Graston Technique

Stainless-steel tools used to reduce pain and scar tissue reduction
The Graston Technique® is an advanced form of instrument assisted soft tissue mobilization. Soft-tissue dysfunction, which includes scar tissue, adhesions and restrictions, results in pain, weakness and functional limitation for the patient. Graston Technique® uses patented stainless-steel instruments, which are contoured to complement the body’s shapes and curves…. The instruments are designed to facilitate a clinician’s hands, not replace them.”
“The Graston Technique® was inspired when a tool and die maker sustained a knee injury during a waterskiing accident. Three ligaments were ruptured, requiring extensive surgical repair. The resultant scar tissue caused unresolvable range of motion limitations and strength deficits preventing full rehabilitation…. Through research, as well as treating hundreds of clients, the Graston Technique was developed as an effective rehabilitation program for a wide variety of diagnoses. It is important to understand that the Graston Technique® is only one part of the total therapy program. It is not meant to be used alone, but to be used as a component of an overall treatment program.”
“The Graston Instruments, much like a tuning fork, resonate in the clinician’s hands allowing the clinician to isolate adhesions and restrictions, and precisely treat them. When explaining the properties of the instruments, we often use the analogy of a stethoscope. For, just as a stethoscope amplifies that can be heard by the human ear, so do the instruments increase significantly the information which can be detected by the human hands.”
“The Graston Instruments, while enhancing the clinician’s ability to detect fascial adhesions and restrictions, have been clinically proven to achieve quicker and better outcomes in treating both acute and chronic conditions.” Graston Technique is being used by more than 35 professional and amateur sports organizations. It is used by the New England Patriots, winners of the 2004 and 2005 Superbowl’s. In addition, Graston Technique® is being taught at four colleges, including Indiana University, where it is part of the graduate kinesiology course curriculum for athletic trainers.
Conditions that can Benefit from Graston Technique
The following is a list of conditions which are responsive to Graston Technique®:
- Medial Epicondylitis
- Lateral Epicondylitis
- Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
- Neck and Back Pain
- Plantar Fasciitis
- Rotator Cuff Tendinitis
- Patellar Tendinitis
- Tibialis Posterior Tendinitis
- Heel Pain
- DeQuervain’s Syndrome
- Post-Surgical and Traumatic Scars
- Myofascial Pain and Restrictions
- Chronic and Acute Sprains/Strains
- Non-acute Bursitis RSD (Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy)
- IT Band Syndrome
- Wrist Tendinitis
- Reduced ROM Due to Scar Tissue
- Achilles Tendinitis Absolute
Contraindications for the Graston Technique®:
- Open Wound- Unhealed Suture Site/Sutures
- Unhealed Fractures
- Thrombophlebitis
- Uncontrolled Hypertension
- Kidney Dysfunction
- Patient Intolerance/Non-compliance/Hypersensitivity
- Hematoma
- Osteomyelitis
- Myositis Ossificans
Relative Contraindications for the Graston Technique®:
- Anti-Coagulant Medications
- Cancer Varicose Veins
- Burn Scars
- Acute Inflammatory Conditions (e.g. Synovitis)
- Inflammatory Condition Secondary to Infection
- Rheumatoid Arthritis Pregnancy (consider inherent ligament laxity)
- Osteoporosis