A physical therapist uses many hands-on techniques to help alleviate pain and increase mobility throughout the body. But there are many injuries or medical conditions that benefit from the therapist applying additional pressure with specialized tools.
With the help of specially designed instruments, a physical therapist can help you reduce tension that’s trapped in the soft tissue due to an injury or surgical procedure. These tools are utilized in the Graston Technique®, which is a therapy that’s used around the world. With the help of this therapy, you can reduce your pain and get back to your daily physical activities.
The Basics of the Graston Technique
The Graston Technique is an evidence-based type of instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization. It involves a physical therapist using specialized stainless steel tools to break up painful or inflamed scar tissue and fascia, which is the tissue that holds all your muscles, organs, bones and nerves in place. The Graston Technique also helps to alleviate tension from stiff muscles and increase range of motion.
There are six specialized tools that are branded for the Graston Technique. They are curved and have round edges to help the therapist locate the tight tissue or painful “knots.” The physical therapist will determine which tool will provide the pressure required for your specific pain, and then they rub it along the affected area. Each tool is designed for different areas of the body.
The Graston Technique can help with pain management that stems from a wide variety of medical conditions and injuries, including:
- Chronic pain.
- Post-surgical fibrosis.
- Carpal tunnel syndrome.
- Rotator cuff tendinitis.
- Tennis elbow.
- Golfer’s elbow.
- Trigger finger.
- Plantar fasciitis.
- Repetitive stress injuries.
- Sprains.
Patients often get the best results from the Graston Technique when it’s combined with other physical therapy techniques, such as exercises and manual therapy.
The Benefits of the Graston Technique
The Graston Technique is a common pain management technique used by physical therapists because it provides more effective pressure than they may be able to apply on their own. The instrument-assisted therapy offers a variety of benefits that can help people get back to their normal day-to-day routine.
The benefits of the Graston Technique include:
- Reduced pain.
- Increased joint mobility.
- Improved muscle fiber strength.
- Decreased need for pain medication.
- Reduced recovery and treatment time.
REPAIR SI Can Help Alleviate Your Pain With the Graston Technique
When your scar tissue is causing pain that’s interfering with your quality of life, it’s time to explore the pain management options that REPAIR SI has to offer, including the Graston Technique.
When you’re ready to see how the Graston Technique can help alleviate your painful scar tissue and tight muscles contact our team for more information or schedule an initial appointment.