THE GRASTON TECHNIQUE

 Our patients affectionately refer to the instruments used in the Graston Technique® as “butter knives” It’s a treatment they hate to love, but the results speak for themselves. Many famous athletes swear by the technique to keep them training and moving pain free. 

The Graston Technique has had positive outcomes in 75-90% of all conditions treated, effectively restoring function to acute and chronic injuries, and pre- and post-surgical patients for many of the most common running injuries.

 In the healing process, our body attempts to repair muscles, tendons and ligaments with “scar tissue,” much like a scar that forms on the skin when you have scraped your knee.

The Graston Technique is a form of soft tissue mobilization that utilizes six different shaped stainless steel instruments to glide along a patient’s muscles, tendons, or ligaments. These tools gently break up scar tissue, fascial restrictions, and adhesions which tend to be weaker and less flexible than undamaged tissue. The treated area receives increased blood flow which ultimately promotes restorative long term healing and pain relief.

It is not meant to replace a clinician’s hands, but to complement them by substantially improving the ability to detect and treat dysfunction.

The short answer is no! The affected area is often sensitive so the trained therapist and patient work together to determine the appropriate amount of pressure for them. You might see some areas of petechiae, a reddening of the skin, and slight bruising where the adhesions are broken down. This will only last a day or two. 

Only clinicians who have been trained are qualified to obtain the Graston Technique instruments and apply the technique to treat patients. 

Recently, we discharged a patient who had been suffering from chronic plantar fasciitis and was not able to run for 4 months. After only four sessions utilizing the Graston Technique®, she had complete relief and could not believe the results. She said she could actually feel the scar tissue being broken up. She is now on a graded progression of strengthening exercises, plyometrics, and individualized “Return to Run” program to get back to running safely and injury free.