Effectively Treating Acute and Chronic Injuries

The Graston Technique, originally developed by athletes, is changing the way clinicians including athletic trainers, chiropractors, physical therapists, occupational therapists and patients view treatment of acute and chronic soft tissue injuries.

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.

Why did you start using Graston Technique?

As a clinician, I found that I couldn't fix everything that presented into my clinic. So unfortunately I was unable to fix some soft tissue complaints. I found that I could work on the mechanical issues associated with an injury, but if there were chronic muscle, ligament or tendon problems the pain might go away only to quickly return. This led me to look into therapies and treatments that would address these myofascial complaints. I began treating as a Graston Provider early in 2009 and found that I was getting great results.

What Can Graston Treat?

Graston Technique has been previously helpful in treating pain and lack of motion in the knee ( both pre and post surgery ), wrist complaints ( carpal tunnel ), arm and forearm conditions, neck and back issues ( even if traditional chiropractic has been ineffective ), plantar fascitis, shoulder problems, and many more areas. If it is related to soft tissue, Graston Technique can be helpful in many cases.Other issues that Graston has been known to help:

Cervical Sprain Strain (neck pain)
Lumbar Sprain Strain (low back pain)
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (wrist pain)
Medial Epicondylitis (golfer's elbow)
Lateral Epicondylitis (tennis elbow)
Rotator Cuff Tendinitis (shoulder pain)
Patellofemoral Disorder (knee pain)
Achilles Tendinitis (ankle pain)
Chronic and Acute Ankle Sprains
Shin Splints
Trigger Finger
Scar Tissue
Post Surgical Scarring
Fibromyalgia
Edema (post surgical)

How Long Does It Take To Get Better?

Treatment with Graston is not a one-time event.  Although many patient see significant improvement with only a couple of treatments, many conditions may take 8 or 10 treatments to reach maximum improvement.  This is mainly due to the time it takes for the body to heal itself after the scar tissue (fibrous adhesions) is broken up.

What are the side effects of Treatment?

Side effects from Graston are usually mild and include localized swelling, soreness with touch, and mild or moderate bruising.  These side effects generally resolve in a couple of days and can be treated at home with ice.

What do the tools used in Graston Technique look like?