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Graston Technique

Changing The Way Soft Tissue Injuries Are Treated

What Conditions Can Be Treated with Graston?

GT-trained clinicians use GT instruments to effectively and efficiently address soft tissue lesions and fascial restrictions while treating acute and chronic conditions, including:

  • Achilles Tendinitis/osis (ankle pain)
  • Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (wrist pain)
  • Cervicothoracic Sprain/Strain (neck pain)
  • Fibromyalgia
  • Lateral Epicondylitis/osis (tennis elbow)
  • Lumbosacral Sprain/Strain (back pain)
  • Medial Epicondylitis/osis (golfer's elbow)
  • Myofascial Pain Syndromes
  • Patellofemoral Disorders (knee pain)
  • Plantar Fasciitis/osis (foot pain)
  • Post surgeries such as joint replacements, RTC repairs (once post-surgical protocol allows for soft tissue mobilization/manual therapy)
  • Rotator Cuff Tendinitis/osis (shoulder pain)
  • Scar Tissue/post-surgical scars (once completely closed)
  • Patients demonstrating central and/or peripheral sensitization (only used in light stroking/brushing mode to desensitize)
  • Shin Splints
  • Trigger Finger
  • Women's Health (post-mastectomy and Caesarean scarring)

Graston Technique® can be used to treat any movement system dysfunction that has been determined to have a soft tissue component

What is Graston Technique?

Graston Technique® is an evidence-based form of instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization that enables clinicians to effectively address scar tissue and fascial restrictions through comprehensive training, resulting in improved patient outcomes.

The technique uses specially-designed stainless steel instruments, along with appropriate therapeutic exercise, to specifically detect and effectively treat areas exhibiting soft tissue fibrosis or chronic inflammation. The instruments also are used diagnostically to follow the kinetic chain, to locate and treat the cause of the symptom as well as the specific area of pain.

Originally developed by athletes, Graston Technique® is a unique evidence-based form of instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization used by more than 22,650 clinicians worldwide
— including physical and occupational therapists, hand therapists, chiropractors, and athletic trainers.

Why is Scar Tissue a Problem?

Scar tissue limits range of motion due its negative impact on sensory motor firing rates and frequencies. Abnormal sensory inputs perpetuate a dysfunctional cycle of nervous system sensitization, pain and dysfunctional movement/motor output. GT offers a positive method of manual therapy that interrupts and breaks this cycle of pain and dysfunctional movement.

How is Scar Tissue Different from Other Tissue?

When viewed under a microscope, normal tissue can be organized in a couple of different fashions: dense, regular elongated fibers running in the same direction, such as tendons and ligaments; or dense and loose, irregular with fibers running in multiple directions. In either instance, when tissue is damaged, it will often heal in a fibrotic, haphazard manner and may appear radio-dense under diagnostic ultrasound. The tissue may show thickening, irregular organization or less precise margins as compared to non-injured tissues, which results in a restricted range of motion and, very often, pain and functional limitations.

Is Graston Technique and Evidence Based form of Manual Therapy?

Empirical and anecdotal evidence exists for the following physiological effects of GT:

  • Separates and breaks down collagen cross-links, and splays and stretches connective tissue and muscle fibers
  • Facilitates reflex changes in the chronic muscle holding pattern (inhibition of abnormal tone/guarding leading to pain reduction via improved sensory input)
  • Alters/inhibits spinal reflex activity (facilitated segment)
  • Increases the rate and amount of blood flow to and from the area (angiogenesis vs. immediate local increases in blood flow)
  • Increases cellular activity in the region, including fibroblasts and mast cells
  • Increases histamine response secondary to mast cell activity

How Does It Work?

What is Scar Tissue?

Research

Research conducted by Graston Technique® trained clinicians at Ball Memorial Hospital and Ball State University, Muncie, Indiana, found that the controlled micro trauma induced through Graston Technique® protocol, increased the amount of fibroblasts to the treated area. That amount of inflammation to the scar tissue helps initiate the healing cascade. The structure of the tissue is rearranged, and damaged tissue is replaced by new tissue. Ice is then applied to reduce the pain and exercise is implemented to increase function and range of motion.

Other clinical studies continue to document the success of Graston Technique®, generally achieving better outcomes when compared to traditional therapies, and resolving injuries that have failed to respond to other therapies.

More info at www.Grastontechnique.com