Graston Technique
Graston Technique is an advanced method to decrease pain and improve function. It is a technique that allows us to detect and treat areas of "scar tissue" or adhesions in muscles, tendons and ligaments that can reduce our range of motion and cause pain.
In the healing process, our body attempts to repair those areas by creating "scar tissue," much like the scar that forms on the skin when you have scraped or banged your knee.
Graston Technique has been effective in the treatment of:
- Carpal tunnel syndrome (wrist/hand pain)
- Cervical pain (neck pain)
- De Quervain's syndrome (thumb pain)
- Epicondylosis (elbow pain)
- IT band syndrome (outer thigh pain)
- Joint sprain
- Lower back pain
- Muscle strain
- Painful scars
- Plantar fasciitis (foot pain)
- Tendinosis (shoulder, elbow and wrist pain)
- Post-fracture pain
The Graston Technique allows us to better detect and treat these areas because it uses a stainless steel instrument that glides along a patient's muscle, tendon or ligament, with the right amount of pressure to detect just where the scar tissue or restrictions are located.
When these knots or bands of scar tissue are encountered, both the clinician and the patient sense a restriction, almost like a speed bump or granular feeling. The instrument can then be used to "break up" this restriction or adhesion. Stretching exercises are used to promote realignment of the fibers into the normal pattern of healthy tissue.
The benefit of the Graston Technique is not only in detection of restrictions or adhesions, but also in the amount of improvement that takes place in a short amount of time.
Patients usually receive two treatments per week for four to five weeks. Most people have a positive response within two to three treatments.
Most patients are not disabled and continue to perform their regular functions at home or work.
GT decreases overall time of treatment, fosters faster rehabilitation/recovery, reduces need for anti-inflammatory medication, and resolves chronic conditions thought to be permanent.
If you have not experienced the Graston Technique, yet you have lingering discomfort or stiffness, please ask us whether you may be helped by this treatment.
