The Graston Technique is a newer approach to treating soft tissue injuries.
The purpose of the Graston Technique is to remove or “break up” scar tissue in stiff, over-used, injured muscles (similar to the purpose of Active Release Technique).
Graston is also designed to treat dysfunction in ligaments, tendons and the impact of injury on other tissues like nerves and cartilage. To perform the Graston Technique, the practitioner uses stainless-steel instruments that have been carefully designed to contour different areas of the body.
The Graston tools are very effective at assisting the practitioner in finding areas of scar-tissue and tissue fibrosis. Certified providers of the Graston Technique are trained to scan injuries for scar tissue build-up. This allows previously undetected areas of dysfunction to be effectively treated.
Similar to how a stethoscope amplifies what a practitioner can hear, the Graston instrument amplifies what is felt by the practitioners hand. Once found, the practitioner can break down the dysfunctional scar tissue using the appropriate Graston tool for that area of the body. The small amount of inflammation created by the treatment process “re-starts” the healing process.
Patients receiving the Graston technique are usually given specific instructions (such as stretching or strengthening) to help promote the formation of healthy, normal, functional tissue.
The Graston technique has been thoroughly researched at many Universities and has become a standard treatment approach for many professional sports organizations and professional athletes worldwide.
COMMON QUESTIONS
If you are in the Burlington, Oakville, Hamilton and surrounding areas and are interested in the Graston Technique, contact Burlington Sports Therapy today.
Treatment using the Graston instrument is not for everyone. Consulting with a knowledgeable practitioner who is experienced in using the Graston technique is important. Typically, the Graston technique is effective in treating chronic injuries where the tissue has matured in a dysfunctional state. For example, if you’ve had a soft tissue injury for more than one month and you’ve never tried the Graston Technique, it may be something suitable for you. If you are in the Burlington, Oakville, Hamilton and surrounding areas and are interested in the Graston technique, call our office today.
There are a few things to expect during a Graston session at Burlington Sports Therapy. The practitioner will start by assessing your condition, discussing your medical history, and asking about the specific issue you’re experiencing. They may also do a physical exam to understand the areas of discomfort or dysfunction. The practitioner will use stainless steel instruments that have various shapes and edges. These tools help detect and treat soft tissue restrictions, scar tissue, and adhesions. The practitioner will gently glide, scrape, or apply pressure with the instruments along your muscles, tendons, ligaments, or fascia.
This process may cause some discomfort or mild pain, especially over areas that have tension or scar tissue, but it should not be unbearable. Some people describe it as a “good pain,” similar to a deep tissue massage. After the treatment, you might notice redness or bruising in the treated areas, which is a normal response. This happens due to the increased blood flow and stimulation of the soft tissues. The practitioner will likely give you some advice on self-care post-session, like stretching, hydration, or rest, and they may schedule follow-up appointments depending on your progress.
After a session, you may feel sore or tender in the treated area for a day or two, similar to how you might feel after an intense workout. This is typically temporary and should resolve as the body heals. Each session lasts about 15 to 30 minutes, and the number of treatments will depend on your individual condition. Many people notice improvements after just a few sessions, but some may require a more extended treatment plan.
No. Practitioners who use the Graston technique take courses in how to perform the technique and to know when it is appropriate for a person. The Graston technique is not suitable for every condition or every person.
Not really. Graston may leave the skin a little red or irritated and might therefore be sore to touch for a couple of days, but there really aren’t any common side-effects to be a concern.
Each Graston Technique treatment typically takes about 15 to 30 minutes, depending on the area being treated and the severity of the condition. The therapist will use specialized instruments to perform the treatment, which can involve techniques like soft tissue mobilization or myofascial release. The duration may vary slightly based on the individual’s needs or the number of areas being treated.
It’s common to have a series of treatments over the course of several weeks for optimal results.
Graston Technique is a type of soft tissue therapy that involves using specially designed instruments to massage and mobilize tissues, promoting healing and reducing pain. The treatment is often used for conditions like tendonitis, scar tissue, and muscle tightness.
Generally, after receiving Graston treatment, most people can return to their regular activities relatively quickly. However, you might experience some soreness or discomfort in the treated areas, which is normal and usually fades within a day or two. It’s a good idea to avoid strenuous activities or heavy exercise immediately following the treatment, especially if the soreness is significant.
Your chiropractor at Burlington Sports Therapy may provide specific recommendations based on your condition and how your body responds to the treatment. If you have any doubts or if the soreness lingers, it’s best to follow up with them for advice on when it’s safe to resume all activities.
Yes, after receiving Graston Technique, a form of soft tissue therapy involving the use of specialized instruments to treat muscle and connective tissue injuries, there are some post-treatment care recommendations to optimize recovery and minimize discomfort. Apply ice to the treatment areas from 15 – 20 minutes after the treatment, drink plenty of water, avoid strenuous activity and rest the treated area, do gently stretching, expect some soreness and bruising and attend your follow up appointments.
