Graston Technique
Do You Have Help Aches and Pains! The Graston Technique May Help
Long-term relief isn’t so far away.
The Graston method is a form of soft tissue mobilization assisted by instruments (IASTM). It is a form of manual therapy that includes special ergonomic stainless steel tools for gently massaging and scraping parts of the skin.
If you haven’t heard of it yet, know that you might benefit from the Graston technique! Numerous conditions, including lower back pain, carpal tunnel syndrome, rotator cuff tears, quadricep pain, tennis elbow, plantar fasciitis, and headaches, can be treated using the Graston Technique.
Are you suffering from a soft tissue injury? Do you have sports injuries, or have you been in an auto-accident that caused mobility issues? Do you have scars or attachments that cause pain and restrict your movement? If so, the Graston Technique may help you.
Our highly trained physical therapist at Hilltop Physical Therapy will create a therapy treatment plan that is best for you. To learn more about how the Graston Technique can benefit you, request an appointment at Hilltop Physical Therapy today!
About the Graston technique
Before adding the Graston Technique to your treatment plan, here are some helpful facts to keep in mind:
- More than 31,000 clinicians worldwide use it.
- It is applied at more than 3,600 outpatient facilities.
- It is part of the curriculum at more than 50 colleges and universities.
- It is used by 16 NBA teams, 18 NFL teams, 16 MLB teams.
- It is used by more than 500 professional and amateur sports organizations.
Benefits of the Graston technique
Scar tissue is a type of connective fibrous tissue that receives less blood and stretches less normal tissue. After an injury, it tends to be thick and may build up around the ligaments, tendons, and muscles.
Adhesions are the accumulation of soft tissue. Shin splints, pulled hamstrings, meniscal tears are all injuries that may result in adhesions.
Adhesions and scar tissue may occur either in the tissues or in the skin when you are injured. Scar tissue and adhesions prevent proper movement of the underlying body structures. This is because it is impossible for ligaments, tendons, and muscles to move freely.
Scar tissue and adhesions can bend to the fascia and cause a condition known as fascial constraint. Over time, even the wear and tear of everyday life can cause muscle fibers to adhere to each other irregularly. With the Graston technique, the treatment causes muscle fiber separation, which reduces pain and increases functional mobility.
What does the typical session look like?
At the beginning of a Graston Technique treatment, the areas of the soft tissue fibrosis will be moved to make the scar tissue more receptive.
The edge of the stainless steel tool will be used to slowly glide across the affected soft tissue until it comes in contact with an adhesion.
Our physical therapist will then rub over the adhesion to elicit movement. This friction will help promote the healing process of your soft tissue injury.
The amount of pressure used with the instrument, and the speed in which it is done will vary depending on the nature of your condition, and it will be adjusted throughout the treatment.
After each treatment, the affected area will be stretched and our physical therapist will provide you with ice packs if you experience any soreness.
Most patients who receive the Graston technique will undergo two treatments a week, over a five-week time frame. You should expect to notice relief by the third or fourth treatment.
Some of the many benefits of the Graston Technique include:
- Increased mobility and ability to perform daily tasks
- Increased rate of volume and blood flow to affected areas to enhance healing
- Boost in cellular activity for good health
- Breakdown of collagen cross-links
- Reduction in pain, for a better quality of life
- Reduction in inflammation
The Graston technique may help you find relief
Are you ready to get started on the path toward relief and recovery with the Graston Technique? We are committed to helping you heal and get back to your pain-free life! Contact Hilltop Physical Therapy today to request an appointment with one of our dedicated Fredericksburg physical therapists.
