Graston Technique® / Instrument Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization (IASTM)
Graston Technique is a name for a specific technique of Instrument Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization (IASTM) which has become well recognized by patients and athletes for the effective treatment of many of the common injuries seen to muscles, tendons and ligaments. Several studies have shown significant improvement in healing times and recovery with the use of IASTM.
Graston Technique®:
- Decreases overall time of treatment
- Fosters faster rehabilitation/recovery
- Reduces need for anti-inflammatory medication
- Resolves chronic conditions thought to be permanent
IASTM is a soft tissue technique that utilizes instruments to break up fascial adhesion and trigger points in the muscles and is one of many soft tissue techniques we offer such as TPDN, Myofacial Release and deep tissue manipulation.
IASTM is another option to resolve pain and tightness in the body. This approach to fascia work reduces friction which allows for precision, sensitivity and depth that cannot be accomplished with the hands, knuckles, elbows etc. Many patients have seen benefits in using Graston Technique for plantar fasciitis treatment. Graston helps plantar fasciitis patients achieve faster and better treatment outcomes.
IASTM instruments make it easier to detect and treat fascial dysfunction and large facial planes. Using a tool focuses the force through an area smaller than your finger with less friction which allows a more efficient treatment. The goal is to trigger an inflammatory response and to restart the healing process. This will stimulate the production of new collagen and proper, functional, pain-free healing.
IASTM does not need to be considered “painful” to be effective. Tight chronic fascial dysfunction and adhesions can be sore at first when we first start the process. Light tissue redness is normal with treatment and light bruising may occur but we take extra pre-caution to avoid that and use specific techniques taught by Graston to avoid bruising and to make treatment as comfortable as possible.
Patients usually receive two treatments per week during a four-to-five week period. Most patients have a positive response by the third to fourth treatment.
Graston Technique® is clinically proven to achieve faster and better patient outcomes in treating the following:
- Achilles Tendinosis/itis
- Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
- Cervical Sprain/Strain (Neck Pain)
- Fibromyalgia
- Lateral Epicondylosis/itis (Tennis Elbow)
- Lumbar Sprain/Strain (Lower Back Pain)
- Medial Epicondylosis/itis (Golfer’s Elbow)
- Patellofemoral Disorders (Knee Pain)
- Plantar Fasciitis (Foot Pain)
- Rotator Cuff Tendinosis/itis (Shoulder Pain)
- Scar Tissue
- Shin Splints
- Trigger Finger
- Women’s Health (Post-Mastectomy and Caesarean Scarring)