Glossary

What is Graston Technique?

Graston Technique is a form of instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization used by chiropractors and physical therapists to break down scar tissue and fascial restrictions. Graston Technique involves specialized stainless-steel tools to detect and treat areas of soft tissue fibrosis or chronic inflammation, helping restore range of motion and reduce pain.

Reviewed by Dr. Harry W. Brown, D.C.

Quick Facts About Graston Technique

Term

Graston Technique

Category

Process

Key Takeaways About Graston Technique

Understanding Graston Technique

Graston Technique in Chiropractor—Riverdale

Graston Technique uses steel tools. These tools help treat soft tissue injuries. They have smooth, rounded edges.

The tools glide over skin. They find tight spots, scars. Or swelling. A chiropractor moves the tool over problem areas.

This creates a gentle scraping feeling. It breaks up tight spots. It also helps blood flow. This is called IASTM (instrument-assisted soft tissue work).

An athlete made this method in the 1990s. He wanted to heal his knee faster. Now, many use it.

Chiropractors, physical therapists. And sports doctors use it. It’s not used alone. It’s mixed with stretches, exercises. And other treatments.

It helps with tendonitis, plantar fasciitis. And carpal tunnel. It also helps with muscle strains.

How Graston Technique Works?

The chiropractor puts lotion on your skin first. This helps the tool slide easily. Then they scan the area.

They feel for tight or stiff spots. These can be in muscles, tendons. Or ligaments. When they find a problem, they use the tool.

They press in certain directions. This breaks up scar tissue and tight spots. It may cause redness or mild discomfort.

But it shouldn’t hurt. The treatment creates tiny injuries. This tells your body to start healing.

Blood flows to the area. It brings oxygen and nutrients. These help fix damaged tissue.

Over time, this helps you move better. It also reduces pain. Each session lasts 5 to 10 minutes.

After, you’ll do stretches or exercises. This helps the treatment work better.

Why Graston Technique Matters?

Graston Technique helps heal injuries faster. Some injuries take weeks or months to heal. This method speeds it up.

Scar tissue can form after injuries. It can also form after surgery or too much use. This can limit movement and cause pain.

The technique breaks up these tight spots. It helps you move normally again. It also cuts pain without surgery or medicine.

This helps athletes and workers. It also helps anyone healing from injury. The tools help chiropractors find hidden problems.

They make it easier to feel tight or swollen spots. This helps treat problems better. It can lead to faster and longer results.

It often helps when other treatments don’t. These include massage or stretching.

When Graston Technique Matters Most?

Graston Technique works best for tight or swollen tissue. This can happen from injury, overuse. Or surgery.

It helps with tendonitis, like tennis elbow. It also helps with plantar fasciitis and carpal tunnel. Muscle strains get better too.

It’s good for scars after surgery. These can be from knee or shoulder surgery. Scars can make you stiff.

Athletes use it to heal fast. It also helps people with long-term pain. This includes back or neck pain.

But it’s not for everyone. Don’t use it on open cuts or breaks. It’s also not for bad bruises.

A chiropractor will check if it’s right for you. They’ll look at your health history.

In Riverdale, GA, chiropractors use this method. It helps with car accidents and sports injuries. It also helps with work strains.

It’s part of a bigger plan. This includes adjustments and rehab. It also includes advice to stop future injuries.

Expert Note

Graston Technique is most effective when combined with active rehabilitation. The tools help break up restrictions. But stretching and strengthening exercises are needed to maintain and build on the improvements. Always follow your chiropractor’s guidance to get the best results.

Graston Technique in Practice: A Real-World Example

After a car accident, a patient in Riverdale, GA, developed tightness and pain in their shoulder. Their chiropractor used Graston Technique to break up scar tissue formed from the injury. After three sessions, the patient noticed improved range of motion and reduced pain, allowing them to return to daily activities more comfortably.

Arrowhead Clinic Chiropractor

Have Questions About Graston Technique?

Contact Arrowhead Clinic Chiropractor for practical guidance on Graston Technique and related chiropractor work in Riverdale.

+1 678-605-9917