Are you dealing with a soft tissue injury? Maybe you’ve been sidelined by a sports injury or a car accident? Or perhaps scars and adhesions are causing you pain and restricting your movement? At APEX Physical Therapy in Brighton, MI , we recommend trying the Graston Technique.
The Graston Technique is a specialized form of instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization (IASTM). This hands-on therapy uses ergonomic stainless steel tools to gently massage and scrape the skin, targeting injured soft tissues such as sprains, strains, subluxations, and repetitive use injuries.
It’s effective for a variety of conditions including lower back pain, carpal tunnel syndrome, rotator cuff injuries, quadriceps pain, tennis elbow, plantar fasciitis, and even certain types of headaches. Curious how it can help you? Reach out to APEX Physical Therapy today!
How Can The Graston Technique Help Me?
Scar tissue is thick fibrous connective tissue that often gets less blood flow than healthy tissue and doesn’t stretch well. After injuries, scar tissue and adhesions can build up around ligaments, tendons, and muscles. These adhesions limit movement and flexibility. Injuries like shin splints, pulled hamstrings, and meniscal tears often cause this buildup.
Scar tissue and adhesions restrict natural movement by preventing tendons, ligaments, and muscles from gliding smoothly. This can lead to fascial restrictions where fascia tightens abnormally. Even everyday wear and tear can cause muscle fibers to stick together irregularly over time. The Graston Technique works by gently separating those muscle fibers, reducing pain and improving your range of motion.
How Is The Graston Technique Performed?
During your Graston treatment, we begin by gently mobilizing the affected soft tissue to prepare it for therapy. Then, using our stainless steel instruments, we glide the edges slowly across your skin over areas of scar tissue and adhesions. This scraping action helps stimulate healing by promoting circulation and breaking down fibrous tissue.
The pressure and speed we use depends on your specific injury and comfort level and will be adjusted throughout your sessions. After treatment, we stretch the treated areas to enhance mobility, and if you feel soreness, we provide ice packs.
Typically, patients receive two treatments per week over five weeks. Many notice improvement by the third or fourth session.
Benefits of the Graston Technique include:
- Reduced inflammation
- Less pain for improved daily living
- Enhanced cellular activity for healing
- Breakdown of collagen cross-links
- Increased mobility and function
- Improved blood flow to speed recovery
How Will I Benefit From The Graston Technique?
Still wondering if the Graston Technique is right for you? Here are some facts:
- Used by over 31,000 clinicians worldwide
- Trusted by more than 500 sports organizations, both professional and amateur
- Applied by 16 NBA, 18 NFL, and 16 MLB teams
- Included in curriculum at over 50 colleges and universities
- Available at more than 3,600 outpatient clinics
Ready to start your journey toward relief? Contact APEX Physical Therapy in Brighton, MI to schedule a consultation with our skilled physical therapists. We’re here to help you heal and get back to the activities you love.
