Graston Technique®

What is Graston Technique®?

Graston Technique® is a non-invasive instrument-assisted technique used to mobilize soft tissue and dissolve scar tissue. Graston Technique® is an innovative approach to treating both chronic and acute soft tissue injuries; the design of the tools allow for specific and increased tissue penetration, thus creating more effective treatments and reducing recovery time.

Created utilizing the concept of a tuning fork, Graston® tools are carefully molded from stainless steel into masterful instruments designed to fit the contours of the human body; the instruments resonate with the body and amplify detections within the body to identify and treat specific adhesions and restrictions, and sometimes fibrous scar-tissue.

How do restrictions occur?

During the healing process our body attempts to repair muscles, tendons, and ligaments with scar-tissue, much like a scar that forms on the skin when you have scraped or banged your knee. As you can imagine, the scar tissue is not as strong and flexible as normal, healthy, undamaged tissue. Over time we can have a build-up of this fibrous tissue, particularly in muscles, tendons, and ligaments that get a lot of use. This can lead to pain and dysfunction (and in some areas it may even mat down and entrap a nerve).

What is a Graston® Treatment like?

The treatment itself is uncomfortable at worst and soothing at best. Using a back and forth rubbing motion along the muscles and tissues, the treatment achieves tension release and increased mobility. Some may experience some mild bruising or temporary rosacea (hickey) in the treated areas and sometimes minor swelling, easily treated with ice. A nice alternative to Rolfing (an intensive massage therapy technique), Graston® achieves the same muscle release with less discomfort, and in some cases greater results.

Graston Technique® is used in conjunction with other techniques such as chiropractic, physiotherapy, and occupational therapy to maximize rehabilitation and quality of life.