Graston Technique

What is Graston Technique?

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Graston Technique® is an innovative, patented form of instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization that enables clinicians to effectively break down scar tissue and fascial restrictions. The technique utilizes specially designed stainless steel instruments to specifically detect and effectively treat areas exhibiting soft tissue fibrosis or chronic inflammation.Originally developed by athletes, Graston Technique® is an interdisciplinary treatment used by more than 18,000 clinicians worldwide — including physical and occupational therapists, hand therapists, chiropractors, and athletic trainers.GT is utilized at some 1,960 outpatient facilities and 53 industrial sites, by more than 284 professional and amateur sports organizations, and is part of the curriculum at 57 respected colleges and universities.

Graston Technique® is successful in effectively treating all soft tissue conditions, whether they are chronic or acute and post surgical. The Graston Technique® offers many advantages to the patient such as:

  • Decreases overall time of treatment

  • Fosters faster rehabilitation/recovery

  • Reduces need for anti-inflammatory medication

  • Resolves chronic conditions thought to be permanent.

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Breaking down scar tissue

Scar tissue limits range of motion, and in many instances causes pain, which prevents the patient from functioning as he or she did before the injury. When viewed under a microscope, normal tissue can take a couple of different fashions: dense, regular elongated fibers running in the same direction, such as tendons and ligaments; or dense, irregular and loose with fibers running in multiple directions. In either instance, when tissue is damaged it will heal in a haphazard pattern–or scarring–that results in a restricted range of motion and, very often, pain.

How are the Graston Instruments used?

The Graston Technique® instruments are used to enhance the clinician’s ability to detect adhesions, scar tissue or restrictions in the affected areas. Skilled clinicians use the stainless steel instruments to comb over and “catch” on fibrotic tissue, which immediately identifies the areas of restriction. Once the tissue has been identified, the instruments are used to break up the scar tissue so it can be absorbed by the body.

The History of Active Release Techniques

The concept of cross fiber massage is not new. Graston Technique® is grounded in the works of Dr. James Cyriax, an English orthopedic surgeon. The use of our specially designed instruments and protocol is new.Graston Technique® has become standard protocol in universities and hospital-based outpatient facilities as well as industrial on-site treatment settings such as Indiana University and the University of Michigan. The technique is also being used at industrial settings and by NBA, NHL, NFL and Major League Baseball trainers.