GRASTON TECHNIQUE
Graston Instrument Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization Technique® and FAKTR (Functional and Kinetic Treatment with Rehab), is a patented, instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization (IASTM) technique used by trained clinicians to diagnose and treat soft tissue dysfunction. It's a form of manual therapy that utilizes specially designed stainless steel instruments to detect and break down scar tissue and fascial restrictions that restricts the normal function of your muscles, tendons, ligaments, and nerves.
How it works:
Similar to Active Release Technique, Graston Technique targets issues related to:
Scar tissue (adhesions): When soft tissues (muscles, tendons, ligaments, fascia) are injured, they can heal in a disorganized, fibrous manner, forming scar tissue. This scar tissue is less elastic and can restrict movement, cause pain, and lead to a loss of function.
Fascial restrictions: Fascia is a web of connective tissue that surrounds and interpenetrates muscles, organs, and bones. Restrictions in the fascia can limit movement and contribute to pain.
Chronic inflammation: Persistent inflammation can lead to tissue changes and pain.
ASSESSMENT & DETECTION
The clinician uses the beveled edges of the stainless steel instruments to "scan" over the affected area of the body. The instruments amplify the tactile feedback, allowing the practitioner to "feel" for areas of scar tissue, adhesions, or fascial restrictions that might be difficult to detect with bare hands. These restrictions often feel like "gritty" or "bumpy" areas under the skin.
TREATMENT
Once a restriction is identified, the clinician applies specific, controlled pressure and strokes with the instruments over the affected tissue. This "scraping" or "massaging" motion with the tools aims to:
Break down scar tissue and adhesions: The controlled micro-trauma induced by the instruments helps to break down the disorganized collagen fibers of scar tissue.
Stimulate a healing response: This controlled "re-injury" actually triggers the body's natural inflammatory response, increasing blood flow and bringing nutrients to the area. This helps to re-initiate the healing process and promote the proper remodeling of healthy tissue.
Improve tissue mobility: By breaking down restrictions and encouraging proper healing, the technique helps to restore the normal gliding and sliding of tissues, improving range of motion and reducing pain.
Key features of Graston Technique:
Specialized tools:
Graston Technique uses a set of six uniquely shaped, medical-grade stainless steel instruments. Each tool has different contours and edges designed to conform to various parts of the body and target specific tissue depths and types of restrictions.
Diagnostic and therapeutic:
The instruments are used both to identify and treat the underlying soft tissue problems.
Instrument-assisted:
The use of instruments allows the clinician to apply more precise and deeper pressure than with hands alone, while also reducing strain on the practitioner's hands.
Often combined with other therapies:
Graston Technique is typically integrated into a comprehensive rehabilitation program that includes stretching, strengthening exercises, and other manual therapies to maximize recovery and prevent recurrence.
Common Conditions Treated with ART:
TENDINOPATHIES
FASCIAL PAIN
SPRAINS AND STRAINS
POST-SURGICAL SCARS
NERVE ENTRAPMENT
FIBROMYALGIA AND OTHER CHRONIC PAIN
What to expect during a Graston Technique session:
The area to be treated is often warmed up first (e.g., with light exercise or heat).
An emollient or lotion is applied to the skin to allow the instruments to glide smoothly.
The clinician will gently scrape the tools over the affected area. You may feel a "scraping" or "gritty" sensation, and some mild discomfort or "good hurt" is common, but it should not be intensely painful.
Temporary redness (petechiae) or minor bruising at the treatment site can occur, which indicates increased blood flow and the breakdown of adhesions. This usually resolves within a few days.
After the instrument work, stretching and strengthening exercises are typically performed.
Graston Technique is performed by trained and certified healthcare professionals.
For more information: www.grastontechnique.com