The Graston Technique

By Tracy Wilcox, PTA, ATC

What is the Graston Technique?

The Graston Technique is becoming increasingly popular with the JOI physicians and throughout the JOI Rehabilitation clinics. You have probably seen it done or even experienced it yourself.

Graston incorporates the use of stainless steel instruments to aid in soft tissue mobilization. It is a therapeutic method for diagnosing and treating disorders of the skeletal muscles and related connective tissue. It allows clinicians to treat scar tissue and adhesions that affect normal function. Scar tissue forms after injuries and can cause pain and limit range of motion. The instruments break up the scar tissue so that the body can absorb it.

Does the Graston Technique hurt?

The quick answer, it can be uncomfortable and may cause mild bruising and discoloration. These are normal responses to the break-up of adhesions. Treatments are generally short (10-15 minutes).  They are preceded by a warm-up activity, such as biking or a hot pack. After treatment stretching and strengthening exercises are performed and end with a cold pack. Patients begin to notice results immediately with lower pain and improvements in range of motion.

When to Use Graston?

It can help reduce the swelling from a new injury or heal the nagging tendonitis that has been around for months. A few of the conditions that have been clinically proven to achieve better outcomes with the treatment of Graston are:

• Achilles tendonitis
• Carpal tunnel syndrome
• Cervical sprain/strain
• Plantar fasciitis
• Shin splints.

Who uses the Graston?

JOI practitioners have extensive training in the technique. Therefore, the Graston Technique is often practiced by athletic trainers, therapists, and medical doctors.

Finally, if you want to learn more about other medical issues, please call 904-858-7045 for JOI Rehab.