Pain, injury, scar tissue, and dysfunction can be debilitating, how can Graston help?
Often repetitive strain, pain, and injury can lead to the development of scar tissue or adhered fascia. This scar tissue can limit our range of motion and exacerbate poor habitual posture and/or muscle guarding, which turns into dysfunction and chronic pain over time. Graston instruments aid the practitioner in locating soft tissue restrictions, fascial adhesions, or scar tissue similar to how a stethoscope amplifies the sound of the heartbeat. Then, by employing Dr. James Cyriax’s concept of cross-fiber massage, the instruments break up the scar tissue and allow the body to reabsorb it. This disrupts the pain-tension cycle and allows the body to begin its own healing, thereby creating pain-free range of motion and improved postural awareness.
How is Graston Technique utilized in a session?
After a thorough assessment of the client’s condition, and with the patient’s permission, the Graston Technique can easily be incorporated into treatment in conjunction with other modalities and techniques. However, all Graston practitioners must adhere to a basic protocol: general warm-up of affected tissues, Graston Technique application, followed by stretching, strengthening and ice. Suggested treatment frequency is twice a week for 4-5 weeks with possible positive observable treatment responses as early as after the third or fourth treatment.
Is Graston Technique painful?
During treatment application, patients may feel some discomfort or ‘therapeutic pain’. However, similar to deep tissue massage and Rolfing, this should feel like a positive experience instead of a painful and negative one. The practitioner should utilize the Graston Technique and instruments at an intensity level appropriate to effectively treat the soft tissue restrictions as well as at a level that is tolerable to the patient. The ‘no pain, no gain’ method of thinking is not necessary. Clear and open communication is always encouraged during a session.
Some minor bruising may occur after treatment but this is part of the natural healing response. Most patients shouldn’t be inhibited from activities of daily living after treatment and should be able to continue to function normally.
Graston Technique is clinically proven to achieve quicker and better outcomes in treating:
- Achilles Tendinosis/itis
- Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
- Cervical Sprain/Strain (neck pain)
- Fibromyalgia
- Lateral Epicondylosis/itis (Tennis Elbow)
- Medial Epicondylosis/itis (Golfer’s Elbow)
- Patellofemoral Disorders (knee pain)
- Plantar Fasciitis (foot pain)
- Rotator Cuff Teninosis/itis (shoulder pain)
- Scar tissue
- Shin Splints
- Trigger Finger
- Women’s Health (Post-Mastectomy and Caesarean Scarring)
How does Graston Technique differ from other methods?
The 6 instruments have been carefully crafted to meet the needs of the therapist, as the shape of the instruments compliments the shape and contours of the human body allowing the therapist to access and treat scar tissue and fascial adhesions with precision and accuracy.
In addition, Graston Technique and instrument usage requires a mandatory educational component. Only clinical practitioners who have trained and been accredited in the Graston Technique may apply the technique and employ the instruments in their treatment sessions.
Where can you find more information about Graston Technique?
Electra Health and Graston Technique
Chiropractor Dr. Laura Gronkjaer provides Graston Technique in downtown Vancouver, at Electra Health. You can make an online appointment via the link below.
