Graston technique is a type of manual therapy utilizing specialized, stainless-steel tools (instruments) to gently massage and rub the skin in specific directions.  Light to moderate pressure is applied by hand using beveled instruments in sweeping motions directly on the skin.  This approach is best done by practitioners such as chiropractors, athletic trainers, osteopaths, and physical therapists with specific training in the Graston technique! 

When applied correctly, Graston helps break up scar tissue, fascial adhesions, myofascial restrictions, and mobilizes soft tissues such as ligaments and tendons.  This reduces pain, shortens healing time, and promotes better healing for injured soft tissues.

Graston is a great tool in the toolbox, so to speak, to improve the outcome of a treatment plan!  This approach is called an instrument-assisted soft tissue technique, or IASTM for short.  Although the Graston technique is not the only form of instrument-assisted soft tissue technique, it is offered in our Burlington office due to its powerful benefits with better mobility and range of motion, decreased pain, and feeling better faster.

Patients who visit our Burlington office for Graston technique usually complain of the following:

• Muscle pain
• Neck pain
• Back Pain
• Tendinitis and tendinopathies
• Carpal tunnel syndrome
• Ligament sprains
• Muscle strains
• Fibromyalgia
• Tennis elbow (Lateral epicondylitis)
• Golfers elbow (Medial epicondylitis)
• Overall muscle tightness
• Scar tissue
• Iliotibial band syndrome
• Plantar fasciitis
• Hip pain
• Women’s health (Caesarean scarring, post-mastectomy)
• Trigger points

How does Graston technique compare to other approaches?

Other soft-tissue approaches may use instruments to also mobilize the soft tissues.  However, the Graston technique is a specialized approach that trains the practitioner in rehabilitation approaches and soft tissue therapies.  Practitioners receive specific training for Graston tools and techniques and, after successfully completing the requirements of the program, receive a certification.  Graston-licensed practitioners are trained to know what type of stroke, how long to perform, and how much pressure to apply with the various tools designed for the Graston technique.

The Graston technique approach directly affects scar tissue and fascial restrictions during the rehabilitation process, thus improving treatment outcomes. This means you, the patient, feel better faster – resulting in less pain and faster rehabilitation.  You can run, sit, swim, work, and perform other activities of your daily routine with better movement and less pain.  Graston works best when the goal is restoring the body’s normal movement, eliminating pain, and restoring normal function.

Our approach to Graston technique

Our chiropractic office offers the Graston technique as a safe and viable option for treatment.  Management of a musculoskeletal condition may include using Graston tools to gently scrape the skin.  Graston technique activates nerve endings during the manual therapy process, and while the tool is working to improve soft tissues, this nerve-ending activation may lead to temporary sensations of discomfort for some people during the therapy process. 

Approaches to treatment will depend on the severity, complexity, and duration (length of time) of your musculoskeletal complaint, as well as your overall health.  Your doctor of chiropractic may recommend the Graston technique or may advise against it if another approach is better or more suited for your condition.

If the Graston technique is used during your appointment, you will be monitored for your body’s response.  Some patients will see a beneficial response right away. Other patients may need several visits before full effectiveness is seen.  Every person’s condition is different and merits a specialized, individualized treatment plan and approach for what is right for you.

Depending on the treatment plan, a patient may also perform light stretching, use a cold pack (cryotherapy), or perform light strengthening exercises to obtain the most out of the therapy and increased movement.  Your treatment is specific to your condition and varies whether it is acute (sudden) or chronic (long term).  As your condition improves, you may need less of an instrument-assisted soft tissue approach.  Make an appointment and find out in our Burlington office how great it can feel to be out of pain and move more!

When should I seek Graston technique?

Graston technique is performed directly by the chiropractor and can be used alone as a treatment approach.  Depending on your condition and symptoms, Graston may accompany other therapy approaches such as heat, cold packs, electric stimulation, and massage, or active approaches like physical therapy, exercise, and rehabilitation.  

Because of the versatility of the treatment, the Graston technique can be used to address recovery from injury and acute conditions.  In fact, Graston is so versatile that its approach addresses chronic pain like fibromyalgia or acute injuries like whiplash from car accidents, elbow conditions such as golfers and tennis elbow, heel pain, knee pain from patellofemoral tracking disorders.  It can also enhance athletic performance and even prevent injury from happening in the first place!

What happens when I get Graston technique?

Successful application of Graston involves specific, measured amounts of microtrauma to the soft tissues.  This deliberate approach increases the body’s inflammatory response.  By increasing inflammation in a controlled way, Graston “fast tracks” the body’s healing response, re-stimulating the healing cycle.  Soft tissues will heal with proper fiber tension and direction, unlike the healing response that results in scar tissue (jumbled and poorly directed).

Because the Graston technique uses tools and pressure against the skin, it may evoke a bruise-like response known as petechiae, or clusters of tiny red dots in the muscle or skin (cutaneous) part of the body receiving treatment.  This mild response is caused by localized trauma and is not a health concern, although you may wish to cover the area with clothing if you feel uncomfortable.

Other potential side effects of Graston include minor discomfort and spontaneous release of scar tissue from other, healthier tissues, such as muscles and ligaments, which is an ideal outcome.

If soft tissue dysfunction is the cause of your muscle or joint condition, then Graston may be the right technique for you. Instrument-assisted soft tissue work is just one form of treatment we successfully use to treat our patients!

Do you have questions about Graston or other soft tissue techniques?  We would be happy to schedule an appointment to discuss treatment options!  Give us a call at our Burlington office and learn if the Graston technique is the right approach for you.