Gua Sha Tools for the Rehabilitation Professional.
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Instrument assisted soft tissue mobilization IASTM began over 2000 years ago with gua sha. Gua sha is unmatched with respect to eliminating soft tissue pain that persists into the maturation stage of healing.
Our instruments:
- Improve flexibility.
- Eliminate myofascial trigger points.
- Flush metabolic waste products from over-trained muscles.
- Facilitate recovery following injury and surgery.
- Are available to clinicians and motivated individuals.
Above the GOST-3 treating hamstrings
Performance Enhancement and Recovery
Athletes and clinicians use our products to maintain peak performance by addressing soft tissue problems before they become serious. The growing number of professional organizations that use our products include the Atlanta Falcons, Baltimore Orioles, Cleveland Browns, Cincinnati Reds, Boston Red Sox, Golden State Warriors, Kansas City Royals, LA Clippers, Los Angeles Dodgers, Oakland Athletics, Orlando Magic, Milwaukee Brewers and Minnesota Twins. GSO Tools are also used by members of the Professional Golfer's Association.
GuaSha Orthopedic Soft Tissue Tools
The GuaSha Orthopedic Soft Tissue Tools include the GOST-1, GOST-2, and GOST-3. The treatment edge runs the entire perimeter of each tool allowing one to treat all body contours.
GOST-1
The GOST-1 shapes match the anatomical contours of the hand, wrist, forearm, and elbow. Treat small contours of the neck, jaw, face, ankle, and foot. Multiple treatment edges make the GOST-1 extremely useful and versatile. The GOST-1 is ideal for common problems like tennis elbow, trigger finger, plantar fasciitis, and localized treatment of myofascial trigger points. Quickly eliminate tenderness (not hypersensitivity) that persists following carpal tunnel release and other surgery or trauma where firm pressure and weight bearing on mature scar remains uncomfortable.
GOST-2
The GOST-2 shapes match the anatomical contours of the shoulder, chest, upper arm, and petite lower extremities. Ideal for shoulder impingement, traditional gua sha applied to the back and spine, the IT Band, and much more.
How will you use gua sha?
Treatment techniques using the GOST-1 and GOST-2 courtesy of Josse Tobiasson a long distance runner and massotherapist. The instruments in the video are over 5 years old (sorry, blue color no longer available).
GOST-3
The GOST-3 is our largest tool. The treatment edge is rounded and resembles the profile of a fingertip. This allows application of very firm pressure into large muscle groups and deeper layers of soft tissue. Also use the GOST-3 to provide a gentle treatment when soft tissue pain is pronounced and intolerant to a sharper edged instrument. In this case the GOST-3 calms irritable soft tissues in preparation for a more aggressive and productive treatment.
The GOST-3 shapes match the largest contours of the lower extremity including the glutes, hamstrings, and quadriceps. Textured perimeter ensures a secure grip. The GOST-3 is thicker than the GOST-1 and GOST-2. Increased rigidity combined with a rounded edge allow application of firm pressure to reach deeply into large muscle groups and soft tissues. Ideal for treating muscles involved in sciatica, as well as hamstring and quadriceps strains.
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GuaSha Professional Series
GuaSha Professional Tools provide the highest level of control, performance, feedback, and user comfort available. Designed by occupational therapist and certified hand therapist, Matthew Lott, OT/L, CHT. Available to professionals and individuals who desire a clinic quality instrument. Lifetime guarantee.
GuaSha Professional-1
The GP-1 is the best gua sha tool for small anatomical contours including the digits, radial and ulnar borders of the hand and wrist, Achilles tendon, and more. Ideal for mobilizing scar and soft tissue associated with injuries affecting the fingers including contracted IP joints secondary to scar, fracture, crush injury, volar plate avulsion, and prolonged edema. Apply over the dorsal aspect of tight PIP and DIP joints prior to PROM to increase circulation and tissue temperature and facilitate improved flexion.
GuaSha Professional-2
The GP-2 shapes match contours of the palm, forearm muscles, medial and lateral elbow, neck, ankle, foot, and more. Treat medial and lateral epicondylosis (tennis and golfer's elbow), Dequervains, and tendonosis affecting the FCR and FCU insertion at the wrist. Shapes match the hypothenar and thenar emminence of the palm. Mobilize mature scar to eliminate pain and improve flexibility following carpal tunnel release, Dupytren's release, and more.
GuaSha Professional-3
The GP-3 shapes target the upper arm, shoulder, calf musculature and more. A large rounded end works nicely for trigger points in larger muscle groups including the upper trapezius. An effective tool for eliminating myofascial pain and improving flexibility of the biceps and triceps, deltoids, and more. Using a more gentle approach, both the GP-3 and GP-4 (below) provide effective retrograde massage to decrease swelling in acute cases.
