Experience Lasting Relief with Graston Technique
- Breaks down scar tissue and adhesions
- Accelerates healing and recovery
- Reduces pain and inflammation
- Improves range of motion and flexibility
- Restores normal function and mobility
What is Graston Technique and
How Does It Help?
The Graston Technique is an instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization method used to detect and treat scar tissue, adhesions, and fascial restrictions. By gliding specially designed stainless-steel instruments over affected muscles, tendons, and ligaments, clinicians can target problem areas more accurately than by hand alone.
This precise approach breaks up and disperses tissue adhesions that often hinder healing and mobility. Simultaneously, the microtrauma from each instrument stroke signals the body to increase blood flow and initiate a natural healing response, reducing inflammation and speeding recovery.
Over time, Graston Technique sessions help remodel and strengthen the tissue, enhancing flexibility, reducing chronic pain, and restoring normal function. Many patients report significant relief and an improved range of motion within just a few sessions.
The technique can be used for both acute and chronic conditions, making it an excellent complement to exercises, stretching, and other hands-on therapies. Because it focuses on improving tissue quality and function, Graston Technique not only addresses current discomfort but also helps prevent future flare-ups.
Graston Technique is well-recognized by athletes, post-surgical patients, and individuals dealing with recurring pain. Through precise, controlled treatments, it promotes faster, more resilient healing—empowering you to get back to the activities you love, pain-free.
In The Zone
Conditions Graston Technique Can
Help Address: (A-Z)
Achilles Rupture
Graston Technique breaks down restrictive scar tissue and promotes proper tissue alignment, aiding in flexibility and reducing pain post-rupture.
Ankle Sprains
By loosening scar tissue and improving circulation, Graston Technique aids in restoring normal mechanics and easing pain after sprains.
Bicipital Tendinitis
Targeted instrument strokes reduce inflammation and break up adhesions around the biceps tendon, enhancing recovery.
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Graston Technique relieves tightness in the forearm and wrist tissues, reducing nerve compression and easing pain.
De Quervain’s Syndrome
Instrument-assisted mobilization helps release tension and adhesions in the thumb and wrist, promoting relief from tendon inflammation.
Elbow Epicondylitis (lateral or medial)
Using specialized tools on forearm muscles and tendons helps reduce pain and inflammation related to tennis or golfer’s elbow.
Frozen Shoulder
Graston Technique frees up restricted tissues, reducing pain and stiffness in the shoulder capsule to improve mobility.
Impingement Syndrome
Careful treatment around the shoulder girdle relieves soft tissue restrictions, easing pressure and pain from impingements.
IT Band Syndrome
By reducing fascial tightness along the iliotibial band, Graston Technique alleviates pain and enhances hip-knee coordination.
Jaw Pain or Temporomandibular Disorder (TMJ)
Instrument assistance helps release tension around the jaw, reducing pain and improving joint mobility for TMJ issues.
Joint Sprains (ankle, back, knee, neck, shoulder)
Breaking up scar tissue in and around sprained joints helps reduce pain, restore stability, and facilitate proper healing.
Labral Tears (hip or shoulder)
Targeted therapy can reduce inflammation and improve surrounding soft tissue mobility, aiding healing and stability for labral injuries.
Low Back Pain
Using Graston instruments on the lower back loosens tight muscles and fascia, helping alleviate chronic or acute pain and stiffness.
Muscle Spasms
By addressing tissue adhesions and tight spots, Graston Technique helps interrupt the cycle of spasm, easing pain and tension.
Muscle Strains (Biceps, Calf, Hamstring, Pec, Quadriceps, Rotator Cuff)
Careful instrument work reduces scar tissue in strained muscles, supporting faster healing and improved function.
Neck Pain
Graston Technique identifies and releases tight fascia and muscles in the cervical region, relieving pain and restoring motion.
Patellar Tendinitis
Targeted strokes help alleviate stress on the patellar tendon by breaking down adhesions and encouraging better collagen alignment.
Piriformis Syndrome
By releasing restricted fibers in the piriformis region, Graston Technique eases pressure on the sciatic nerve and relieves pain.
Plantar Fasciitis
Gentle scraping along the foot and calf fascia reduces thickening and stiffness, boosting healing in the plantar region.
Rotator Cuff Tear
Graston Technique helps manage scar tissue around the shoulder, improving range of motion and easing discomfort in rotator cuff injuries.
Sacroiliac Dysfunction
Releasing tight muscles in the lower back and hips improves stability in the SI joint, decreasing pain and discomfort.
Sciatica
Instrument-assisted strokes free up adhesions along the hip and low back musculature, reducing nerve irritation and pain.
Shin Splints
Working on tight tissues in the calf and lower leg helps alleviate pain and promotes faster recovery from shin splints.
Whiplash
Graston Technique addresses soft tissue damage in the neck and upper back, relieving pain and restoring normal movement post-injury.
Common Questions About Graston Technique
1. Is the Graston Technique painful?
The pressure from the instruments can sometimes cause mild discomfort, especially over tight or scarred tissues. However, most people describe the sensation as a “good” kind of soreness that subsides quickly. Your therapist will tailor the treatment intensity to keep you as comfortable as possible while still providing effective results.
2. How many sessions will I need?
This varies depending on the severity and duration of your condition. Some patients notice significant improvement in just a few visits, while others require more frequent sessions over several weeks. Your physical therapist will recommend a personalized treatment plan to meet your recovery goals.
3. Can Graston Technique help with old injuries?
Yes. Even long-standing adhesions can be addressed with this specialized method. By stimulating the body’s healing response and breaking up scar tissue, Graston Technique can revive mobility and reduce chronic pain from injuries that occurred months or even years ago.
4. Are there any side effects?
Mild bruising, soreness, or redness in the treated area is normal, as the process increases blood flow and breaks down tissue restrictions. These symptoms typically fade within a day or two. Your therapist can adjust pressure and frequency of treatment if needed to minimize discomfort.
5. Is Graston Technique similar to a massage?
While both can address muscle tension, Graston Technique is more targeted and uses specialized instruments rather than just hands. It specifically aims to detect and treat adhesions in soft tissue, whereas massage tends to focus on relaxing muscles and improving circulation. They can be complementary, but they serve distinct therapeutic purposes.
6. Is it safe for everyone?
In general, Graston Technique is safe and effective for most individuals, but certain conditions or recent surgeries may warrant caution. Your physical therapist will review your health history before beginning treatment. If you have concerns about sensitive areas or preexisting issues, make sure to discuss them beforehand.
7. What should I do after a Graston Technique session?
Staying hydrated and performing light stretching of the treated areas can help reduce soreness and enhance recovery. It’s also beneficial to follow any exercise or mobility instructions provided by your therapist. Although mild discomfort can occur, many people feel relief and improved mobility almost immediately after a session.
