Graston Technique ®

Graston Technique® is a patented soft tissue technique system that uses uniquely engineered stainless steel instruments to detect and treat areas of scar tissue and restriction within muscles, tendons, ligaments, and fascia with the goal of facilitating myofascial mobility and healing.

Part of the immune system’s reparative response to tissue damage is the rapid development of new fibrous connective tissue to stabilize the damaged area - what we commonly call scar tissue. This serves an immediate purpose but is not optimal long term as persistent scar tissue (fibrosis) will cause pain, weakness, and reduced mobility. Under optimal conditions, the scar is slowly remodelled over time into normal muscle, tendon, or ligament tissue by cells called fibroblasts.

When used by a certified practitioner, Graston Technique® instruments act to stimulate scar tissue remodelling through resorption of excessive fibrosis, along with inducing repair and regeneration of collagen secondary to fibroblast recruitment. As a result, healing conditions are optimized and the tissue returns to full function better and sooner than control conditions.

It is common to experience minor discomfort during the treatment and some mild reddening afterwards, as the technique imparts some degree of microtrauma to the tissue. This is a normal response (good inflammation/immune response) and an expected part of the healing process.

A selection of conditions to which Graston Technique® is commonly employed include:

• Tendinopathies (Tennis elbow, Golfer’s elbow, Rotator cuff tendinosis, De Qeurvain’s tenosynovitis

• Plantar fasciitis

• Carpal tunnel syndrome

• Ligamentous scarring (sprains)

• Chronic postural strain and generalized muscle ache

• General joint range of motion restriction

• Post-surgical scar mobilization