Advanced Pain Relief Therapy Preston

Advanced Pain Relief Therapy

At 5 Star Clinic in Preston, our advanced pain relief therapies go beyond standard manual treatment. IASTM, cupping, and gua sha (scraping) are all forms of soft tissue mobilisation — techniques designed to work on muscles, fascia, and connective tissue to help release restriction, improve circulation, and support your recovery. Delivered by our qualified physiotherapists, these therapies are often used alongside standard physiotherapy to target stubborn muscular tension that manual treatment alone hasn’t fully resolved.

Each treatment is carefully tailored to your individual needs and forms part of a personalised approach to improving comfort, movement and overall wellbeing.

What Is Soft Tissue Mobilisation?

Soft tissue mobilisation covers a range of techniques — applied by hand or with specialist tools — aimed at muscles, joints, connective tissue, and fascia. The goal is to improve blood circulation, restore elasticity, and support smoother movement between fascial layers. Because fascia forms interconnected lines through the body, a restriction in one area (for example, the neck) can sometimes contribute to symptoms felt elsewhere (such as the hand), even without any nerve involvement.

IASTM, cupping, and gua sha are three of the main tools physiotherapists use to apply this kind of treatment. These techniques can be adapted to different areas of the body and levels of soft tissue tension, depending on your individual needs. They may be incorporated into a wider physiotherapy programme alongside movement, stretching, and other hands-on techniques. The aim is to support comfortable movement and help you get the most from your overall treatment plan.

Our Advanced Pain Relief Techniques

IASTM (Instrument Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilisation) Preston

IASTM uses specially designed tools to help your physiotherapist treat fascial restrictions more precisely and efficiently than hands alone. The instruments allow for consistent, targeted pressure over tendons, ligaments, and smaller structures — helping to detect areas of tension while reducing strain on the therapist’s hands during treatment.

May help support: fascial restriction, tendon and ligament tightness, and precise, targeted soft tissue work.

Cupping Therapy Preston

Cupping uses cups placed on the skin to create negative pressure through suction — drawing tissue upward rather than compressing it. We offer this as part of our advanced pain relief service using the dry cupping method, which is non-invasive and involves no bloodletting.

Cupping can be applied in two ways: static, where the cups remain in place, or dynamic, where oil or cream is used so the cups can be gently slid across the tissue during the suction.

May help support: muscle tension, local circulation, and pain thresholds in the treated area.

Scraping Therapy / Gua Sha Preston

Gua sha (scraping) uses a smooth-edged tool to apply repeated strokes across the skin over the treatment area, most commonly the back, neck, and shoulders. The technique aims to release surface tension and support circulation, and is closely related to IASTM — the main difference being the tool used and the typical treatment goal.

May help support: muscle stiffness, tension in the neck and shoulders, and general soft tissue mobility.

As with all treatments on this page, individual response varies — your physiotherapist will discuss whether these techniques are suitable for you as part of your overall treatment plan.

The Thinking Behind These Techniques

Physiotherapists draw on several explanations for why soft tissue mobilisation techniques may help with pain:

Circulatory & mechanical effects: Suction or scraping over the skin is thought to increase local blood flow and encourage tissue to move more freely between fascial layers.

Pain gate theory: A long-standing model suggesting that non-painful stimulation (like touch, pressure, or vibration) can help reduce the sensation of pain signals reaching the brain.

Descending pain modulation: Sustained stimulation from these techniques may prompt the nervous system to dial down its own pain response elsewhere in the body.

These are proposed mechanisms explored in the physiotherapy and manual therapy literature — individual outcomes still vary, and these techniques work best as part of a broader, personalised treatment plan rather than a standalone fix.

What to Expect During Treatment

I.

Assessment First

Your physiotherapist identifies the areas of restriction or tension driving your symptoms before choosing a technique.

II.

Technique Explained

IASTM, cupping, or gua sha is talked through before it’s used, including any temporary marks, redness, or sensations you might notice afterwards.

III.

Integrated Into Your Plan

These techniques are typically combined with manual therapy, exercise, or other physiotherapy treatment for the best overall result.

Cupping and gua sha can leave temporary redness or circular marks on the skin, which usually fade within a few days.