The Graston Technique is a form of soft tissue therapy that uses specialized stainless-steel instruments to help diagnose and treat soft tissue injuries. It’s particularly effective for conditions involving muscle, tendon, or ligament issues, such as chronic pain, stiffness, and scar tissue.
The technique uses specially designed instruments that are curbed and vary in size. These instruments are used to gently scrape or massage the affected area, often focusing on areas of muscle tightness, scar tissue or adhesions. At Burlington Sports Therapy, our chiropractors perform this technique. The chiropractor uses the instrument to detect areas of tension, scar tissue or fascial restrictions beneath the skin. These areas can be difficult to detect with the hands alone, but the tools provide more tactile feedback and allow the therapist to pinpoint problem areas more effectively. The process of scraping or moving the instrument over the skin helps break down scar tissue and adhesions, while also promoting blood flow to the area. This increased circulation helps stimulate the body’s natural healing process by delivering oxygen and nutrients to the injured tissue.
The Graston Technique is thought to stimulate fibroblasts, which helps in the remodeling of collagen fibers, improving the elasticity and strength of the tissue. This is especially useful for chronic conditions or scar tissue formation. The technique is often used in combination with other therapies such as stretching, strengthening, or manual therapy, as part of a comprehensive rehabilitation program. The goal is to reduce pain, improve mobility and restore function. While it can be somewhat uncomfortable or even painful, many people report significant improvement in pain and mobility after a few sessions.
The Graston Technique is a form of instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization (IASTM) that is used to treat soft tissue injuries and conditions, such as muscle strains, tendonitis, and scar tissue. It differs from other soft tissue treatments in several key ways. The Graston technique involves the use of stainless-steal instruments with smooth, rounded edges that help to “scrape or “massage” the skin over the affected area. These tools are specifically designed to apply focused pressure to the underlying tissue.
Other soft tissue treatments like massage therapy, or myofascial release are typically done using hands and fingers, without the assistance of tools. The Graston Technique is particularly effective for breaking down scar tissue and adhesions that can form after injuries or repetitive use. It targets the fascial system and deeper layers of tissue, which can lead to better mobility and faster recovery.
The Graston Technique involves a specific amount of pressure and “scraping” that may cause redness or bruising in the treated area. This is often referred to as a therapeutic inflammatory response, which promotes healing. The Graston Technique often involves multiple sessions, with a practitioner applying the tools to specific areas that have been identified as problematic. The process can be somewhat uncomfortable but is designed to promote healing through controlled tissue injury. The Graston Technique is often used to treat chronic conditions, soft tissue injuries, and inflammation, particularly in areas like tendons, ligaments, and fascia.
Other soft tissue treatments like myofascial release are typically more about relieving tension and improving movement by targeting the fascia and muscles without the same emphasis on deep scar tissue manipulation. Graston Technique uses stainless-steel instruments to specifically target scar tissue, fascia, and deeper tissues, breaking down adhesions and promoting healing.
There are a few things to expect during a Graston session at Burlington Sports Therapy. The practitioner will start by assessing your condition, discussing your medical history, and asking about the specific issue you’re experiencing. They may also do a physical exam to understand the areas of discomfort or dysfunction. The practitioner will use stainless steel instruments that have various shapes and edges. These tools help detect and treat soft tissue restrictions, scar tissue, and adhesions. The practitioner will gently glide, scrape, or apply pressure with the instruments along your muscles, tendons, ligaments, or fascia.
This process may cause some discomfort or mild pain, especially over areas that have tension or scar tissue, but it should not be unbearable. Some people describe it as a “good pain,” similar to a deep tissue massage. After the treatment, you might notice redness or bruising in the treated areas, which is a normal response. This happens due to the increased blood flow and stimulation of the soft tissues. The practitioner will likely give you some advice on self-care post-session, like stretching, hydration, or rest, and they may schedule follow-up appointments depending on your progress.
After a session, you may feel sore or tender in the treated area for a day or two, similar to how you might feel after an intense workout. This is typically temporary and should resolve as the body heals. Each session lasts about 15 to 30 minutes, and the number of treatments will depend on your individual condition. Many people notice improvements after just a few sessions, but some may require a more extended treatment plan.
Graston works very well with injuries to the muscles, tendons and ligaments that have been present for over two weeks. Some of these injuries include rotator cuff tendinopathy, muscle strains, neck pain, plantar fasciosis, golfers and tennis elbow (to name a few).
The Graston Technique is very safe. For some patients, the treatment can be mildly uncomfortable and may on occasion leave a temporary redness in the skin, but otherwise, it is known to be a very conservative treatment option for musculoskeletal injuries.
Treatment using the Graston instrument is not for everyone. Consulting with a knowledgeable practitioner who is experienced in using the Graston technique is important. Typically, the Graston technique is effective in treating chronic injuries where the tissue has matured in a dysfunctional state. For example, if you’ve had a soft tissue injury for more than one month and you’ve never tried the Graston Technique, it may be something suitable for you. If you are in the Burlington, Oakville, Hamilton and surrounding areas and are interested in the Graston technique, call our office today.
