Graston Technique® incorporates a patented form of instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization that enables practitioner to effectively detect and treat scar tissue and restrictions that affect normal function. Graston Technique® has been effective in the treatment of:
Here is list of some of the most common conditions treated with Graston Technique® therapy.
- Neck Pain (Cervical Sprain/Strain)
- Fibromyalgia
- Hamstring Injuries
- Hip Pain
- Tennis Elbow (Lateral Epicondylosis/itis)
- Knee Pain (Patellofemoral Disorders)
- Shoulder Pain (Rotator Cuff Tendinosis/itis)
- Scar Tissue
There also appears to be a neurologic benefit to treating patients with the Graston Technique® Instruments. This response is similar to that involved with other manual therapies. The literature suggests that when a patient is given manual or instrument assisted soft tissue mobilization (IASTM) therapy, certain nerve fibers are activated. Additionally, the body’s position sense organs, such as mechanoreceptors and proprioceptors, seem to respond to these forms of treatment.
Graston Technique® uses unique handheld instruments with a specialized form of massage that is designed to help the practitioner identify areas of restriction and break up the scar tissue.
The Graston Technique® Tools
There are 6 core tools used in Graston Technique® . These tools are made of stainless steel and are concave and convex-shaped. They have rounded edges and are not sharp. The instruments are used to scan over and detect areas of injured fibrotic tissue.
The process is designed to both identify the injured areas and provide needed treatment to them.
Benefits of Graston Technique® Therapy
- May decrease overall time of treatment
- Fosters faster rehabilitation and recovery
- Reduces the need for anti-inflammatory medication
- Resolves chronic conditions thought to be permanent
Does the Graston Technique® Work?
Graston physical therapy is successful due to its ability to interrupt the pain cycle and scar tissue formation, which leads to changes in soft tissue flexibility and range of motion. The Graston massage instruments help to amplify soft tissue restrictions, like a stethoscope amplifies the sound of a heartbeat.
That tool also becomes the treatment tool in which the clinician twists, turns, and chisels away at the adhesion through the skin in order to induce controlled microtrauma to the area. By inducing microtrauma, an inflammatory process is triggered to promote healing and recovery to the area. Graston therapy also stimulates collagen regrowth and redistribution of collagen fibers in the correct pattern that optimizes range of motion, flexibility, and muscle recruitment.
Using a cross-friction massage, which involves brushing or rubbing against the grain of the scar tissue, the practitioner re-introduces small amounts of trauma to the affected area. In some cases, this process temporarily causes inflammation in the area, which in turn increases the rate and amount of blood flow in and around the area. The theory is that this process helps initiate and promote the healing process of the affected soft tissues.
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