Here's a quick summary of the Graston technique from their website...
The Graston Technique® is an interdisciplinary treatment used by nearly 5000 clinicians—including athletic trainers, chiropractors, hand therapists, occupational and physical therapists. This technique is utilized at some 550 out-patient facilities and industrial on-sites, by more than 90 professional and amateur sports organizations, and is part of the curriculum at 21 respected colleges and universities.
The Graston Technique utilizes six stainless steel instruments to assist in therapy. The curvilinear edge of the patented instruments combines with their concave/convex shape to mold the instruments to various contours of the body. This design allows for ease of treatment, minimal stress to the clinician's hand, and maximum tissue penetration.
These instruments, much like a tuning fork, resonate in the clinician's hands allowing them to isolate adhesions and restrictions, and treat them very precisely. Since the metal surface of the instruments does not compress, deeper restrictions can be accessed and treated. Just as a stethoscope amplifies what the human ear can hear, these instruments significantly increase what the human hands can feel.
How it works:
-Separates and breaks down collagen cross-links, and splays and stretches connective tissue and muscle fibers.
-Increases skin temperature while facilitating reflex changes in the chronic muscle holding pattern.
-Alters spinal reflux activity (facilitated segment).
-Increases the rate and amount of blood flow to and from the area.
-Increases cellular activity in the region, including fibroblasts and mast cells.
-Increases histamine response secondary to mast cell activity.
The Graston Technique Instruments, while enhancing the clinician's ability to detect fascial adhesions and restrictions, have been clinically proven to achieve quicker and better outcomes in treating both acute and chronic conditions, including:
Cervical (Neck) Sprain/Strain, Lumbar (Low Back) Sprain/Strain
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, Plantar Fasciitis
Lateral Epicondylitis (Tennis Elbow), Medial Epicondylitis (Golfer's Elbow)
Rotator Cuff Tendinitis, Patellofemoral (Knee) Disorders
Achilles Tendinitis, Fibromyalgia
Scar Tissue, Trigger Finger
Shin Splints, Hip Disorders
Adhesive Capsulitis (Frozen Shoulder), Ankle Sprain
IT Band Syndrome, Among Many Other Conditions
For more information, please visit www.grastontechnique.com or consult with one of our health care professionals!