What is scraping?

• A. A form of joint manipulation.
• B. A diagnostic ultrasound method.
• C. A manual therapy technique for bones.
• D. Treatment technique using tools to locate and treat soft tissue.

Answer: (D)

Scraping is an instrument-assisted soft tissue technique. A trained clinician uses a handheld tool to apply controlled pressure and shear along the skin over fascia and muscle to locate tissue restrictions. The goal is to identify tight bands and adhesions, mobilize the fascia, improve local blood flow, and reduce pain and stiffness. It is specifically about treating soft tissue, not bones or joints, and not about imaging. The method relies on tools to palpate and treat the soft tissues, rather than performing joint manipulation, ultrasound imaging, or bone-focused therapy.