Do You Need Help Aches and Pains? The Graston Technique May Help
Long-term relief isn’t so far away
The Graston method is a form of soft tissue mobilization assisted by instruments (IASTM). It is a form of manual therapy that includes special ergonomic stainless steel tools for gently massaging and applying deep controlled pressure to the muscles and deep tissues through the skin.
If you haven’t heard of it yet, know that you might benefit from the Graston technique! Numerous conditions, including lower back pain, carpal tunnel syndrome, rotator cuff tears, quadricep pain, tennis elbow, plantar fasciitis, and headaches, can be treated using the Graston Technique.
Are you suffering from a soft tissue injury? Do you have sports injuries, or have you been in an auto accident that caused mobility issues? Do you have scars or attachments that cause pain and restrict your movement? If so, the Graston Technique may help you.
To learn more about how the Graston Technique can benefit you, request an appointment at Prairie Rehabilitation today!
About the Graston technique
Before adding the Graston Technique to your treatment plan, here are some helpful facts to keep in mind:
- More than 31,000 clinicians worldwide use it.
- It is applied at more than 3,600 outpatient facilities.
- It is part of the curriculum at more than 50 colleges and universities.
- It is used by 16 NBA teams, 18 NFL teams, 16 MLB teams.
- It is used by more than 500 professional and amateur sports organizations.
Benefits of the Graston technique
Scar tissue is connective fibrous tissue that receives less blood and stretches less normal tissue. After an injury, it tends to be thick and may build up around the ligaments, tendons, and muscles.
Adhesions are the accumulation of soft tissue. Shin splints, pulled hamstrings, and meniscal tears are all injuries that may result in adhesions.
Adhesions and scar tissue may occur either in the tissues or in the skin when you are injured. Scar tissue and adhesions prevent proper movement of the underlying body structures. This is because it is impossible for ligaments, tendons, and muscles to move freely.
Scar tissue and adhesions can bend to the fascia and cause a condition known as a fascial constraint. Over time, even the wear and tear of everyday life can cause muscle fibers to adhere to each other irregularly. With the Graston technique, the treatment improves scar tissue quality and increases blood flow, which reduces pain and improves functional mobility.
What does the typical session look like?
At the beginning of a Graston Technique treatment, the areas of the soft tissue fibrosis will be warmed up through low-intensity exercises to improve blood flow to the scarred area.
The edge of the stainless steel tool will be used to slowly glide across the affected soft tissue until it comes in contact with an adhesion.
Your physical or occupational therapist will then move the tool over the adhesion to help enhance movement. This pressure and friction will help promote the healing process of your soft tissue injury.
The amount of pressure used with the instrument, and the speed at which it is done will vary depending on the nature of your condition, and it will be adjusted throughout the treatment.
After each treatment, the affected area will be stretched and our physical or occupational therapist will apply ice packs if you experience any soreness.
Most patients who receive the Graston technique will undergo two treatments a week, over a five-week time frame. You should expect to notice some relief by the third or fourth treatment.
Some of the many benefits of the Graston Technique include:
- Increased mobility and ability to perform daily tasks
- Increased rate of volume and blood flow to affected areas to enhance healing
- Boost in cellular activity for good health
- Breakdown of collagen cross-links
- Reduction in pain, for a better quality of life
- Reduction in chronic inflammation
The Graston technique may help you find relief
Are you ready to get started on the path toward relief and recovery with the Graston Technique? We are committed to helping you heal and get back to your pain-free life! Contact Prairie Rehabilitation today in Worthington Avera, Worthington Oxford, Jackson, Tea, Hartford, Harrisburg, Brandon, Sioux Falls, East Sioux Falls, West Sioux Falls or Central Sioux Falls to request an appointment with one of our dedicated South Dakota and Minnesota physical therapists and occupational therapists.
Your Next Steps…
Request An Appointment
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