Using the Graston Technique for pain is one of the most effective therapies available. A buildup of scar tissue can lead to pain because this replacement tissue lacks the strength and flexibility of healthy tissue. Also, scar tissue adhesions prevent the fluid movement of muscles, ligaments and surrounding areas. With extensive use of the muscles, tendons, and ligaments, over time, fibrous scar tissue can build up. Those who experience the binding effects of scar tissue buildup often feel tightness or have pain with movement.
How does The Graston Technique work?
The Graston Technique is a soft tissue diagnostic and therapeutic method used for outpatient therapy. It is an excellent way for treating and fixing soft tissue injuries, which also include repetitive stress diagnosis. The instruments used are made of stainless steel as an alternative massage technique specifically used to reduce friction experienced in manual massage. Graston tools are specially designed to be used by specially trained clinicians in two specific ways. First, they can locate muscle knots or even restrictions by moving the tools over your skin to feel for fibrous or scar tissue that may be causing you pain or restricting your movement. Second, the tools can be used to break up that tissue to restore movement and function.
What instruments are used?
A tuning fork is one of the core instruments used in the Graston Technique, allowing the clinician to isolate adhesions and restrictions so they can be treated very precisely. The instrument’s metal surface does not compress as the fat pads of the fingers do, and so deeper restrictions can be accessed and treated. Some of the most popular Graston Technique tools are known as the G+ Series. Each stainless steel is designed for different purposes and they are named from G1 to G6. G1 is a long steel instrument used to relieve tension in bigger muscles like the shoulders. Tools G2, G3, and G6 are used for tension in the wrist, hand and thumb. G4 and G5 are used for deep to medium anatomical targets in the body.
Graston Technique for Pain: Benefits for Patients
Mobility improvement and pain relief can happen at about the same rate in a clinical setting. Often, the test-treat-retest approach to the Graston Technique for pain results in a decrease in pain immediately following treatment. This does not necessarily mean that pain will reduce permanently; rather, active rehab and follow-up treatments are necessary. In general, the pain reduction effects seen during treatment allow patients to introduce a higher level of rehab exercises more effectively.
Patient expectations
Patients who receive two treatments per week for four to five weeks are likely to see the most positive results. In a number of cases, patients were able to lessen their dependence on anti-inflammatory medication after receiving treatment two to three times. For many others, the recovery from chronic conditions, which had been previously believed to have been permanent, was improved with the help of the Graston Technique and complementary rehabilitation.
Learn more about the details of the Graston Technique, or book an appointment with Will