Tired of Living with Pain? The Graston Technique May Be A Good Fit For You.
If aches and pains are controlling your daily routine, know that you’re not alone. Many people struggle on a daily basis with chronic aches and pains because they simply aren’t aware of the benefits physical therapy has to offer.
One of the best techniques a physical therapist can employ to help give you relief from chronic pain is the Graston Technique. If you haven’t learned about the Graston technique yet, know that you might benefit from it!
The Graston process is a soft tissue mobilization technique assisted by instruments (IASTM). It is a form of manual therapy in which special ergonomic stainless steel tools are used to gently massage and scrape sections of the skin.
The Graston Technique can be used to treat a variety of disorders, including lower back pain, carpal tunnel syndrome, rotator cuff tears, quadricep pain, tennis elbow, plantar fasciitis, and headaches.
Have you sustained a soft tissue injury? Have you had a sporting injury or been in a traffic accident that has left you with mobility issues? Do you have wounds that cause you discomfort and limit your movement? If this is the case, you can benefit from the Graston Technique.
Benefits of the Graston Technique
Scar tissue and adhesions can produce fascial limitation by bending to the fascia. Even the wear and strain of daily life can lead muscle fibers to cling unevenly to one other over time.
The Graston method separates muscle fibers, which decreases discomfort and promotes functional mobility.
Scar tissue is a form of connective fibrous tissue that receives less circulation and is less flexible than normal tissue. After an injury, it thickens and can build around the ligaments, tendons, and muscles.
The aggregation of soft tissues is referred to as soft tissue adhesions. Injuries that might cause adhesion include shin splints, strained hamstrings, and meniscal tears.
Adhesions and scar tissue may occur in the tissues or skin when you are injured. They can prevent the underlying body structures from moving properly. This is because adhesions do not allow the ligaments, tendons, and muscles to move freely.
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 part of the curriculum at more than 50 colleges and universities.
- It is applied at more than 3,600 outpatient facilities.
- It is used by more than 500 professional and amateur sports organizations.
- It is used by 16 NBA teams, 18 NFL teams, 16 MLB teams.
What should I expect during a Graston technique session?
We understand that this technique is probably a foreign concept to you. That’s fine! We’re here to educate our patients and help them to become more comfortable with the various treatment methods Infinity Physical Therapy in Boardman, OH and East Liverpool, OH offers.
First of all, you should know that this technique is not pain-inducing and is nothing to be worried about.
The areas of soft tissue fibrosis will be relocated at the start of a Graston Technique procedure to make the scar tissue more receptive.
The stainless steel tool’s edge will be slowly gliding over the affected soft tissue until it comes into contact with an adhesion.
The adhesion will then be rubbed over by our physical therapist to evoke movement. This friction will aid in the healing of your soft tissue injury.
The amount of pressure applied to the instrument and the rate at which it is applied will vary depending on the type of your ailment and will be adjusted during the therapy.
After each treatment, the affected area will be stretched and our physical therapist will provide you with ice packs if you experience any soreness.
Most patients who receive the Graston technique will have two treatments a week for five weeks. By the third or fourth injection, you should feel better.
Some of the many benefits of the Graston Technique include:
- Reduction in inflammation
- Reduction in pain, for a better quality of life
- Breakdown of collagen cross-links
- Boost in cellular activity for good health
- Increased rate of volume and blood flow to affected areas to enhance healing
- Increased mobility and ability to perform daily tasks
Are you ready to find true relief?
You can get started on your path to recovery with the Graston Technique. We’re committed to helping you heal and get back to your pain-free life! To find out if this technique could work for you, contact us today.