Also known as IASTM, tools are used to target the fascia to treat pain, mobility and movement dysfunctions.
“Cupping” dates back some 5,000 years ago in some historical accounts. It is an ancient form of alternative medicine whereby specially designed cups are placed on the skin and cause a vacuum suction.
Instead of traditional glass cups, silicone RockPods® are used in a V-Active treatment. The technique is discussed with you as the pods may leave circular marks which you may want to avoid especially on areas that cannot be covered.
When applied, the RockPods® cause a suction to the skin. The vacuum effect causes blood to release from the vessels but more importantly, without damaging the vessels. As the vacuum lifts the skin, it stretches the fascia and increases space between the tissue layers, reducing pressure on the targeted tissue. Cupping can leave marks which look similar to bruising however bruising is caused by blood vessels and soft tissue being damaged. Any marks caused by cupping are from a histamine response, a natural healing process and can vary with each person. The marks can disappear within minutes or can remain for several days following treatment.
Rockblades® are blunt surgical stainless steel tools used to glide over the skin during a treatment. Unlike the Oriental Gua Sha technique which causes extensive bruising, Rockblades® tools are limited to visual reddening of the skin. Once reddening starts to appear, the technique is no longer applied to that area. The aim of the technique is not to cause tissue damage or bruising.
RockBlades® are a very effective tool and results from using them during clinic have shown these to be very positive in reducing pain but also aiding relaxation. The tool is repeatedly scraped over the skin at varying speeds and pressure for a short amount of time, depending on the aim of the technique. Other methods can be used to aid a shearing effect or a locking effect by applying static pressure with the RockBlades®. Varying techniques provide different outcomes including:
