What is Gua Sha?
Gua Sha is a traditional East Asian practice using a smooth-edged tool and controlled strokes across the skin. People often use Gua Sha as part of their wellbeing routine when their muscles feel tight or worked after exercise.
In Traditional Chinese Medicine, Gua Sha has traditionally been used to support the flow of Qi (energy) and addressing what TCM describes as stagnation- a concept referring to an area where Qi is considered to be flowing less smoothly.
Why after padel?
Padel asks a lot of your body.
You are reaching, rotating, lunging, changing direction and repeatedly swinging your racket. And because it's such a social sport, it's very easy to finish one match and immediately start planning the next.
A post-padel Gua Sha session gives you an opportunity to pause and reset.
It can become part of your wider wellbeing routine alongside the things that matter most for an active lifestyle, such as rest, hydration and sleep.
After padel, sessions may focus on areas that have been particularly involved in your movement, such as the arm, shoulders and upper back.
Gua Sha for padel recovery
Gua Sha Aftercare
After your gua sha session:
✅ Stay hydrated
✅ Protect the treated area from strong sun exposure
✅ Avoid heavy use of the treated area immediately afterwards
✅ Avoid very hot showers, baths, saunas or steam rooms for the rest of the day
✅ Allow your body time to relax after treatment
What are the marks?
In Traditional Chinese Medicine, these temporary markings are referred to as ‘sha’ and are considered part of the skin’s response to the technique. The appearance and duration of marks vary from person to person, but are completely normal.
How long will gua sha marks last?
Any visible gua sha marks are temporary and will naturally fade, usually disappearing within 3–7 days, although some lighter marks may fade within a few hours.
Gua Sha is often used alongside acupuncture as part of a personalised treatment plan. If you'd like to find out more about acupuncture or book a consultation, you can learn more here.
If you have any questions about your treatment or aftercare, please feel free to contact me.
Examples shown for illustration. Individual responses vary.