GuaSha Professional-4
The larger edge on the GP-4 matches the muscular contours of the shoulder and chest. The GP-4 is the best gua sha tool for treating tight pectoralis muscles and fascia associated with shoulder impingement and thoracic outlet syndrome. Also treat larger triceps, and biceps, petite quadriceps, hamstrings and more. The GP-4 includes a flat shape that works well for raising petechiae along the spine and over myofascial trigger points affecting the rhomboids, levator, and other periscapular muscles.
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Features
- Textured handle improves grip
- Handle allows application of very firm pressure and provides precise control when a gentle approach is required
- Ergonomic design decreases stress on thumb CMC joint by eliminating lateral pinch
GuaSha Professional Tools protect the user's thumb and finger joints.
- Ideal for the clinician with ligamentous laxity, arthritis, or overuse problems affecting the hand
- Lightweight to minimize fatigue
- Shatterproof and durable polycarbonate
- Easy to clean and safe for treating multiple clients
- Capable of treating the entire body
- Clinician designed
- Fully guaranteed. Return any tool within 60 days for a full refund
- LIFETIME replacement guarantee regarding defects in materials and workmanship
GuaSha Professional tools direct force into the large, stable joints of the user's hand. Pressure is directed into the palm allowing finger tips to rest on the treatment blade to facilitate palpation.
The ergonomic handle eliminates lateral pinch and protects the vulnerable thumb CMC joint. Finger joints rest in a stable position and do not hyperextend - a common scenario when using jar lids, coins and other traditional flat profile tools.
The textured handle decreases muscle fatigue and provides a secure grip even when hands become slippery from massage cream. The treatment blade is solid while the handle is hollow. This key feature reduces weight and minimizes fatigue, and more importantly, enhances and magnifies sensitivity.
GuaSha Professional Tools fit perfectly in the hand, protect small joints, improve control, and enhance palpation.
Our Products...
Versus common objects
Compared to common objects like spoons, coins, or bottle caps, our instruments are comfortable and provide a safe and consistent edge that is never sharp, always the desired shape, professional in appearance, and easy on the user's hand.
Versus biological materials
Unlike animal horn or wood, polycarbonate resin is non-porous and does not soften when exposed to water. Therefore the tool can be thoroughly cleaned with soap and water. This feature ensures a safe instrument that can be used with multiple clients.
The shapes that can be achieved by carving biological material is limited. Modern manufacturing methods allow our tools to achieve the desired shape. In other words, one does not have to force the tool to fit the body.
Versus minerals
In comparison to jade or other minerals our instruments are lightweight to reduce fatique and will not shatter if accidently dropped. Should damage occur, any rough spots on the treatment edge can easily be buffed out with fine grit sandpaper.
Versus metallic tools
Unlike metal, polycarbonate is a poor conductor of both heat and electricity. Polycarbonate is therefore more comfortable on the skin and does not feel cold to the touch. Compared to metal, polycarbonate is lightweight and less fatiguing to use while retaining excellent palpation, sensitivity, and durability. Importantly, polycarbonate provides a substantial cost advantage over metallic tools making lost tools much less painful to replace.
Instruction
Learn theory and effective treatment protocols for tendonosis, stubborn pain following trauma and surgery, scar mobilization and more with the companion treatment manual Clinical Applications for Chronic Soft Tissue Pain and Dysfunction. This 100+ page manual provides a tutorial for beginners and advanced technique for the seasoned clinician. Essential for client education, several color photographs are included demonstrating the normal appearance of petechiae.
- Learn the methodology for selecting cases appropriate for gua sha.
- Obtain consistent and repeatable results.
- Apply gua sha safely by learning contraindications.
- Add a valuable skill set to your manual therapy repertoire.
- Successfully integrate gua sha into your practice.
What are some specific problems addressed in this manual?
- Shoulder impingement syndrome / chronic rotator cuff tendonosis
- Nerve compression including thoracic outlet syndrome
- Chronic lateral and medial epicondylosis
- Chronic plantar fasciitis
- Achille's tendonosis
- Non-acute ligamentous sprains
- Non-acute muscle strains
- Chronic tenosynovitis (trigger finger and Dequervain's)
- Fibromyalgia and myofascial pain syndromes
- Lack of flexibility secondary to long term postural asymmetries
- Decreased flexibility following immobilization
Above the GOST-1 from Treading Lightly blogger and customer Mandy
Evidence Based
The evidence base for gua sha and IASTM continues to grow. Below are several links to study abstracts.
Tendonosis
Gua sha is an effective treatment for tendonosis because it increases circulation, improves flexibility, and mobilizes scar and adhesions. With appropriate clients, the technique is taught as part of the home program. When performed in conjunction with a stretching program gua sha restores muscle length and facilitates healing.
Petechiae
Gua sha raises petechiae over chronically painful soft tissue and identifies areas where circulatory function is impaired. These small capillary hemorrhages resemble a bruise and fade within three to seven days. Gua sha results in dilation of blood vessels in skin and underlying connective tissues.
