
Understanding the Marks from Sports Massage Scraping Therapy
Understanding the Marks from Sports Massage Scraping Therapy
If you’ve recently had sports massage scraping therapy or are thinking about booking a session, you might be curious – or even a little concerned – about the marks that appear on your skin after treatment.
As Sports Massage Therapist (Ewan Taylor) at Lushington Chiropractic in Eastbourne, I often explain to clients why these marks form, what they mean for your recovery, and why they are nothing to worry about.
In this blog, we’ll break down exactly what’s happening beneath the skin and why these temporary marks are actually a positive sign that the treatment is working.
What Are the Marks from Scraping Therapy?
After scraping therapy, you might notice redness, small spots, or darker marks where the tool has been applied. These are commonly known as petechiae.

They appear because the treatment:
- Increases blood flow to the area
- Stimulates the release of stagnant blood and metabolic waste
- Encourages the body’s natural healing response
These marks are not bruises in the traditional sense. A bruise happens from direct trauma causing tissue damage, but scraping therapy marks come from increased circulation, not injury.
Why Do the Marks Form?
When we use IASTM (Instrument Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilisation) tools, the gentle scraping action:
- Stimulates the soft tissue and fascia
- Encourages microcirculation under the skin
- Brings old or stagnant blood to the surface
The result is a temporary discoloration as the skin reacts to the improved blood flow. This process supports muscle recovery and can even help reduce stiffness and improve flexibility over time.
How Long Do the Marks Last?
These marks are short-lived and harmless. Typically:

- Redness may appear during or immediately after the session
- Darker marks can develop in areas with more tension or congestion
- They fade naturally within 2–5 days
- They are not painful and do not require any special treatment
Most clients find that each session produces fewer marks as their muscles and circulation improve.
Why You Shouldn’t Worry About the Marks
It’s completely normal to be surprised by the appearance of these marks the first time you see them, but here’s why there’s no need for concern:
- They show that your body is responding to the therapy
- They are part of the healing and recovery process
- They are not a sign of injury or damage
- They fade naturally without leaving any lasting effect

Marking after scraping treatment
In fact, many athletes and regular massage clients see these marks as a visual confirmation that their muscles are being supported and that circulation is improving.
Aftercare Tips for Scraping Therapy Marks
To help your body recover and get the most from your session:
- Stay hydrated to support circulation and healing
- Avoid intense exercise for 24 hours to give your muscles time to recover
- Keep the area warm and mobile – gentle stretching can help
- Let the marks fade naturally – no creams or treatments are necessary
Final Thoughts
The marks left after sports massage scraping therapy are a natural and temporary part of the recovery process. Far from being harmful, they are a positive sign that blood flow is increasing and your body is healing.
If you want to experience the benefits of scraping therapy in Eastbourne, come and see me, Ewan Taylor, at Lushington Chiropractic. I’ll guide you through the treatment, explain what to expect, and help your muscles recover faster.
Check out my other scraping therapy blogs:
What to Expect with Scraping Therapy
5 Things to Know Before Scraping Therapy
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By EwanTaylor
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