Integrative Therapies

Graston Technique®

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.

• Procedure detects and treats areas of “scar tissue” or adhesions in muscles, tendons and ligaments that can lead to pain and dysfunction.

• In the healing process, our body attempts to repair muscles, tendons and ligaments with “scar tissue,” much like the scar that forms on the skin when you have scraped or banged your knee.  Scar tissue tends to be weaker and less flexible than normal, healthy, undamaged tissue.

• Graston Technique® uses six stainless steel instruments to glide along a patient’s muscle, tendons or ligaments.  When knots or bands of scar tissue are encountered, both the doctor and the patient sense a restriction or a granular feeling from the instrument. 

• GT instruments are used to “break up” this restriction or adhesion.  Stretching exercises are used to promote re-alignment of the fibers so they behave more like healthy tissue.  The patient feels less pain and gains more mobility.

• The instruments are not meant to replace a clinician's hands, but to complement  them.  The instruments enhance what the clinician’s hands can feel – substantially improving the ability to detect and treat soft-tissue dysfunctions.   An unaided hand is hard pressed to detect and break up as much scar tissue as the stainless steel instruments can.

• Patients usually receive two treatments per week during 4 to 5 weeks. Most patients have a positive response by the 3rd to 4th treatment.

• Most patients are able to function and continue to perform their regular functions at home, work or play.

Benefits of GT:

• Decreases overall time of treatment
• Fosters faster rehabilitation/recovery
• Reduces need for anti-inflammatory medication
• Patient continues to engage in everyday activities

Is GT New?

The concept of cross fiber treatment is grounded in the works of English orthopedist James Cyriax. The use of Graston Technique® instruments and protocol is new.

Treating Acute and Chronic Conditions:

The Graston Technique®instruments, while enhancing the clinician's ability to detect fascial adhesions and restrictions, have been clinically proven to achieve quicker and better outcomes in treating both acute and chronic conditions, including:

-         Achilles Tendinitis/osis (ankle pain)

-         Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (wrist pain)

-         Cervical Sprain/Strain (neck pain)

-         Fibromyalgia

-         Lateral Epicondylitis/osis (tennis elbow)

-         Lumbar Sprain/Strain (back pain)

-         Medial Epicondylitis/osis (golfer's elbow)

-         Patellofemoral Disorders (knee pain)

-         Plantar Fasciitis/osis (foot pain)

-         Rotator Cuff Tendinitis/osis (shoulder pain)

-         Scar Tissue

-         Shin Splints

-         Trigger Finger

-         Women’s Health (post-mastectomy and Caesarean scarring)

*Patients usually receive two treatments per week during a four-to five-week period. Most patients have a positive response by the third to fourth treatment. Historically, the Graston Technique® has had positive outcomes in 75–90 percent of all conditions treated.

Providers:

• Graston Technique® is used by nearly 7,500 clinicians worldwide—including Athletic Trainers, Chiropractors, Occupational, Physical and Massage Therapists.

• GT is used at some 825 out-patient facilities and industrial on-sites, by more than 125 professional and amateur sports organizations, and is part of the curriculum at 32 respected colleges and universities.

• Only clinicians who have been trained and accredited in the Graston Technique® Basic Training course are qualified to obtain the Graston Technique® instruments and apply the technique to treat patients.