Graston Technique

An Advanced Method to Decrease Pain and Improve Function

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 ligaments that 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 a nerve).

GT Instruments

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 Graston Technique® allows us to better detect and treat these areas of adhesions because it uses 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.

The instrument can then be used to "break up" this restriction or adhesion. Stretching exercises are used to promote re-alignment of the fibers into the normal pattern of healthy tissue.

The Benefits of the Graston Technique®

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. 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 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.

Dedication to a prescribed home exercise program is essential to the success of your treatment. Stretching and strengthening exercises are given to you in order to maintain the release of scar tissue, restrictions and adhesions.

If you have not experienced the Graston Technique® yet and you have lingering discomfort or stiffness, please ask us whether you may be helped by this effective treatment.