RockBlades, IASTM & Modern Clinical Practice
The RockBlade products, including the popular Mohawk, alongside the accompanying education programme introduced in the UK in 2017, continue to attract a wide range of professionals. Clinicians are often drawn to the tools not only for CPD and new treatment approaches, but also for a practical solution to reduce strain on their hands and thumbs in response to the cumulative demands of manual therapy.
For those unfamiliar with this style of treatment—commonly referred to as IASTM (Instrument Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilisation)—there is often a misconception that these tools are designed to create unnecessary irritation of the skin or vascular system. Images of excessive redness and bruising frequently appear on social media and in quick online searches, reinforcing the false belief that visible tissue trauma is the goal of treatment.
The purpose of this blog is to clear up that misunderstanding and outline a modern, evidence-informed approach to IASTM, specifically when using RockBlades.
Our education focuses on the neurological response to treatment in order to achieve faster, more predictable outcomes while avoiding unnecessary skin irritation. We do not pursue outdated or biologically implausible explanations for soft tissue change. To be clear, this includes the commonly cited idea of “breaking down mature scar tissue.” There is no credible biological mechanism by which mature scar tissue can be meaningfully broken down through massage or manual therapy—regardless of how firm, sharp, or unique the tools may appear.
It is important, however, to distinguish modern Western IASTM approaches from traditional practices such as Gua Sha. Gua Sha originates from Eastern medical philosophy, where repeated scraping of the skin is intended to produce visible reddening (sha). This response is viewed as part of an immune or inflammatory process believed to assist with illness or imbalance.
This philosophical framework differs significantly from Western clinical reasoning and evidence-based musculoskeletal practice. If you are operating within a Western healthcare system, it is essential to understand these distinctions and practice within a framework that is both scientifically defensible and professionally appropriate.
You may wish to explore our other blogs on IASTM and RockBlades.
https://rocktape.co.uk/blogs/rocktape/thumbs-up-for-iastm?_pos=7&_sid=f3a7d8787&_ss=r
We also run structured RockBlades education programmes for clinicians who want to integrate a modern, neurologically driven approach into their practice. They are also highly practical, engaging and dare we say it about CPD – fun!
We have also produced a short accompanying video to complement this article. Feel free to watch and share it with colleagues: VIDEO LINK