What is the Graston Technique and why do I use it?

Common misconception about the Graston Technique:

Bruising and pain are unavoidable and necessary for the technique to work. WRONG!

Bruising and pain have never been expected, necessary, or desired in order to get optimal results.

• What is Graston?

  • The Graston Technique incorporates the use of 6 specifically designed stainless steel instruments to aid your clinician in the detection and treatment of soft tissue dysfunction. The technique is an evidence-based method of instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization(IASTM) that, when combined with rehabilitative exercises, can help to significantly improve musculoskeletal function. It addresses soft tissue lesions and fascial restrictions providing the patient with quicker return to function, improved outcomes, increased satisfaction, decreased frustration (by providing additional solution to solving problems), and improved surgical outcomes via scar tissue management.

• Why is Scar Tissue a problem?

  • Scar tissue limits range of motion due its negative impact on sensory motor firing rates and frequencies. Abnormal sensory inputs perpetuate a dysfunctional cycle of nervous system sensitization, pain and dysfunctional movement/motor output. The tissue may show thickening, irregular organization or less precise margins as compared to non-injured tissues, which results in a restricted range of motion and, very often, pain and functional limitations. GT offers a positive method of manual therapy that interrupts and breaks this cycle of pain and dysfunctional movement

• Which conditions are best addressed with the Graston Technique?:

  • Lateral and Medial Epicondylosis

  • Supraspinatus Tendinosis

  • Achilles Tendinosis

  • Patellar Tendinosis

  • De Quervain’s Syndrome

  • Plantar Fasciitis

  • ITB Syndrome

  • Chronic Compartment Syndromes

  • Trigger Finger

  • Myofascial Pain Syndromes

  • MCL/LCL Sprains

  • AC Ligament Sprains

  • Ankle Sprains

  • Ulnar Collateral Sprains

  • Carpal or Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome

  • Ulnar Entrapment

  • Thoracic outlet Syndrome

  • Swelling Reduction

  • Post-surgical or Traumatic Scar tissue/Adhesions

  • Secondary Soft Tissue lesions associated with other diagnoses

• What are the benefits of IASTM? Empirical and anecdotal evidence exist for the following physiological effects of the Graston Technique:

  • Separates and breaks down collagen cross-links, and splays and stretches connective tissue and muscle fibers

  • Helps to restore and maintain balance between collagen synthesis and degradation

  • Facilitates reflex changes in the chronic muscle holding pattern (inhibition of abnormal tone/guarding leading to pain reduction via improved sensory input)

  • Alters/inhibits spinal reflex activity (facilitated segment)

  • Increases the rate and amount of blood flow to and from the area (angiogenesis vs. immediate local increases in blood flow)

  • Increases cellular activity in the region, including fibroblasts and mast cells

  • Increases histamine response secondary to mast cell activity

  • Activate proper alignment of fibroblasts and myofibroblasts in the direction of stress

  • Facilitates tissue lubrication

  • Restores normal gliding between layers of tissue

  • Provides a neurophysiological benefit from the proprioceptive input to fascia

  • Improves ability for soft tissue to generate electrical signals and communicate with each other

• Reference:

  • Carry-Loghmani M.T., Schrader J.W., Hammer W.I. Clinical Foundations for Graston Technique Therapy. In Graston Technique. Edited by Ploski M.R., Shakar J.J., Vincent R.E. 2019.