Gua sha treatment in acute scapular pain

Abstract

In most cases of acute pain around the scapular region, the pain comes from activities or postures that weaken the muscles and ligaments, attached to it. The pain in this region ranges from sharp, stabbing or burning to more tender or achy; only felt under the shoulder blade or felt across and into the shoulder. Gua sha treatment effectively removes blockages in the blood and, in addition to being used for conditions with acute and chronic pain. This research article includes 6 patients, 4 women and 2 men, aged between 30 and 60 years, treated with gua sha for acute pain present in the scapular region. Presenting symptoms were sharp pain, limited movement in the shoulder and neck, pain radiating to the neck and shoulder, tenderness, stiffness, pain when lifting and rotating the shoulder. All patients were treated with only one treatment, with immediate pain relief. All patients returned for another deep tissue massage session a week later, but none complained of pain in the same region, and upon palpation the muscles had normal tone. Gua sha is an exceptionally successful treatment for acute upper back pain. The persistent pain is reduced immediately and the patient feels relieved immediately after treatment. With just one treatment, patients can successfully resolve upper back pain in the scapula and shoulder girdle region.

Keywords: gua sha, traditional Chinese medicine, pain, shoulder, scapula