Above, the formation of petechiae over the lateral elbow. Initially red, petechiae fade to resemble a bruise and then resolve completely with no side effects. Educating the client regarding petechiae is an important aspect of treatment. Although striking in appearance, most chronic pain clients accept a transient skin discoloration in return for symptom relief and improved function.
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This custom designed carrying case by Case Logic is made specifically for GuaSha Professional tools and features padded walls, carrying strap, zippered openings, embroidered logo, and compartments for each of the four GP Tools.
The case is included with purchase of the Professional Set and Professional Kit packages also provides plenty of space for the GuaSha Orthopedic series tools, the GOST-1, GOST-2, and GOST-3.
An additional pouch on the inside of the lid provides storage room for the manual as well as any of the original tools including the GOST-3. Walls are soft and thickly padded to protect the tools and a carrying strap makes transport easy. The padded dividers are secured by hook and loop tabs - this allows the dividers to be removed to customize the lower tray as needed.
About the author
Mr. Lott's degrees include a BA in Biology from Hiram College and a combined MS and BS in occupational therapy from D'Youville College. Mr. Lott is a practicing occupational therapist and certified hand therapist and sees clients in a regional upper extremity surgical and rehabilitation clinic in Akron, Ohio.
Somewhere between Buffalo, NY and Denver, Co. Photo by Randy Hill
His clinical practice (and ability to find new and interesting ways to injure himself) continues to provide the foundation for the successful application of gua sha. In addition to writing the treatment manual, Matt also designed the instruments found here.
Finish at 2016 Burning River 100....who knew sidewalks were so comfortable?
Since their introduction in 2005 Matt has personally performed all the hand finishing on every tool's edge. This maintains an unmatched level of quality control.
2015 Leave No Trace Trail Marathon
Placing an Order
Place an order at our online Store . Master Card, Visa and Discover, are accepted. Not comfortable using your credit card online? Just call us at 330-236-4963 during normal business hours: Monday through Friday 8am to 5pm Eastern Standard Time to place an order over the phone. If no one is available to take your order, please leave a message with your name and a phone number.
Boston Marathon 2017
Invoicing
We are experienced with invoicing for your company or organization. Please email your product request including quantity with the mailing address where you would like the order shipped to nuthatchts@aol.com.
Product Guarantee
Products are guaranteed to be free from defects in materials and workmanship. Never hesitate to contact us if you have a problem. GuaSha Orthopedic Soft Tissue Tools and GuaSha Professional series tools are guaranteed to enhance the client's function and the clinician's efficiency. Any issues are addressed promptly and to your complete satisfaction. Should a GuaSha Professional or GuaSha Orthopedic Soft Tissue Tool become damaged, regardless of the cause or the length of time since purchase, it will be replaced free of charge.
2016 Cloudsplitter 100K
Return Policy
Any GuaSha Orthopedic Soft Tissue Tool or GuaSha Professional Tool purchased at guashatools.com may be returned for a full refund to the address below. The reason does not matter. Your complete satisfaction is guaranteed or your money back. Please return your tools within 60 days of purchase to:
Matthew Lott
4786 Misty Brook Circle
Stow, Ohio 44224
Sorry, treatment guides are not returnable.
Never hesitate to contact us with questions or problems! Please contact us via email at nuthatchts@aol.com. Please contact us via phone at 330-573-5649 during normal business hours: 8am to 5pm Eastern Standard Time. Contact via mail at our home office address listed above.
Credit card orders are billed under the business name "Nuthatch Therapeutic Solutions, LLC"
Customer information is kept confidential and will not be shared.
Your order is shipped on the same or next business day via US Postal Priority Mail. Please contact us if expedited shipping via FedEx is needed. Overnight shipping cost is approximately $50. Expect a fast delivery!
Products are available to customers in the US and Canada. Availability to European countries is currently limited while we explore obtaining a CE mark.
Customer Reviews
The following are customer reviews from our first store on ebay:
"If you love gua sha, these tools are worth having"
"Better than jade tools".
"So glad I found this item. I used it on the day I got it and ever since".
"Excellent tools. Very quick shipping. Guide is thorough".
"Great tool! Order now, you won't be sorry."
"I've been waiting for someone to build a tool like this. Great Product."
"Great tools, I use them every day."
"Great item, saves your hands when doing massage."
"Great tool for my clinic. Excellent results with scar remodeling."
"Items arrived quickly. They are a great asset to any type of manual therapy."
"Tools from the Gods. Thank you."
"Tools work great and are a must for PTs."
"Arrived almost immediately, I would recommend to anyone."
"Great tools! Very effective."
"I love these tools!"
Free USPS Priority shipping on orders over $50.00. Delivery in 2-3 business days.