The Graston Technique is an instrument-assisted manual therapy that helps break through scar and fibrotic tissue to facilitate healing and to decrease muscle tightness. Like most soft tissue therapies, Graston works to create small amounts of trauma to the affected area. The process temporarily causes inflammation in the area, which in turn increases the rate and amount of blood flow (and the healing oxygen it carries) in and around the muscles and other tissue. The process helps initiate and promote the healing process of the affected soft tissues, including muscles, fascia, ligaments, tendons, and scars.
The Graston Technique, developed by Dr. David Graston and Gary Brace, is used in treating acute pain and scarring from injuries or surgery and chronic pain conditions such as plantar fasciitis, sciatica, tendonitis, iliotibial band syndrome (ITBS), and more.
Practitioners must be certified to use the Graston tools and techniques, which requires more than 20 hours of training. Graston is used by chiropractors, sports trainers, massage therapists, physical therapists, and other professionals to treat patients and elite athletes in almost every sport.
Graston practitioners use a variety of small, round-edged stainless-steel tools to scrape across the grain of muscle or scar tissue. The tools are helpful both in identifying areas of concern and treating them by realigning the tissue fibers. Patients usually receive treatments over the course of several weeks, allowing the body to process the treatment and heal between visits.
Practitioners often ask the patient to do light cardiovascular activity before the treatment to stimulate blood flow. The therapist might also apply heat to the affected area. The instruments are applied, using very specific massage techniques, for 30 to 60 seconds in each area, including areas remote from the injury, but which may be connected to it by fascia.
The treatment areas may look red or stippled after treatment, and the soreness may persist for a few hours. Patients can apply ice to alleviate the bruising and soreness.
Graston is used to treat Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, Plantar Fasciitis, Tennis Elbow, Shin Splints, and other injuries from sports or daily activities. It’s also added to other therapies to speed up healing from surgeries and acute injuries.
Graston Therapy is offered at Inner Strength Physical Therapy. I have found the technique helps patients recover faster. It’s a great way to stimulate the body’s own healing power. If you want to learn more, see a demonstration, or even book an appointment, visit MyInnerStrenghtPT.com.
