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How does the Graston Technique
work?
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. GT utilizes stainless steel instruments
designed specifically to detect and effectively treat
areas exhibiting soft tissue fibrosis or chronic
inflammation.
Treatment with GT is conducted in
conjunction with a rehabilitation regimen designed to
restore athletes to their pre-injury level of activity.
This is accomplished by implementing a functional
progression program, which zeros in on imbalances
throughout the kinetic chain. Flexibility, strengthening
and muscle re-education is employed to provide the
athlete/patient with optimal results within a minimal
number of treatment sessions.
Product Use and Procedures
The patented Graston Technique
instruments - shaped to fit the contour of the body- are
used to scan the area and assist clinicians to locate
and then treat the injured tissue that is causing pain
and restricting motion. Clinicians utilize the
instruments to supply precise pressure to break up scar
tissue, which relieves the discomfort and restores
normal function.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How does the Graston Technique
Work?
A: It is theorized that the Graston
Technique is effective because it provides controlled
micro trauma to the affected soft tissue structures. It
also stimulates a local inflammatory response, which
leads to remodeling and repair of affected soft tissues
structures. The instruments allow therapists to specify
the area that is being treated.
Q: Who can benefit from the Graston
Technique?
A: Individuals who are experiencing
pain and loss of motion and function following surgery,
injury, cumulative trauma disorders and tendinitis may
benefit from the Graston Technique. Some clinical
diagnoses which have responded well to the Graston
Technique include:
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (wrist
pain)
Scars
Plantar Fasciitis (foot and arch
pain)
Adhesions
Cervical Strain/Sprain (neck
pain)
Restrictions
Lumbar Sprain/Strain (low back
pain)
Muscle Spasms
Achilles Tendinitis (ankle pain)
Muscle Pulls
Rotator Cuff Tendinitis
(shoulder)
Trigger Points
Patellofemoral Disorders (knee
pain)
Tendinitis
Later Epicondylitis (tennis
elbow)
Muscle Strains
Medial Epicondylitis (golfers
elbow)
Shin Splints
Q: Why is scar tissue a problem?
A: Scar tissue limits range of
motion, and in many instances causes pain, which
prevents the patient from functioning as he or she did
before the injury.
Q: How is scar tissue different
from other tissue?
A: When viewed under a microscope,
normal tissue can take a couple of different fashions:
dense, regular elongated fibers running in the same
direction, such as tendons and ligaments; or dense,
irregular and loose with fibers running in multiple
directions. In either instance, when tissue is damaged
it will heal in a haphazard pattern--or scarring--that
results in a restricted range of motion and, very often,
pain.
Q: How are the instruments used?
A: 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.
Q: Is the treatment painful?
A: 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.
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