ITS Recovery: Graston Technique

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Graston Technique (GT) is an evidence-based form of soft tissue mobilization that is instrument assisted. This method allows GT trained clinicians to address soft tissue and fascial restrictions with improved patient outcomes. The stainless steel instruments are specifically designed with unique treatment edges and angles to help deliver an effective manual therapy treatment. A session would include a warm up, GT treatment and then a training session including flexibility work. 

GT instruments are used to help improve the clinician's ability to detect soft tissue lesions, scar tissue or restrictions in the affected area. The instruments will be used to comb over and "catch" on fibrotic tissue that would immediately help the clinician identify area(s) of restrictions. Once the abnormal tissue is identified, the instruments are used to address and treat the tissue. 

Although the goal is not to cause bruising, occasionally there will be bruising (as with any form of manual therapy). This all depends on the patients condition and how restricted the tissues are. GT clinicians are trained to adjust their treatment intensity according to what they patient is presenting with. 

Regardless if the treatment is injury specific or applied within a maintenance program the GT protocol is the same and includes:

• Brief warm up exercise
• GT Treatment
• Stretching and/or strengthening exercise
• Ice at home (or when subacute inflammation is of concern)

Patients usually receive 1-2 treatments per week for a minimum of 4 weeks. This will allow the best possible outcome for the patient. Generally patients will have a positive response by treatment 3 or 4. The average number of GT sessions per episode of care can average between 6-12 sessions (the more chronic the condition, then the more treatments will be needed).

• Achilles Tendinitis/osis (ankle pain)
• Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (wrist pain)
• Cervicothoracic Sprain/Strain (neck pain)
• Fibromyalgia
• Lateral Epicondylitis/osis (tennis elbow)
• Lumbosacral Sprain/Strain (back pain)
• Medial Epicondylitis/osis (golfer's elbow)
• Myofascial Pain Syndromes
• Patellofemoral Disorders (knee pain)
• Plantar Fasciitis/osis (foot pain)
• Post surgeries such as join replacements, RTC repairs (only using light strokes in brushing mode to desensitize)
• Shin Splints
• Trigger Finger
• Women's health (post-mastectomy and Caesarean scarring)

**Caution should be used when paired together)

• Varicose Veins
• Osteoporosis
• Body Art
• RSK/Chronic Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS)
• Polyneuropathies
• Autoimmune Disorders (e.g. Rheumatoid Arthritis 
• Diabetes
• Vitamin C and D/Calcium Deficiencies
• Congestive Heart Failure
• Cancer
• Burn Scars (mature scars, 9 months post-healing)
• Medications: anticoagulants, steroids, hormone replacements, NSAIDS, fluoroquinolone antibiotics (Cipro and Levaquin), herbal supplements
• Electric Implants (e.g. Pacemakers, Insulin Pumps)
• Mesh inserts
• Surgical Hardware
• Flu or illness with Flu-like symptoms
• Acute Inflammation
• Lymphedema
• Skin Conditions (e.g. Allergies, Dermatitis, Psoriasis)
• Post-Injection
• Recent Surgery
• Kidney Dysfunction
• Pregnancy
• Age-related health issues

**If you have any of these you are not a candidate for Graston Technique** 

• Open Wounds/unhealed suture sites/sutures
• Thrombophlebitis
• Uncontrolled hypertension
• Inflammatory conditions due to infection 
• Hypersensitivity
• Contagious or infectious skin conditions
• Hematoma/myositis ossificans
• Osteomyelitis
• Insect bite of unexplained origin