The Graston Technique is quickly gaining recognition inside and outside the physical therapy community. In 1994, an amateur athlete disappointed by his lack of improvement after suffering a knee injury gave birth to this technique.

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The Graston Technique is renowned for its one-of-a-kind tools, incredible outcomes for acute and chronic wounds, and specialized training programs. These are exclusively accessible to licensed therapists, physicians, chiropractors, athletic trainers, and other healthcare professionals. If you are not quite familiar with this specialized technique, here are some more details:

How does Graston Technique work?

The Graston Technique is a type of instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization (IASTM) for the rehabilitation of injuries. IASTM is characterized as the application of devices or tools to help identify and treat movement dysfunction brought on by pain and affects the modifications of the muscles and ligaments.

Physical treatment using the Graston Technique is distinct from other IASTM products. This is a result of its special equipment and protocol, which has been studied and taught for over 20 years. Specialists design Graston massage instruments from medical grade stainless steel, with beveled edges and curves to detect myofascial limitations, unlike conventional tools manufactured from wood, ceramic, or stone.

Six Graston physiotherapy tools, ranging in size and shape from the neck to the sensitive areas of the foot and ankle, are used to treat different body sections. These instruments are only accessible to qualified professionals who have finished the in-person or online Graston therapy training courses.

Procedures of the Graston Technique

The Graston Technique for treating pain is most successful when used in conjunction with rehabilitative activities and modalities. The technique refers to the use of GT instruments and their specific strokes on soft tissues. The Graston Technique, followed by cardiovascular warming up to the tissue and treatment area, stretching, bracing, and other therapy, are the fundamental elements of this techniques protocol.

Here are the step-by-step procedures followed in the Graston technique:

Cardiovascular Warm-Up

It’s critical to treat these pain regions and identify the underlying reasons for the pain. Performing both encourages overall physical health. For instance, patients may seek the help of a therapist if they have neck pain from a car accident.

Before beginning to apply the technique for leg pain or other types of pain, the cardiovascular element is essential. This happens because it improves the atmosphere for healing by increasing the area’s blood circulation.

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Applying the Technique

The practitioner applies the Graston Technique by utilizing precise pressure and strokes. They only employ the properly chosen treatment method for a short period, usually eight minutes for each body area.

Post-Treatment Cool Down

The patient next performs strengthening exercises with low resistance and high repetitions to help with the mobility limitation. The practitioner then uses cryotherapy, which is often a cold pack. This lessens discomfort or edema following Graston Technique. This is especially beneficial for the hands, knees, and flat parts like the back or neck, where the ice pack can be concentrated. If vasoconstriction is contraindicated for the condition, then it will not be used.

How Effective is the Graston Technique?

The effectiveness of the Graston technique is attributed to its ability to mobilize scar tissue and the pain cycle. Soft tissue range of motion and flexibility alter as a result. Soft tissue constraints are made more evident by the Graston massage tools. Using the technique allows the provider to diagnose the soft tissue limitations and then apply the appropriate technique to release or mobilize the tissues.

The clinical health care advisor uses these instruments as therapeutic tools, manipulating them in various ways to address the soft tissue adhesion. To apply regulated micro-trauma to the area, they do this. The doctor causes micro-trauma to start an inflammatory response that aids in healing the injured area. The proper arrangement of collagen fibers is then redistributed, and collagen renewal is also stimulated by the Graston technique, which enhances tissue health, flexibility, range of motion, and mobility.

Conclusion: Contact a Reputable Physical Therapist

The Graston Technique is an instrument-based therapeutic procedure used to help people with injuries and wounds. If you are looking for a credible GT professional, contact us at ActiveCare Physical Therapy. Or call us at (212) 777-4374. We would love to hear from you!

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New York, NY 10018
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