What is Graston Technique®?
 

Graston Technique® (GT) is a unique, evidence-based form of instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization (IASTM) which uses specially designed stainless steel instruments with unique treatment edges and angles to assess and treat a wide variety of soft tissue conditions to help the patient during recovery.

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Why Graston Technique®? How does it help?

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Repetitive sprains, strains and injuries can often lead to the development of scar tissue, trigger points or adhesions between connective tissues. These can, in turn cause pain, dysfunction and inefficient biomechanics during movement, limiting our range of motion and peak strength. Graston Technique® (GT) uses Dr. James Cyriax's model of cross-fiber massage in order to break down these adhesions, encouraging the proper alignment of collagen fibers and restoring pain-free range of motion and strength.

 

How is Graston Technique® used?

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A typical session of Graston Technique® consists of a thorough assessment and screen of the patient's condition, a generalized warm-up of tissues, Graston Technique® treatment, followed by stretching, strengthening and ice. Graston Technique® may be incorporated into physiotherapy sessions along with other forms of treatment such as: manual therapy, therapeutic exercise or modalities.

 

Recommended treatment frequency is: 2 sessions per week, for 4-5 weeks.

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Does Graston Technique® hurt?

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During Graston Technique® treatment, the patient may feel therapeutic discomfort similar to other forms of soft tissue release or manual therapy, depending on their condition. This however, should be a "positive" sensation. Bruising or the appearance of petechiae (red streaks on the skin) is not the objective of Graston Technique® but may appear after treatment. Graston Technique® does not have to be painful to be effective. Please notify your therapist if you are experiencing pain during treatment.

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What conditions can be treated with Graston Technique®?

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• Achilles Tendinitis/osis (ankle pain) or Shin Splints

• Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (wrist pain) or Trigger Finger

• Cervicothoracic Sprain/Strain (neck pain)

• Lateral (Tennis Elbow) or Medial (Golfer's Elbow) Epicondylitis/osis

• Lumbosacral Sprain/Strain (back pain)

• Myofascial Pain Syndromes or Fibromyalgia

• 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)

• Women's Health (post-mastectomy and Caesarean scarring)

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

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Please feel free to contact us with any questions or concerns!

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