What to Expect From the Graston Method
The Graston Technique® is a state-of-the-art treatment designed to help mobilize soft tissues with the help of specially designed stainless-steel instruments. It is a form of instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization that was created to help patients who have scar tissue, fascial restrictions, soft tissue fibrosis, and chronic inflammation. By using the Graston technique, clinicians are able to effectively detect and treat scar tissue as well as restrictions that inhibit normal function. The benefits that patients can experience from the Graston technique include:
- Less time spend in treatment than other common methods
- Efficient rehabilitation and effective recovery
- Pain relief from chronic conditions
- Lessens the need for anti-inflammatory medication
The Graston technique has been effective in treating:
- Carpal tunnel syndrome
Through the Graston technique, a physical therapist can identify adhesions and restrictions in the soft tissues and release them. The Graston technique can be used to target problem areas and address the structures around and through the carpal tunnel. When the adhesions and restrictions are released, pressure will be taken off of the carpal tunnel and median nerve.
- Neck and back pain
The Graston technique can be slid along the skin of the neck and upper back area to help break up the scar tissue in the area and bring about relief for the patient. Treatments tend to involve several sessions and are often combined with massage therapy, exercise, and stretching in order to restore flexibility, range of motion, strength, and endurance for the problem area.
- deQuervain’s syndrome
deQuervain’s syndrome is a painful condition that affects the tendons on the side of the wrist where the thumb is located. The most common cause of deQuervain’s syndrome is overuse of the wrist. The Graston technique can be helpful in providing healing for patients with deQuervain’s syndrome because when soft tissue is mobilized, the patient experiences breaking down of fascia restriction, stretching connective tissue, and promoting an ideal healing environment.
- Epicondylosis
This condition is more commonly referred to as tennis or golf elbow. Like the name suggests, it is caused by repetitive wrist and arm motions, similar to the ones an athlete would make when playing tennis or golf. The Graston technique can help break up the scar tissue that builds up due to this condition.
- Fibromyalgia
Fibromyalgia is a condition that causes widespread pain and muscle tenderness throughout the body. It is often brought on by a stressful event, physical stress, or emotional stress. The Graston technique can be used to treat injuries that are occurring in the deep soft tissue. Graston instruments lead to greater penetration, which promotes healing in the area.
- IT band syndrome
Graston instruments are often used to help release tension in the IT band. IT band syndrome is a common injury among runners and athletes because running overwhelms the tendon on the side of the knee, which causes the individual to feel a stabbing pain. The tools used with the Graston technique can help break up fascial restrictions or scar tissue that has formed due to trauma of the muscles, ligaments, tendons, or soft tissue. Because scar tissue is weaker than normal muscle, it becomes sore with activity, and breaking it up brings a great sense of relief to many patients.
- Joint sprain
A joint sprain occurs with overstretching or tearing of ligaments, which are the bands of tissue that connect bones together in a joint. The Graston technique can be used to help joint sprains in the same way that they can help other conditions – by breaking up adhesions by disbanding the collagen cross-links that have accumulated in the area and encourage them to realign through stretching and strengthening.
Experience the Relief of Breaking Down Scar Tissue
At ProFysio, your highly skilled physical therapist will create a personalized Graston treatment using one of the stainless-steel implements that will comb over your affected area. We will use the instrument to identify problem areas and help the patient find healing. Typically, 75-90% of conditions treated with the Graston technique show improvement. Whether you have scar tissue that needs to be broken up or you have ongoing pain for another reason, our team will get to the bottom of it and help you find the healing you need.
If you are interested in receiving treatments with our Graston technique or want to learn more about our other services, call us today at (732) 812-5200 or contact us online.