Graston technique®
Graston technique® or instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization (IASTM) is used by clinicians to effectively detect and treat scar tissue and myofascial restrictions that interfere with normal function. When tissue is placed under stress and damaged, it will heal in a haphazard pattern (scarring) that can cause reduced range of motion, loss of strength and pain.
Skilled clinicians use the stainless steel instruments to comb over the area and locate fibrotic tissue. The instruments are then used to break up the scar tissue, while increasing the amount of blood flow to and from the area that allow for healing. Graston technique® has been shown to be effective in treating all acute, chronic, and post-surgical soft tissue conditions. The benefits of using IASTM are an overall decreased treatment time, and faster recovery.
In my clinical practice:
I have had great outcomes with the use of Graston Technique® in patients with new or old injuries. Patient’s typically remark feeling less scar tissue every visit. As the stainless steel tool glides over the site of injury, the scar tissue is felt as “bumpy bits” or tender areas. Both the patient and myself notice these “knots”, “bumpy bits” or fibrotic areas in the muscle decrease and are less painful with every treatment. Here’s an example for neck pain: I’ve noticed the use of Graston technique® on the upper trapezium (the muscle that helps shrug your shoulders up) provides effective relief for neck pain. It also helps to decrease the frequency of headaches in patients who hold a lot of stress in the shoulder and neck area. Once we increase blood flow to the area and relax the muscle, we are able to get in and stretch the muscle. Then, neck core exercises are introduced to ensure the endurance is there in the deeper neck muscles so that the more superficial muscles (aka. traps) don’t work overtime to support the neck.
Graston Technique® is commonly used to treat:
Repetitive stress injuries, sports injuries, chronic pain, headaches, neck pain, back pain, carpal tunnel syndrome, shin splints, shoulder pain, knee pain, plantar fasciitis, tennis elbow, golfers elbow, and sciatica.
If you are experiencing any of the above conditions, and haven’t tried Graston technique® yet, email to arrange an appointment dr.mdavidovic@gmail.com or call 416-906-0767