This is the use of specialised tools to identify and treat soft tissue injuries, ranging from acute injuries, chronic issues or post-surgical rehabilitation.
These techniques allow for faster rehabilitation and with greater success when the goal is restoring range of motion, eliminating pain, and restoring normal function. It works in various ways depending on what is required. By separating tight tissues (fascia and muscle), stimulating nerve endings.
Some of the most common conditions treated with the Graston Technique include;
Ankle Pain (Achilles Tendinosis/itis • Wrist Pain (Carpal Tunnel Syndrome) • Neck Pain (Cervical Sprain/Strain) • Hamstring Injuries • Hip Pain • IT Band (Iliotibial Band) • Tennis Elbow (Lateral Epicondylosis/itis) • Back Pain (Lumbar Sprain/Strain) • Golfer’s Elbow (Medial Epicondylosis/itis) • Knee Pain (Patellofemoral Disorders) • Heel Pain (Plantar Fasciitis) • Shoulder Pain (Rotator Cuff Tendinosis/itis) • Scar Tissue (post-surgical or trauma)
The technique uses the Graston instruments in specific massage motions across the skin. The use of tools allows the therapist improved feedback from the tissues to feel any fascial restrictions or areas of scar tissue, and to work with these accordingly.
Using tools also allows the therapist to cover a wider area in a treatment session. Often we will start working in an area eg. the ankle, and work up through associated areas of restriction through the calf, hamstrings, IT Band and through to the gleuteals. We just follow the tightness/restriction!
Often patients will see an immediate improvement in range of movement and a reduction in pain around the area. A rehabilitation programme is then provided to build upon and maintain these benefits.
