Graston Technique is a soft tissue mobilization technique that uses stainless steel instruments to break down scar tissue and fascial restrictions. This remarkable procedure 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. In time, we can have a build up of this fibrous scar tissue, particularly in the muscles,tendons and ligamentsthat get a lot of use. This can lead to pain and dysfunction because this replacement tissue lacks the strength and flexibility of healthy tissue (in some areas it may even mat down and entrap anerve).

We use a stainless-steel instrument that glides along a patient’s muscle, tendons or ligaments, 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 a granular feeling. The instrument can then be used to identify and treat areas exhibiting soft tissue fibrosis or chronic inflammation. Stretching exercises are used to promote re-alignment of the fibers into the normal pattern of healthy tissue.

Graston Technique works in the following ways: Breaks down scar tissue and fascial restrictions to help improve mobility and movement Increases skin temperature which decreases healing time Increases the rate and amount of blood flow to injured area to promote a better healing environment for the injured soft tissue. Reducing restrictions by stretching connective tissue in an attempt to rearrange the structure of the soft tissue being treated (e.g., muscle, fascia, tendons, ligaments). Resolving chronic conditions thought to be permanent.

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. Remember the song and words “… the knee bone is connected to the thigh bone…”? Well, so they are and so are all of the body parts connected in what is referred to as the kinetic chain. The instruments allow the clinician to follow that kinetic chain, effectively uncovering the cause of the problem, then treating the cause and the area of pain or restriction..

The unaided hand is hard pressed to detect and break up as much scar tissue, or follow the kinetic chain, as effectively or efficiently as stainless steel instruments can

Patients usually receive two treatments per week for four to five weeks. Most patients have a positive response within two to three treatments. Most patients are not disabled and continue to perform their regular functions at home/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 effective treatment.

If you suffer from any of the acute and chronic conditions listed below, you may be a good candidate for Graston Technique. Cervical sprain/strain (neck pain) Lumbar sprain/strain (back pain) Rotator Cuff Tendinosis (shoulder pain) Lateral Epicondylitis (tennis elbow) Medial Epicondylitis (golfer’s elbow) Patellofemoral Disorders (knee pain) Achilles Tendinosis (ankle pain) Plantar Fasciitis (foot pain) Fibromyalgia Trigger Finger Shin Splints