Graston Technique

How Does Graston Technique Work?

The Graston technique is a form of instrument-assisted soft tissue therapy that works by applying controlled pressure and friction to the affected areas with specially designed stainless steel tools. The tools help detect and treat areas of scar tissue and adhesions that restrict your range of motion, increase your pain, and interfere with your normal tissue healing.

The Graston Technique works by creating microtrauma in the tissues that triggers an inflammatory response and stimulates the production of growth factors and collagen. This helps remodel the tissue structure and improve its elasticity and strength.

The Graston Technique also works by stimulating nerve endings in the skin and muscles that send signals to the brain and spinal cord. This may alter the perception of pain by activating endorphins (natural painkillers) or inhibiting nociceptors (pain receptors).

Additionally, the Graston Technique works by affecting the levels of cytokines (chemical messengers) in the blood that regulate inflammation and immune function.

Some studies have shown that the Graston Technique can decrease pro-inflammatory cytokines (such as TNF-alpha) and increase anti-inflammatory cytokines (such as IL-10) after treatment.

The Graston Technique usually takes about four to six weeks for patients to start seeing results. However, some patients see results in a little as one to two sessions.

Conditions That Can Be Treated With Graston Technique:

The Graston technique can treat a variety of musculoskeletal conditions that involve soft tissue lesions and fascial restrictions. Some of these conditions are:

• Carpal tunnel syndrome: a condition that causes numbness, tingling, and weakness in the hand and wrist due to compression of the median nerve.

• Tendonitis: a condition that causes inflammation and pain in the tendons that connect muscles to bones.

• Plantar fasciitis: a condition that causes heel pain due to inflammation of the plantar fascia, a thick band of tissue that supports the arch of the foot.

• Tennis elbow / golfer’s elbow: conditions that cause pain and tenderness on the outer or inner side of the elbow due to overuse or injury of the forearm muscles and tendons.

• Neck pain: a condition that causes stiffness, soreness, and limited movement in the neck due to various factors such as poor posture, stress, injury, or degeneration.

• Fibromyalgia: a condition that causes widespread pain, fatigue, and cognitive difficulties due to abnormal processing of pain signals by the brain and spinal cord.

• Back pain: a condition that causes discomfort, stiffness, or reduced mobility in the lower or upper back due to various factors such as muscle strain, disc herniation, spinal stenosis, or osteoarthritis.

The Graston technique can also help with other conditions such as rotator cuff injuries, trigger finger, ankle pain, and hip pain.