The Graston Technique is a highly effective treatment in the world of physical therapy, helping to decrease pain and improve function and mobility. A form of the IASTM Technique (Instrumented Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization), Graston Technique therapy involves a set of stainless steel instruments in varying sizes being expertly combed over painful areas until the adhesions causing the pain are broken down and absorbed into the body.

As part of the healing process, our bodies attempt to repair wounded areas by creating internal scar tissue similar to the scar you see when you scrape your skin. With age and injuries, you may experience dysfunction and pain in your body. Overuse, time, and injuries can lead to a buildup of fibrous scar tissue. This replacement tissue lacks the strength and flexibility of healthy tissue, and it can cause pain. The Graston treatment is a procedure that allows us to easily detect and treat areas of scar tissue in muscles, tendons, and ligaments that may be reducing your range of motion and causing pain.

When it comes to physical therapy for pain, the Graston treatment provides many benefits. The instruments used as part of the Graston Technique allow us to follow the kinetic chain of connecting tissue, effectively uncovering the cause of the problem, allowing us to treat the precise problem area. The Graston Technique has been effective in the treatment of:

• carpal tunnel syndrome
• muscle strain
• post-surgical scarring
• cervical pain
• plantar fasciitis
• lower back pain
• post-fracture pain
• painful scars
• de Quervain’s syndrome
• fibromyalgia
• IT band syndrome
• joint sprain

Graston Technique therapy allows for better detection and treatment using stainless steel instruments that glide along your muscle, tendons or ligaments to detect exactly where scar tissue or restrictions are located. Much like tuning forks, these instruments resonate in our hands, allowing us to isolate adhesions and restrictions. When these bands of scar tissue are found, we sense a restriction, similar to a speed bump. At this point, the instrument is used to break up the restriction.

When scar tissue binds with your normal tissue, a blood supply is developed. So as restrictions are released from healthy tissue, you may notice some skin redness. In addition, you may experience soreness and discomfort after your first Graston treatment session. Not to worry though, this is a sign that restrictions have been released. Your soreness will typically fade after 48 to 72 hours and can be minimized with gentle stretches and ice. It is also recommended that light yoga be used after treatment, if necessary.

You don’t have to live with chronic pain and discomfort anymore. If you are interested in seeing if the Graston Therapy can help you, please feel free to contact any of our clinics. We are your premiere therapy group serving multiple communities in the state of Wyoming. We serve the communities of Wyoming and Nebraska with 22 clinics offering a full range of services and an excellent staff. Check out all of our physical therapy rehabilitation locations and call us to set up an appointment.

Additional Resources: http://advancedorthosports.com/discover-the-graston-technique/