Graston Technique
The Graston Technique, originally developed by athletes, is changing the way clinicians — including athletic trainers, chiropractors, physical therapists, occupational therapists — and patients view treatment of acute and chronic soft tissue injuries.
The Graston Technique is an innovative, patented form of instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization that enables clinicians to effectively break down scar tissue and fascial restrictions. The Technique utilizes specially designed stainless steel instruments to specifically detect and effectively treat areas exhibiting soft tissue fibrosis or chronic inflammation.
What Is Soft Tissue
Soft tissue is the non-contractile portion of the muscular system. This includes tendons, ligaments and most importatntly, FASCIA. Fascia is a connective tissue the wraps all the muscles, ligaments, blood vessels, bone and nerves of the body together. Fascia is analogous to the white stuff in an orange connecting the rind (skin) to the fruit (muscles).
When soft tissue is damaged, it can tear, bleed, inflame and adhere to other soft tissue which causes:
- Restrictions to normal Ranges of Motion
- Reduce flexibility/pliability of muscles
- Cause Pain
- Cause Inflammation
- Cause Motor Pattern Disruption
Graston Technique is one of the most effective forms in treating soft tissue injuries
The Graston Technique offers many advantages and benefits.
For the clinician
provides improved diagnostic treatment, detects major and minor fibrotic changes, reduces manual stress; provides hand and joint conservation, increases patient satisfaction by achieving notably better outcomes
For the patient
decreases overall time of treatment fosters faster rehabilitation/recovery, reduces need for anti-inflammatory, medication, resolves chronic conditions, thought to be permanent
For employer, third party payer and the healthcare industry
allows patients to remain on the job, reduces the need for splints, braces and job-site modifications, contributes to reduction of, labor and healthcare costs, direct and indirect
Published Research Link: http://www.grastontechnique.com/Research_Reports.html
Presentations and Clinical Finding: http://www.grastontechnique.com/Findings.html
Outcome Data
***The tables and pictures are directly used from the Graston Technique website for ease of access to the information from their site. To verify accuracy please go to www.grastontechnique.com***