Graston soft tissue technique is an innovative therapeutic procedure that uses specialized instruments to discover areas of scar tissue or adhesions in soft tissue. Soft tissue includes muscles, tendons, ligaments, and fascia. Scar tissue in these areas can lead to pain, stiffness, and loss of mobility. We develop these adhesions and areas of scar tissue during the healing process of either a macro-trauma (like a sports injury or car accident) or from repetitive stress injuries (like keyboarding for hours a day which can lead to Carpal Tunnel Syndrome or running injuries—plantar fasciitis or shin splints). These adhesions are similar to scar tissue that results from a cut on your body—the skin is less elastic and weaker than your regular skin. Just like the scar tissue on your skin, scar tissue within the muscles, tendons, and ligaments of your body causes you to feel tight, restricted or have pain with everyday movements
Graston Technique uses a uniquely shaped stainless steel instruments that move along the patient’s muscles, tendons, and ligaments to detect the areas of scar tissue. The construction of the instrument allows the practitioner to detect scar tissue that the human hand cannot detect on its own because the instrument magnifies the sensation that the doctor experiences. The patients also feel the areas of scar tissue as a gritty sensation. The instrument is also used to treat the area by gently breaking up the scar tissue. The patient controls the depth of the treatment based on their comfort level—the treatment should never hurt. After the treatment, the patient is given exercises and movements that allow for re-alignment of the fibers of the treated soft tissue. The result is less pain, more mobility, and a better quality of life.
Here is a quick video of Kobe Bryant receiving Graston after his Achilles surgery.
Some of the conditions that Graston Technique addresses are:
· Neck pain Mid-back pain Low back pain
· Tendonitis Tendonosis Sprain/Strains
· Carpal Tunnel DeQuervains Frozen Shoulder
· Joint Contracture Epicondylitis Rotator Cuff Injuries
· Surgical Scars Trigger Finger Plantar Fasciitis
· Groin Pulls Hammer Toe Hamstring Injuries
· Hip Replacement Knee Replacement Knee Sprains
· Morton’s Neuroma Shin Splints Anterior Compartment Syndrome
Quadricep Injuries Patella Tendonitis Impingement Syndromes
TMJ Dysfunction
Professional Sports Organizations that use Graston Technique
NBA NFL MLB
Atlanta Hawks Atlanta Falcons Chicago White Sox
Charlotte Bobcats Carolina Panthers Cincinnati Reds
Cleveland Cavaliers Cleveland Browns Cleveland Indians
Denver Nuggets Houston Texans Milwaukee Brewers
Miami Heat Indianapolis Colts New York Mets
Milwaukee Buck Jacksonville Jaguar Seattle Mariners
New York Knicks New England Patriots St. Louis Cardinals
Minnesota Timberwolves New York Giants
Philadelphia 76ers San Francisco 49ers
Utah Jazz Tennessee Titans
Washington Wizards Washington Redskins
Professional Golf PGA Tour Champions Tour