bruises and typically fade within 3–5 days.
Gua Sha vs. IASTM (Instrument-Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization)
You may also hear this category of treatment referred to as IASTM — Instrument-Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization. This is the contemporary Western rehabilitation term for the same fundamental concept. Instruments such as Graston tools are used in a similar fashion. Dr. Chavez is trained in both traditional Gua Sha and modern IASTM approaches, selecting the most appropriate tool and technique for each patient’s condition.
Conditions Gua Sha Can Help
Dr. Chavez uses Gua Sha to treat and support recovery from:
- Chronic neck pain and cervical stiffness
- Upper and lower back pain with fascial restrictions
- Shoulder pain and limited range of motion
- IT band syndrome and lateral knee pain
- Plantar fasciitis and Achilles tendinopathy
- Tennis elbow and golfer’s elbow (lateral and medial epicondylitis)
- Post-surgical scar tissue adhesions
- Sports injuries with scar tissue formation
- Chronic hamstring tightness and hip flexor restrictions
Combining Gua Sha With Other Therapies
Gua Sha is most powerful when combined with other evidence-based therapies at Back 2 Health Chiropractic:
- Chiropractic adjustments — After Gua Sha loosens the soft tissue, chiropractic adjustments can more effectively restore joint alignment and motion.
- Massage therapy — The combination of deep massage and Gua Sha provides comprehensive soft tissue treatment.
- Fire cupping — Cupping and Gua Sha are a classic pairing in traditional medicine, addressing both compression and tension of the fascia.
- Professional stretching — Stretching after Gua Sha maximizes tissue mobility gains while the fascia is pliable.
What to Expect During and After Treatment
During a Gua Sha session, you will feel firm pressure as the tool strokes over your skin. The sensation is similar to a deep massage — some areas may feel more sensitive than others, particularly where adhesions or stagnation are greatest.
After treatment, you may experience:
- Redness or petechiae (the “sha”) in the treated area
- Mild tenderness that resolves within 24–48 hours
- Improved range of motion and reduced pain, often immediately
We recommend avoiding exposure of the treated skin to wind or cold temperatures for 24 hours after treatment and staying well hydrated to support lymphatic drainage.
Schedule Gua Sha Scraping Massage in Lubbock, TX
If chronic fascial tightness, post-injury scar tissue, or stubborn muscle restrictions are limiting your movement and quality of life, Gua Sha at Back 2 Health Chiropractic in Lubbock may be the solution you have been looking for.
Call (806) 425-5973 or request your appointment online to schedule your evaluation with Dr. Brett Chavez, D.C. today.
Ready to Try Gua Sha Scraping Massage?
Dr. Chavez will evaluate your condition and recommend the best approach.
What Our Patients Say
"I had been suffering from sciatica pain shooting down my right leg for months before I came to Back 2 Health. Dr. Chavez identified the problem immediately from the X-rays and put me on a decompression and adjustment plan. Within six weeks the sciatica was completely gone. He's knowledgeable, professional, and genuinely cares about his patients. This place is the real deal."
Common Questions
What conditions does a chiropractor treat?
Chiropractors treat a wide range of musculoskeletal and nervous system conditions. At Back 2 Health Chiropractic, Dr. Chavez commonly treats back pain, neck pain, headaches and migraines, sciatica, herniated discs, shoulder pain, sports injuries, plantar fasciitis, neuropathy, scoliosis, TMJ disorder, and more. If you're unsure whether your condition is a good fit, call us at {{phone}} — we're happy to answer your questions before you book.
Is chiropractic care safe?
Yes — chiropractic care is one of the safest forms of healthcare available for musculoskeletal conditions. Serious adverse events are extremely rare. Dr. Chavez performs a thorough evaluation before any treatment begins, including a health history review and X-rays when indicated, to ensure the most appropriate and safe care approach for each individual patient. If your condition is better suited to another provider, Dr. Chavez will refer you honestly.
How many chiropractic visits will I need?
The number of visits depends entirely on your specific condition, its severity, and how your body responds to care. Acute conditions often respond quickly — sometimes within 3–6 visits. Chronic or complex conditions typically require a longer course of care. Dr. Chavez will provide a specific care plan recommendation after your initial evaluation and will update it based on your progress. You will never be pressured into more care than you genuinely need.
Get Gua Sha Scraping Massage in Lubbock, TX
Same-day appointments available. Call or request your appointment online.