As physical therapists, we’re always on the lookout for new tools that can offer real benefits to our clients. Achedaway reached out to us for a raw review on their newest IASTM (muscle scraping) tool, the Mini Scraper. We were intrigued but a little unsure. After all, the market is full of trendy gadgets promising big results. However, after putting this compact tool to the test, we were pleasantly surprised by what it could do.
In this review, we’ll share what we loved about the Achedaway Mini Scraper, what we didn’t quite love, and whether we think it’s worth adding to your recovery toolkit.
PS. We weren’t paid for this review and we’re not affiliates! This is purely for fun and education
What We Loved About the Achedaway Mini Scraper
1. Incorporating Heat
The idea of adding heat to a scraping tool seems pretty intriguing. Typically, scraping tools like Gua Sha or Graston are designed to release tension in the connective tissue, but with heat? That’s a new twist.
Here’s the thing—we were pleasantly surprised by how much we enjoyed the heat feature. It has three different heat levels and we could really feel the difference between them. It’s really easy to toggle through the heat settings. The 3 levels, 40, 45, and 50 degrees Celsius are displayed on the LED screen. Whether you want a gentle warmth or something a bit more intense, the tool offers flexibility to cater to different needs. Plus, it heats up quickly—in about 30 seconds, you’re ready to go, which is a huge bonus for those busy with tight schedules.
So, why does this matter? The added heat helps warm up the area you’re working on a little bit. This may make it easier to break up adhesions and tension in the muscles. When combined with the scraping action, we found that the heat made the process smooth, comfortable, yet still effective. Now don’t get us wrong, there isn’t really scientific evidence out there that combining heat with muscle scraping helps break up adhesions easier… But it is an intriguing idea and makes sense!
2. Portability: Light, Compact, and Travel-Friendly
One of the standout features of the Achedaway Mini Scraper is its portability. It’s incredibly light in your hand and feels less than the typical metal tool. In the office we work with the Sidekick Echo. The Echo is one of our favorite muscle scraping tools. It’s made completely of steel making it a little heavier and bulkier. This can be a downside for clients who prefer something more lightweight.
When we first picked up the Achedaway Mini Scraper, we were a bit concerned. Would such a light tool still have the power and efficacy to deliver deep muscle relief? The good news is, yes! Despite its light feel, the scraper still gets the job done! Its ergonomic grip is another win, making it comfortable to hold and use for longer periods without fatigue. Especially in those harder to reach areas including the neck or the calf/achilles.
For those who need a tool they can easily carry around—whether to the gym, on vacation, or to work—the Achedaway Mini Scraper is an excellent option. You can throw it in your bag without even thinking twice about the added weight, which is a luxury in a world of bulky massage tools.
3. Double Beveled Edges: Precision Scraping
The Ached Away Mini Scraper features double beveled edges. We love this for it’s ability to get the job done no matter which way you’re holding the tool. It’s similar to the Sidekick tools that we use in the clinic, though with a few key differences.
The beveled edge on the Mini Scraper is a bit wider, which allows it to get into the muscles a little deeper, but it doesn’t come with the variety of edges that the Sidekick tools offer. All of the Sidekick tools have convex, concave, and pointy ends. This gives you more options for precision and targeting different muscle groups. The Achedaway Mini Scraper, however, only has a small convex edge.
That said, you are still able to use the scraper in smaller, harder-to-reach areas without too much trouble. The size of the tool itself also makes it easier to maneuver around tricky spots like the neck, shoulders, and wrists, so it’s not a huge drawback—just something to keep in mind for those looking for a broader range of edge styles.
4. No Need for Emollients or Gels
One of the surprising features of the Mini Scraper is the ability to use it without emollient or gel. Unlike many scraping tools that need a gel or cream to reduce friction, the Mini Scraper’s material is slick enough on its own to glide smoothly across the skin. This means you can get started right away without worrying about extra products or cleanup afterward.
This makes it particularly convenient for travel as you don’t need to keep extra supplies on hand. It’s a simple, no-fuss experience that saves time and hassle—something we can definitely appreciate.
What We Didn’t Love About the Achedaway Scraper
1. Limited Edge Variety
As mentioned earlier, one of the drawbacks of the Ached Away Mini Scraper is the lack of edge variety. While it works well for most areas, it doesn’t offer the versatility of the Sidekick Echo, which provides multiple edge types for more targeted work. For those who are used to having a variety of shapes and angles for different muscle groups, this could feel limiting.
2. Plastic Construction
The Mini Scraper is largely made of plastic, which contributes to its lightweight feel. While this isn’t inherently a bad thing, some users might prefer a more substantial, metal scraper for a more “premium” feel. Not only that, muscle scrapers made of metal give you feedback into your hand when you’ve hit a spot that needs attention. With the grip and plastic construction this feeling is dulled down a lot. This makes it harder to know where you need to work. Additionally, plastic construction might not have the same long-term durability as metal tools. That being said, it still feels sturdy enough for regular use.
3. Needs to Charge
The heat feature is a fantastic addition and it lasts about 2 hours (so they say we haven’t used it enough yet to know!). That does mean you need a charger and to recharge. While some people might not mind charging it, we’re sure others would, which is why we are putting it here. The Mini Scraper does come with a USB to USBC cable for charging. Like many electronics today you need to provide your own block for wall charging.
Watch our Unboxing Video for Real Time First Impressions!
Would I Choose The Achedaway Mini Scraper Instead of a Sidekick?
As a clinician, we are going to have to say no. If I had to choose between the Sidekick Echo and the Achedaway Mini Scraper I would have to say that the weight and feedback of the Echo will allow me to provide more for our clients. That being said I think it is a great addition to my tool kit which is what Achedaway is promoting this Mini Scraper as anyways!
From a patient perspective, the Mini Scraper is super convenient and the fact you don’t need gel is awesome. It is definitely a little lighter and easier to hold but slightly less versatile than the Echo. That being said you can totally make it work. It would definitely be a “go to” if I was heading on a trip or didn’t like the hassle of needing to use an emollient.
Final Thoughts: Who Is This Tool Best For?
Overall, we’re quite impressed with the Achedaway Mini Scraper. Its portability, heat integration, and ease of use make it a great option! Whether you’re a busy professional, athlete, or someone who frequently treats themselves on the go, this tool would be a great addition to your collection.
While the limited edge variety and plastic construction may not appeal to everyone, we think it’s an excellent choice for anyone in need of a lightweight, travel-friendly tool. If you’re looking for something easy to carry around, effective, and ready to use without any added fuss, the Achedaway Mini Scraper is definitely worth considering.
Let us know if you have any other questions and be sure to check out our unboxing video where Dr. Chloe uses it for the first time!
Want To Know More About Muscle Scraping?
Check out this blog on the full protocol for Muscle Scraping!
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