Graston Technique
Located in Destin, Florida
Graston Technique® is an interdisciplinary treatment used by more than 6,500 clinicians worldwide—including athletic trainers, chiropractors, hand therapists, occupational and physical therapists.
What is Graston Technique?
Graston Technique® is an innovative, patented form of instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization that enables clinicians to effectively break down scar tissue and fascial restrictions.
The Technique utilizes specially designed stainless steel instruments to specifically detect and effectively treat areas exhibiting soft tissue fibrosis or chronic inflammation. Only physicians, therapists, and athletic trainers trained & certified in Graston Technique can perform these protocols.
What does Graston Technique do?
The general goals of the therapy are to reduce the patient’s pain and increase function through a combination of:
- Breaking down the scar tissue and fascia restrictions that are usually associated with some form of trauma to the soft tissue (e.g., a strained muscle or a pulled ligament, tendon, or fascia).
- Reducing restrictions by stretching connective tissue in an attempt to rearrange the structure of the soft tissue being treated (e.g., muscle, fascia, tendons, ligaments).
- Promoting a better healing environment for the injured soft tissue.
Common injuries that Graston can treat:
- Lower back muscle strain or sprain
- Achilles tendinosis
- Carpal tunnel syndrome
- Cervical sprain/strain
- Plantar fasciitis
- Rotator cuff tendinosis
- Shin splints
- Tennis/golfer’s elbow
Frequently asked questions
What will a Graston treatment look like?
First, the practitioner will utilize the appropriate Graston Technique instruments to scan, then treat, the affected area. Treatment generally consists of the clinician rubbing the affected area(s) with the handheld stainless steel Graston Technique instruments, using very specific, calculated massage techniques.
Treatment time is usually 30 to 60 seconds per area treated. It is common for patients to experience some discomfort during the procedure.
What should I do after a Graston treatment?
Patients are advised they may be sore, bruised or exhibit small red dots over the area treated, called petechiae.
If any soreness is felt after the procedure, ice application for 15 to 20 minutes following the treatment may ease the discomfort.
It is recommended that an exercise, stretching, and strengthening program be used in conjunction with the Graston Technique to rehabilitate the back and help the injured tissues heal.
Anecdotally, many patients have reported increased range of motion and reduced pain after the first treatment.
How do I know if I am a candidate for Graston?
Before any visit, we will examine the treatment area to make sure you are a candidate for care. Not all candidates with pain from soft-tissue injury are candidates for the Graston Technique. In general, the Graston Technique should not be used with any condition contraindicated for soft-tissue mobilization.
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