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The Graston Technique (GT) and why it is so effective!

By Jeff
Blog

Why are you using that blade on me?  The Graston Technique (GT) and why it is so effective!

 

Our team of professional massage therapists are here to help - we understand the treatment and the condition.

Graston Technique is the leading instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization method focused on research that integrates specially built stainless steel instruments along with sufficient clinical activity to successfully target soft tissue dysfunction. 

What's the Graston method? 

Graston Technique (GT) is a unique, evidence-based method of instrument-assisted mobilization of soft tissue that helps clinicians to resolve soft tissue lesions and fascial constraints safely and reliably, resulting in better patient outcomes. GT utilizes custom constructed stainless steel instruments with unique edges and angles of treatment to provide an optimal means of manual therapy. When combined with adequate physical activity, the use of GT devices contributes to the return of pain-free movement and work. The methods are often used to test the kinetic chain diagnostically, using regional interdependence criteria in an optimal manner.

Is Graston Technique an Evidenced- Based form of Manual Therapy? 

Empirical and anecdotal evidence exists for the following physiological effects of GT:

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

 ·        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.

 

GT-trained clinicians use GT instruments to effectively and efficiently address soft tissue lesions and fascial restrictions while treating acute and chronic conditions, including:

·        Achilles Tendinitis/osis (ankle pain) 

·        Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (wrist pain) 

·        Cervicothoracic Sprain/Strain (neck pain) 

·        Fibromyalgia 

·        Lateral Epicondylitis/osis (tennis elbow) 

·        Lumbosacral Sprain/Strain (back pain) 

·        Medial Epicondylitis/osis (golfer's elbow) 

·        Myofascial Pain Syndromes 

·        Patellofemoral Disorders (knee pain) 

·        Plantar Fasciitis/osis (foot pain) 

·        Post surgeries such as joint replacements, RTC repairs (once post-surgical protocol allows for soft tissue mobilization/manual therapy) 

·        Rotator Cuff Tendinitis/osis (shoulder pain) 

·        Scar Tissue/post-surgical scars (once completely closed) 

·        Patients demonstrating central and/or peripheral sensitization (only used in light stroking/brushing mode to desensitize) 

·        Shin Splints 

·        Trigger Finger 

·        Women's Health (post-mastectomy and Caesarean scarring) 

Graston Technique can be used to treat any movement system dysfunction that has been determined to have a soft tissue component. 

Why I Should Want Graston? 

By accelerating their healing, Graston has been shown to boost outcomes for patients. Graston is a powerful therapeutic technique that clinicians may use to improve their sessions with you by modifying stress in muscles and connective tissue, adding cells to an injured region that heals tissue, and enhancing the capacity to move.

Tri-Covery Professionals 

Our team is dedicated to identifying each client's unique challenges and developing a treatment plan. Our team of highly credentialed therapists are well versed in not only how to use IASTM/Graston tools but other pain based massage treatments.  Please contact our office today, or visit our online scheduling tool to start your personal treatment. 

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