Chronic conditions. Acute injuries. Overuse strains. If you live with any of those three, you are likely to be living with some degree of pain. In some cases, pain may be relieved with over-the-counter medication, specific massages, and physical therapy. In other cases, a more innovative approach may be required. One such innovative treatment is called Graston Technique.
Graston Technique is soft tissue instrument-assisted mobilization, one of many manual therapies that use an instrument. Graston, NYC residents would want to know, is designed to relieve pain as well as address a number of functional limitations. The Graston therapy is able to do this in multiple ways: by reducing restriction through connective tissue stretching, in order to rearrange the structure of the soft tissue; by breaking down the scar tissue and fascia restrictions; and by furthering a better healing environment for the soft tissue.
The instrument is designed to help practitioners like chiropractors, occupational therapists, physical therapists, osteopathic physicians, and licensed athletic trainers pinpoint areas of restriction and break up scar tissue. You can expect to see stainless steel tools in concave and convex shapes. The six core tools, which are used to look over and discover areas of injured fibrotic tissue, will have round edges.
But how does the technique go? Your licensed practitioner will re-introduce small amounts of trauma to the affected area through cross-friction massage. This will mean rubbing or brushing against the grain of the tissue. The process, which increases blood flow in and around the area, brings about healing.
This form of instrument-assisted therapy can promote faster rehabilitation. It can reduce your need for anti-inflammatory medication. It can even treat chronic conditions that were once thought to be permanent. And best of all, the Graston Technique can shorten your overall treatment time.
The Graston Technique can treat the following conditions:
- Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS)
- Illiotibial Band Syndrome (ITBS)
- Knee Pain
- Fibromyalgia
- Plantar Fasciitis
- Post Fracture Pain
- Rotator Cuff Tendonitis
- Shin Splints
- Tennis and Golfer’s Elbow
When your specialist has recommended the Graston Technique, make sure to ask about what you can expect before and after your treatment. Generally, patients may be asked to finish five minutes of cardiovascular activity and heat treatment or ultrasound may be given to the injured tissue. Treatment time, per area, may be 30 to 60 seconds, and you may feel some form of discomfort during the therapy. Your practitioner may tell you to apply ice for 15 to 20 minutes to relieve the discomfort.
