Graston Technique
Changing the way soft tissue injuries are treated.
The Graston Technique, originally developed by athletes, is changing the way Clinicians - including athletic therapists, chiropractors, physical therapist, occupational therapists - and patients view treatment of acute and chronic soft tissue injuries.
The Graston Technique is an innovative, patented form of instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization that enables clinicians to effectively break down scar tissue and fascial restrictions.
The Technique utilizes specially designed stainless steel instruments to specifically detect and effectively treat areas exhibiting soft tissue fibrosis or chronic inflammation.
The Graston Technique offers many advantages and benefits for the patient:
- Decreases overall time of treatment
- Fosters faster rehabilitation/recovery
- Reduces need for anti-inflammatory medication
- Resolves chronic conditions thought to be permanent
"The Graston Instruments allow a deeper, more sensitive palpation and treatment of fibrotic restricted tissue." -Warren I. Hammer, MS, DC, DABCO
6 Stainless steel instruments form the cornerstone of the Graston Technique
The Graston Instruments, much like a tuning fork, resonate in the clinicians hands allowing the clinician to isolate adhesions and restrictions, and treat them very precisely. Since the metal surface of the instruments does not compress as do the fat pads of the finger, deeper restrictions can be accessed and treated. When explaining the properties of the instruments, we often use the analogy of a stethoscope. Just as a stethoscope amplifies what the human ear can hear, so do the instruments increase significantly what human hands can feel.
Conditions and Injuries Graston can help with
The Graston Technique Instruments (GT Instruments), while enhancing the clinician's ability to detect fascial adhesions and restrictions, have been clinically proven to achieve quicker and better outcomes in treating both acute and chronic conditions, including:
- Cervical sprain/strain (neck pain)
- Lumbar sprain/strain (back pain)
- Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (wrist pain)
- Plantar Fasciitis (foot pain)
- Lateral Epicondylitis (tennis elbow)
- Medial Epicondylitis ( golfer's elbow)
- Rotator Cuff Tendinitis (shoulder pain)
- Patellofemoral Disorders (knee pain)
- Achilles Tendinitis (ankle pain)
- IT Band Syndrome
- Scar Tissue
- Shin Splints
- Trigger finger
Frequently asked questions
Is the treatment painful?
It is common to experience minor discomfort during the procedure and some bruising afterwards, This is a normal response and part of the healing process.
How are the instruments used?
The Graston Technique Instruments are used to enhance the clinician's ability to detect adhesions, scar tissue, or restrictions in the affected areas. Skilled clinicians use the stainless steel instruments to comb over and "catch" on fibrotic tissue, which immediately identifies the areas of restriction. Once the tissue has been identified, the instruments are used to break up the scar tissue so it can be absorbed by the body.
How many treatments does it take?
Patients usually receive two treatments per week over 4-5 weeks. Most patients have a positive response by the 3rd to 4th treatment.