The Graston Technique integrates 6 patented stainless steel instruments designed to access, detect, and soft tissue  dysfunction in the body and assist the patient in recovery from pain and injury. This is a form of soft tissue mobilization.  This technique is based on Dr. James Cyriax's concept of cross-fiber massage, which is to break down collagen cross-links found in adhesions and scar tissue. A typical session of Graston Technique consists of a thorough assessment and screen of the patient's condition, a generalized warm-up, Graston Technique treatment followed by stretching, strengthening and ice.

 

Often repetitive strain, pain and injury can lead to the development of scar tissue or adhered fascia. This scar tissue can limit our range of motion and exacerbate poor habitual posture and/or muscle guarding, which turns into dysfunction and chronic pain overtime. Graston instruments aid the practitioner in locating soft tissue restrictions, fascial adhesions or scar tissue similar to how a stethoscope amplifies the sound of the heartbeat. The Graston instruments break up the scar tissue and allow the body to reabsorb it. This disrupts the pain-tension cycle and allows the body to begin its own healing, thereby creating pain free range of motion and improved postural awareness.

Graston Technique is a deeper, more intense version of manual therapy. Specially trained clinicians use specially designed Graston tools in two ways. First, to locate muscle knots or restrictions. They do this by running the tools over your skin to feel for fibrous or scar tissue that may be causing you pain or restricting your movement. Second, they use the tools to break up that tissue to restore mobility and function. 

 

During Graston treatment, you'll feel a therapeutic discomfort similar to other forms of soft tissue release or manual therapy, depending on your condition. Bruising or the appearance of petechiae (red streaks) is not the objective of treatment but may appear after treatment. 

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