What is Graston Technique?

Graston® Technique is an instrument-assisted soft tissue technique designed to break down scar tissue and fascial restrictions in the body.  Specially designed stainless steel tools are used to detect and remove areas of soft tissue fibrosis or chronic inflammation in order to reduce overall treatment times, improve recovery and rehabilitation, and resolve chronic conditions once thought to be permanent.

Scar tissue is tissue that has healed in a haphazard pattern as a result of damage to normal tissue.  Scar tissue can adhere to fascia (a thin layer of tissue that weaves between every organ, muscle, and tendon in the body), muscles, tendons, and ligaments, impairing function (e.g. restricted range of motion) and producing pain.

How Does Graston Technique Work?

Graston® Technique works to break up scar tissue so that it can be absorbed by the body.  Uniquely shaped stainless steel instruments are used to comb over and “catch” areas of fibrotic or scarred tissue.  As the instruments glide over adhesions, the patient and practitioner will identify a feeling of ‘going over a speed bump’ or a ‘gravel-like grittiness’.  It is common to experience discomfort during treatment and minor bruising afterwards; these are normal responses and part of the healing process.  The treatment is not debilitating and patients can continue their daily activities throughout the course of treatment.

The Graston® Technique protocol begins with a brief warm-up of the tissue prior to applying the technique; this is then followed by stretching, strengthening, and application of ice (optional).  Patients typically receive treatment twice per week for a period of four to five weeks, with most patients experiencing a positive response by the third or fourth treatment.

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Conditions that can be treated with Graston® Technique include:

  • Cervical strain/sprain (neck pain)
  • Rotator cuff problems (shoulder pain)
  • Lateral and medial epicondylitis (tennis and golfer’s elbow, respectively)
  • Carpal tunnel syndrome (wrist pain)
  • Lumbar strain/sprain (low back pain)
  • Patellofemoral disorders (knee pain)
  • Achilles tendonosis (ankle pain)
  • Plantar fasciitis (foot pain)

For more information about Graston® Technique, please visit: http://www.grastontechnique.com/