6 Reasons to Try the Graston Technique

Dr. Tony Tran

Doctor of Chiropractic
iSpine & Sports

Pain within soft tissue can be debilitating. People experiencing acute pain from injury, as well as those with chronic pain caused by scar tissue or fascia restrictions, can benefit from instrument assisted soft tissue mobilization (IASTM).

It offers several potential advantages, including:

Reducing overall treatment time
Allowing access to deep tissue and tendons not possible with standard treatments
Fostering shorter recovery times
Introducing a non-pharmaceutical treatment option for pain
Relieving chronic pain previously considered permanent

One form of IASTM that is popular with physical therapists, chiropractors, orthopedic practitioners, and massage therapists is the Graston Technique. It has shown positive results alone and in conjunction with other forms of treatment.

Top 6 Reasons to Try the Graston Technique

1. It’s all natural. No chemicals or other potentially harmful substances are used, which makes the Graston technique an all-natural addition to your treatment plan.

2. Pairs seamlessly with other natural treatments. The Graston technique is an excellent complement to other natural treatment modalities, such as THC-free CBD, that can help promote healing and quicker recovery times.

3. Tools can reach tight spots and injuries conventional treatments can’t. The specially designed tools used in the Graston technique offer deep tissue manipulation that would not otherwise be possible.

4. Non-pharmaceutical treatment option. That means no risky side effects or possible drug interactions either. In fact, using the Graston Technique may reduce the need for anti-inflammatory medications for soft tissue pain.

5. Reduced overall treatment times. Because the Graston Technique activates soft tissue, you can expect to experience faster rehabilitation of injuries. It may also contribute to quicker recovery from intense training or minor muscle strain.

6. Potential resolution of chronic conditions. Instrument assisted soft tissue mobilization (IASTM) has been shown to assist in breaking up scar tissue and activating fascia, muscles, and tendons¹. This can potentially help relieve people of chronic pain that had previously been considered permanent. The Graston Technique is a widely used form of IASTM.

History of Graston Technique

The Graston Technique is a form of IASTM. Although this type of treatment has been used for centuries by cultures around the world, the tools specific to Graston Technique were developed by David Graston at the end of the 20th century.

It is based on the work of orthopedic specialists and physical therapists. The technique was first practiced at an outpatient clinic opened in 1994 by TherapyCare Resources Inc., the parent company of Graston Technique².

How the Graston Technique Works

Treatments with the Graston Technique involved a specialized form of massage that uses unique, handheld instruments. These are designed to help identify areas of restriction with soft tissue and help break up any scar tissue³.

Six stainless steel tools are used in Graston Technique. The rounded edges of these instruments are used to identify areas of injured tissue, and assist with treatment.

A treatment using the Graston Technique is much like a massage. During treatment, the specialized tools will be used to brush or rub against the grain of scar tissue. This helps to break up immobilized tissue.

You will likely experience a rise in blood flow and increased temperatures at the treatment site immediately after receiving IASTM⁴. Proponents of the technique believe this helps initiate the healing process within affected soft tissues.

The treatment may be used alone or in conjunction with other treatments that can help increase circulation and aid in soft tissue healing. CBD that is THC-free is a complementary treatment option whose use has been shown effective in these areas.

A Holistic Approach

People with chronic pain, previous injuries, or athletes looking for shorter recovery times should consider using the Graston Technique. Its specialized tools increase blood flow to treated areas, prompting healing.

Muscle pain or prolonged recovery times should not reduce your quality of life. Developing a routine that takes a holistic approach to training, recovery, and self-care can help improve your routine.

The Graston technique, along with treatment options like THC-free CBD, is one such approach. Treatments offer a natural, non-pharmaceutical option for reducing pain while helping to minimize recovery and treatment times. Whether you are looking to maximize performance in the gym or perform everyday activities without pain, consider adding the Graston Technique to your routine.

References:

1. Loghmani MT, Whitted M (2016). Soft Tissue Manipulation: A Powerful Form of Mechanotherapy. Physiother Rehabil 1: 122.
2. Company History, The Graston Technique Movement Center. https://www.grastontechnique.com/About
3. Hyde TE (2013). How the Graston Technique Works, Spine-Health. https://www.spine-health.com/treatment/chiropractic/how-graston-technique-works
4. Portillo-Soto A, Eberman LE, Demchak TJ, and Peebles C (2014). Comparison of Blood Flow Changes with Soft Tissue Mobilization and Massage Therapy, The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine 20 (12): 932–936

These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. CBD products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease or ailment. Symbio Wellness LLC assumes no responsibility for the improper use of these products. We recommend consulting with a qualified medical doctor or physician when preparing a treatment plan for any and all diseases or ailments. Symbio Wellness LLC does not make any health claims about our products and recommend consulting with a qualified medical doctor or physician prior to consuming our products or preparing a treatment plan. It is especially important for those who are pregnant, nursing, chronically ill, elderly or under the age of 18 to discuss the use of these products with a physician prior to consuming. You must be 18 years or older to visit this website and/or purchase Symbio Wellness LLC products. The information on our website is intended to provide general information regarding our products and is not to be construed as medical advice or instruction.