Graston Technique
Graston Technique
The why for using Graston Technique is a big one and the answer is called Fascia. We are covered, head to toe, in connective tissue called fascia. Envision wearing a saran wrap suit with no seams just beneath the skin. This special suit is exactly this layer. Fascia is present all throughout the body. It forms the internal soft tissue structure, covering and connecting everything from the tiniest muscle to the beating heart. This tough tissue has the ability to contract, feel pain, sense pressure, and communicate with the body from head to toe. Fascia is laid out in specific patterns, like sheets, and as we move, these fascial sheets glide over each other, distributing forces and holding all our body parts in place.
Fascia, along with muscles, tendons, & ligaments, can become stuck. Treatment that concentrates on how regions of tissue interconnect and work together, rather than focusing on individual areas of discomfort, greatly increases successful resolution of pain and dysfunction.
Many soft tissue techniques are very compressive, applying tension and downward pressure to achieve the breakup of adhesions rather than using a decompressive technique which pulls the muscles apart.
What is Graston Technique?
Graston Technique is a patented form of deep manual therapy that uses stainless steel instruments to detect and treat regions of injured soft tissue. The shape of the tools vary to allow work on anything from large muscles of the leg to intricate muscles of the hands and feet. Graston Technique is a powerful method which mobilizes stiff muscles that have adhesive tissues.
Graston Technique Goals
The general goals of Graston Technique are to reduce the patient’s pain and increase function through a combination of:
- Breaking down scar tissue and fascia restrictions in the affected region
- Reducing restrictions by stretching connective tissue to rearrange the structure of the soft tissue
- Increasing blood flow to promote a better healing environment to injured or adhesed soft tissue
How will I benefit from a Graston treatment?
Graston Technique helps restore mobility and function to the body while eliminating pain by breaking up scar tissue that cause restrictions in movement.
What should I expect from a Graston treatment?
A Graston treatment consists of the clinician finding scar tissue or fibrous areas. The clinician then works the affected area with the stainless-steel instrument using very specific movements and pressure to break up the scar tissue.
Is treatment painful?
Treatment may be painful since it is breaking up scar tissue and adhesions.
Will there be any bruising or soreness after a Graston treatment?
Little red dots, bruising or soreness may appear after a treatment. If bruising occurs T-gel or Arnica is recommended to help reduce the discoloration. For soreness, an ice application for 15-20 minutes can help ease the discomfort.
How quickly will I see results?
You should see significant results from treatments within 6-12 weeks. Graston Technique is one of the many soft tissue management techniques used at Muscle & Joint Clinic providing another powerful tool to let you live pain free.