Real Results from Real Patients

“I came to 5 Star Clinic with chronic back pain, and after a few acupuncture sessions, I felt a remarkable improvement. The pain relief has been lasting, and the staff truly cares about my well-being.”

    
 
 
       Posted on Google  
   
   Andreana Black 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Just completed my last treatment with Bilal. I cannot believe how my back has improved. The treatment I have received has been outstanding, I cannot recommend him & 5 Star Clinic highly enough.
Thank you so much xx
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   tomahwak thehawker 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. They helped me recover from a grade 1 LCL tear.I have other conditions which slowed down recovery but they were very patient and accommodating and didn't rush my rehab or give me exercises I wasn't ready for.

Overall  I was very happy with how  my treatment went👍
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Josh Richardson 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Jahanzaib is very good, got me moving within the week!
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   suren kf 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. "I had a wonderful experience with my physiotherapist(NIRU). From the first session, she made me feel at ease and really understood my needs. Her expertise and personalized approach were key in my recovery from my injury. I appreciated how she took the time to explain each exercise and its benefits, which made me feel more confident in my healing journey. I highly recommend her services to anyone looking for professional and caring physiotherapy!"
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Shruthi V 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I had a fantastic experience with Mr Jahanzaib Rasool. I came in with poor posture and chronic discomfort, and in a single session with clear guidance, my posture was corrected and I am relieved from the pain. His knowledge, patience, and hands-on approach made all the difference. I feel more aligned, energetic, and pain-free. Highly recommended for anyone struggling with posture issues or general body issues!
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   stacey lewis 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I have to admit I was sceptical whether anything would help with my neck pain but a few sessions in and I truly feel the benefit and feel so much better. Not just the physical care that is taken but a full holistic approach and so friendly too. Thank you
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Afsana Ahmed 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Thankyou so much
I have been visiting this clinic for many yrs as a regular check in for my body and always am pleased with results
Subashna has been amazing therapist always

Thankyou
A Ahmed
  
 
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   JEEVAN REDDY MODDHU 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I have reached out to Mr. Jahanzaib from 5 star clinic with my terrible lower back pain. I have been facing that for weeks and he helped me with to reduce my lower back pain in just 3-4 sessions. I highly recommend these guys to anyone who is facing similar kind of issues.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Gail Evans 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. The 5 Star Clinc is the place to go for physiotherapy. Maryam is an excellent and knowledgeable practitioner who explores all options to improve pain. She is a wonderful lady and I can definitely recommend her skills.

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Comman Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

What is IASTM and how is it different from massage?

IASTM uses specially designed tools rather than hands to apply pressure to muscles and fascia. This allows for more precise, consistent treatment of tendons, ligaments, and smaller structures than manual massage alone.

Is cupping therapy painful?

Most people describe cupping as a pulling or tight sensation rather than pain. It’s generally well tolerated, though it can leave temporary circular marks on the skin that fade within a few days.

What's the difference between cupping and gua sha (scraping)?

Cupping uses suction to lift the skin and underlying tissue, while gua sha uses a smooth tool to scrape the skin’s surface. Both aim to support circulation and ease muscle tension, and your physiotherapist can advise which may suit your symptoms better.

Will cupping or gua sha leave marks?

Both techniques can leave temporary redness, or in the case of cupping, circular marks where suction was applied. These are a normal, expected response and typically fade within a few days.

Do I need a GP referral for these treatments?

No referral is required — you can book directly with our clinic. These techniques are typically used as part of a wider physiotherapy assessment and treatment plan.

Are IASTM, cupping, and gua sha suitable for everyone?

Not always — your physiotherapist will check for any relevant medical history (such as skin conditions, blood-thinning medication, or certain circulatory issues) before recommending these techniques.

How many sessions will I need?

This depends on your individual condition. These techniques are often used for a set number of sessions alongside your broader physiotherapy treatment, which your physiotherapist will discuss with you.

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Ready When You Are

Book Your Advanced Pain Relief Therapy in Preston

If standard treatment hasn’t fully resolved your muscle tension or restriction, IASTM, cupping, or gua sha may be able to help as part of a wider physiotherapy plan. Book a consultation with our Preston clinic today.

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Prefer to ask a question first? Get in touch with our team — we’re happy to talk through whether acupuncture or dry needling is the right fit for you.