No. Practitioners who use the Graston technique take courses in how to perform the technique and to know when it is appropriate for a person. The Graston technique is not suitable for every condition or every person.
Not really. Graston may leave the skin a little red or irritated and might therefore be sore to touch for a couple of days, but there really aren’t any common side-effects to be a concern.
Each Graston Technique treatment typically takes about 15 to 30 minutes, depending on the area being treated and the severity of the condition. The therapist will use specialized instruments to perform the treatment, which can involve techniques like soft tissue mobilization or myofascial release. The duration may vary slightly based on the individual’s needs or the number of areas being treated.
It’s common to have a series of treatments over the course of several weeks for optimal results.
Generally, after receiving Graston treatment, most people can return to their regular activities relatively quickly. However, you might experience some soreness or discomfort in the treated areas, which is normal and usually fades within a day or two. It’s a good idea to avoid strenuous activities or heavy exercise immediately following the treatment, especially if the soreness is significant.
Your chiropractor at Burlington Sports Therapy may provide specific recommendations based on your condition and how your body responds to the treatment. If you have any doubts or if the soreness lingers, it’s best to follow up with them for advice on when it’s safe to resume all activities.
Yes, after receiving Graston Technique, a form of soft tissue therapy involving the use of specialized instruments to treat muscle and connective tissue injuries, there are some post-treatment care recommendations to optimize recovery and minimize discomfort. Apply ice to the treatment areas from 15 – 20 minutes after the treatment, drink plenty of water, avoid strenuous activity and rest the treated area, do gently stretching, expect some soreness and bruising and attend your follow up appointments.
At Burlington Sports Therapy, the Graston Technique is performed by our chiropractors. Therefore, Graston treatment is covered under your extended health benefits (if you have coverage) through your chiropractic entitlement. It’s important to verify with your specific insurance provider to understand whether chiropractic is covered under your plan.
The Graston Technique is a form of instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization (IASTM) that uses specialized stainless steel instruments to help identify and treat soft tissue injuries, such as scar tissue, fascia restrictions, and muscle adhesions. It is primarily used to treat conditions like tendinitis, plantar fasciitis, and other musculoskeletal disorders.
The Graston Technique was developed in the 1990s by David Graston, a former athlete. After struggling with a chronic injury that didn’t respond to traditional treatments, Graston sought an alternative method to improve his recovery process. He worked with a team of clinicians to develop a technique that could effectively break down scar tissue, improve mobility, and accelerate healing in soft tissues.
Initially, Graston began using specially designed stainless steel instruments to treat his own injuries. The instruments were developed to work by applying pressure to affected soft tissues, helping to promote circulation, break up adhesions, and release tension. Graston founded Graston Technique® in 1994 and began training other healthcare providers, including physical therapists, chiropractors, and athletic trainers, to use this approach. Over time, the technique gained credibility as more practitioners adopted it and reported successful outcomes.
The technique became more widely recognized and eventually earned a place in mainstream rehabilitation practices. Today, it is used in a variety of settings, including sports medicine, physical therapy, and chiropractic care. The technique involves the use of specialized stainless steel instruments that are designed to detect areas of fascial restriction or scar tissue. The practitioner applies these instruments to the skin in a controlled manner, which causes a mild inflammatory response in the tissue. This promotes blood flow, encourages healing, and helps break up adhesions in the muscles, tendons, and fascia.
The Graston Technique has gained popularity due to its effectiveness in treating soft tissue injuries and conditions that involve scar tissue or fascial adhesions. It has been particularly well-received in sports medicine and among athletes, who benefit from its ability to speed up recovery from injuries and prevent chronic pain issues.
Yes, the Graston Technique can be used for both acute and chronic conditions. The Graston Technique can help with muscle strains, ligament sprains, or other soft tissue injuries by promoting healing, reducing inflammation, and improving circulation. It helps by breaking down adhesions or scar tissue that can form after an injury.
In chronic cases, such as tendonitis, plantar fasciitis, or chronic muscle pain, the Graston Technique is used to target long-standing soft tissue issues. It helps break down scar tissue or fascial restrictions that limit mobility and function, encouraging tissue remodeling and improving range of motion. In both cases, the technique is used to facilitate the body’s healing process by stimulating circulation, reducing fibrosis, and enhancing tissue repair. However, the intensity and frequency of treatment may vary depending on whether the condition is acute or chronic.
It’s essential to consult with a healthcare professional to ensure the technique is appropriate for your specific condition. By following these recommendations, you can support your body’s recovery process after a Graston Technique treatment and improve the overall outcome of the therapy.
If you are in the Burlington, Oakville, Hamilton and surrounding areas and are interested in the Graston Technique, contact Burlington Sports Therapy today.
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