Graston Technique

The Graston Technique is an innovative and proven approach to the diagnosis and treatment of soft-tissue injuries. It is performed with patented stainless-steel instruments designed to detect and treat soft-tissue fibrosis (scar tissue) in order to reduce pain and restore function.

Just as a stethoscope amplifies what the human ear can hear, the Graston instruments amplify what the human hand can feel. Certified providers of the Graston Technique are trained in how to scan the tissue for areas of scar tissue build-up, allowing previously undetected areas of fibrosis to be treated effectively. Once the dysfunctional tissue has been identified, the practitioner can use the appropriate tool to focus on the area of adhesion and break down the scar tissue for the body to absorb. The small amount of inflammation created by the treatment process “re-starts” the healing process, this time with specific instructions for the patient to help promote the development of healthy, properly aligned tissue in the same area.

The Graston technique has been well researched at numerous leading Universities, and has become a standard treatment approach for many universities, hospitals, professional sports organizations and professional athletes worldwide.

What is scar tissue?

When muscles, tendons and ligaments are put in a stressed or shortened position for prolonged periods, their blood supply can be impeded, which lowers the available oxygen to the tissue. In response, the body compensates by replacing damaged tissue with scar tissue. Scar tissue does not require as much oxygen to function and is sticky and inflexible. Scar tissue binds muscles, tendons, ligaments, nerves and fascia to one another, much like dried paint on the bristles of a paintbrush. Dysfunctional areas of scar tissue adhesion can manifest as pain, decreased flexibility and decreased performance.