We have recently added a new technique called the Graston Technique to the health care services we offer our patients. This remarkable procedure allows us to detect and treat areas of “scar tissue” or adhesions in muscles, tendons, and ligaments that can lead to pain and dysfunction.
The Graston Technique allows us to better detect and treat these areas because it uses a stainless steel instrument that glides along a patient’s muscle, tendon, or ligament and acts like a “scar tissue” stethoscope. When knots or bands of scar tissue are encountered, both the physical therapist and the patient sense a restriction or a granular feeling. The instrument can then be used to “break up” this restriction or adhesion. Stretching exercises are then used to promote realignment of the fibers so that they behave more like normal, healthy tissue.
TREATMENT BY GRASTON TECHNIQUE
Graston Technique treatment protocols may also include the use of modalites and other manual techniques to restore patients to their pre-injury level of activity. Muscle re-education, in addition to stretching and strengthening exercises, are also employed to promote realignment of the fibers so that they behave more like normal, healthy tissue. Following and staying with the plan of treatment is critical to achieving the clinical goals set by the physician, physical therapist, and the patient. Without full commitment to the treatment, an optimal outcome may not occur. Most patients report pain reduction and improved function within the first two treatments. Although it is not unusual to experience some discomfort during initial treatment, it should dramatically lessen within a short period of time. Mild to moderate bruising may take place during the process of breaking down old scar tissue. During the course of treatment, daily consumption of 6-8 glasses of water, along with a diet rich in fresh fruit and vegetables will also prove beneficial.
NUMBER OF GRASTON TECHNIQUE TREATMENTS
Factors such as age, history of the condition, occupation and lifestyle will determine the number of times that you will be treated. The average number of treatments is 6 to 8. Generally, treatment is performed no more than twice a week unless the clinical circumstances dictate otherwise.
SUMMARY
The Graston Technique is not appropriate for every patient condition. It is, however, very helpful for people with the most common conditions we treat in our facilities. Because of the great results we have obtained at our Rochester location, we now have a therapist trained in this technique at all of our locations. Visit the Graston Technique website at:
www.grastontechnique.com.
FOR THE TREATMENT OF ACUTE OR CHRONIC:
• Cervical Sprain/Strain (neck pain)
• Lumbar Sprain/Strain (back pain)
• Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (wrist pain)
• Plantar Fasciitis (foot pain)
• Lateral Epicondylitis (tennis elbow)
• Medical Epicondylitis (golfer’s elbow)
• Rotator Cuff Tendonitis (shoulder pain)
• Patellofemoral Disorders (knee pain)
• Achilles Tendonitis (ankle pain)
• Fibromyalgia
• Scar Tissue
• Shin Splints
• Trigger Points |
Graston Technique®, the original
instrument-assisted soft tissue
mobilization technique is …
• Changing the way soft tissue injuries are treated
• Preventing acute conditions from becoming chronic
• Reversing the outcome on conditions once thought to be permanent
• Substantiated by research |
Supportive Research:
Gehlsen GM, Ganion LR, Helfst R. Fibroblast responses to variation in soft tissue mobilization pressure.
Med Sci Sports Exerc 1999;31(4):531-5.
Earley BL, Carey MT, Hall A.The Graston Technique of Instrument-assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization.
In:AOTA Annual Conference and Exposition;
2000 March 30-April 2; Seattle,WA; 2000.
Sevier TL,Wilson JK.Treating lateral epicondylitis.
Sports Med 1999;28(5):375-80.
Carey MT, Ploski M, Sweney L.The Graston Technique of Soft Tissue Mobilization. In: APTA Combined
Sections Meeting; 1999 February 3-7; Seattle,
WA; 1999.
FOR MORE INFORMATION
Please call any of our convenient HealthQuest Physical Therapy & Wellness Centers.
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Free physical therapy consultations are part of our commitment to care for our communities
one person at a time.
