What is Graston Technique (GT)?
In technical terms, 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.
Many people have scar tissue and inflammation in their muscles and soft tissue caused by injuries and tightness over time. This scar tissue limits range of motion, and in many instances causes pain, which prevents your body from functioning as it did before the injury. Graston Technique is one way our doctors detect and treat scar tissue and restrictions in order to restore your joints and muscles to normal function.
The technique uses specially-designed stainless steel instruments, along with appropriate therapeutic exercise, to specifically detect and effectively treat areas exhibiting soft tissue fibrosis (scarring) 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.
What is a Graston treatment like?
Your doctor will use specially-designed, smooth, stainless steel instruments to pull over your skin in the effected areas and and “catch” on fibrotic (scarred) tissue, which immediately identifies the areas that should be treated. Once the tissue has been identified, the doctor uses the instruments on the surface of your skin to break up the underlying scar tissue so it can be absorbed by the body. By reducing and eliminating scar tissue, mobility is restored and pain reduced.
While the treatment can be uncomfortable and cause minor bruising, it is part of the normal treatment and healing process. The treatment becomes more comfortable as scar tissue is reduced.
Who Uses Graston Technique?
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. Graston Technique is used at some 2,700 outpatient facilities and 77 industrial sites, by more than 384 professional and amateur sports organizations, and is part of the curriculum at 45 respected colleges and universities.
Visit the Graston Technique website to learn more.
Will Graston Technique help you?
Chiropractors at Astra Performance Health use Graston Technique to treat athletes and other patients for chronic inflammation and to reduce the impacts of fibrosis/scarring. To learn more and see if you are a candidate for Graston Technique, contact us online or call us at (913) 345-4840. We are currently accepting new patients.