Graston Technique

GRASTON TECHNIQUE®

Presented by: Health First Chiropractic 


History of Graston Technique®

The Graston Technique® (GT) as used by chiropractors is an advanced method to decrease pain and improve function. The technique was originally conceived by an amateur athlete who suffered a debilitating knee injury while water skiing. Frustrated at the lack of rehabilitation progress following surgery and conventional therapy, he applied his professional background in machining to create several instruments to treat his soft tissue injury. Experiencing early success on his own knee, he collaborated with medical and research personnel at Ball Memorial Hospital and Ball State University in Muncie, Indiana, to fully develop a technique and a set of instruments. From this collaborative effort, the Graston Technique® was born. In 1994, Therapy Care Resources, parent company of Graston Technique ®, opened an outpatient clinic in Indianapolis, where outcome data

was gathered on a wide range of chronic and acute injuries. Five years later, the company turned all of its attention to teaching and training clinicians and continued research on the technique. Graston Technique® is part of the curriculum at 45 respected colleges and universities and has been the focus of research projects at Indiana University, Texas Back Institute, St. Vincent Hospital in Indianapolis and Duke University. Today, there are more than 24,500 clinicians worldwide, including many chiropractors who use the Graston Technique® protocol to effectively detect, treat and resolve a myriad of connective soft tissue dysfunctions.


Scar Tissue and Patients

In the healing process, our body attempts to repair injured areas by creating “scar tissue,” much like the

scar that forms on the skin when you have scraped your knee. Over time, we can have a build up of fibrous scar tissue, particularly in the muscles, tendons and ligaments that get a lot of use. This can lead to pain and dysfunction because this replacement tissue lacks the strength and flexibility of healthy tissue (in some areas it may even mat down and entrap a nerve). The remarkable Graston Technique® allows us to detect and treat areas of “scar tissue” that can reduce your range of motion and cause pain. Women who have had a Mastectomy or a Caesarean birth can benefit from the Graston Technique®. Soft tissue injuries can be debilitating and frustrating, but the Graston Technique® is successful in effectively treating all soft tissue conditions, whether they are chronic, acute or post surgical so you can enjoy life again. The Graston Technique ® is non-invasive and uses specially designed stainless steel instruments that glide along the muscles, tendons or ligaments, with the right amount of pressure to detect just where the scar tissue or restrictions are located. When these knots or bands of scar tissue are encountered, both the Chiropractor and the patient sense a restriction. The instrument is then used to identify and treat areas exhibiting soft tissue fibrosis or chronic inflammation. Stretching exercises are used to promote re-alignment of the fibers into the normal pattern of healthy tissue. The Graston Technique® allows your Chiropractor to get as deep into the tissue as necessary to invoke change, yet be sensitive to patient pain and tolerance. As the instruments are moved over the affected area and come in contact with the adhesions, they help break up the scar tissue. In time, this will reduce or eliminate the adhered fibers, restoring range of motion and eliminating the associated pain. It will help transform your soft tissue injury into healthy functioning tissue.


Graston Technique® Advantages

While there may be other treatment options, your GT trained chiropractor has made a career investment in the best soft-tissue mobilization technique available. GT's commitment to very high educational standards ensures you will receive the best treatment possible. The Graston Technique® decreases overall time of treatment, fosters faster rehabilitation/recovery and resolves chronic conditions thought to be permanent. Treating a soft-tissue injury can, at times, be uncomfortable. However, the use of the GT instruments allows your Chiropractor to better administer the level of pressure applied, although some soreness and bruising can occur during treatment. GT Chiropractors are trained to recognize these symptoms and adjust treatment intensity to minimize their occurrence, while realizing the benefits of the technique for patients. GT does not need to be considered "painful" to be effective. However, please inform your chiropractor if you are experiencing discomfort at anytime during treatment. Patients usually receive 2 treatments per week during a 4 to 5 week period. Most patients have a positive response by the third to fourth treatment. Graston Technique® is accepted by elite athletes and everyday patients, as one of the most effective treatments for rehabilitation and range of motion maintenance, especially when combined with the prescribed exercise program.


Text: Graston Technique®

Disclaimer: Information contained in The Wellness ExpressTM newsletter is for educational and general

purposes only and is designed to assist you in making informed decisions about your health. Any information

contained herein is not intended to substitute advice from your physician or other healthcare professional.

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