5 Reasons to Try the Graston Technique

The Graston Technique is a specialized form of massage that is getting more and more popular every year in Canada. This technique involves the use of a unique handheld instrument to loosen scar tissue and restrictions that cause pain, which can benefit a wide range of conditions.

Here are 5 reasons to try the Graston Technique!

1.) Pain relief

Pain relief is the main reason patients seek out the Graston Technique. It works by influencing scar tissue which is a substance that builds up with an injury. Applying pressure to the injured area stimulates surrounding nerve receptors which can help bring down the scar tissue and reduce pain.

2.) Fast results

When this technique works, it works fast. Many Patients see results in as little as one treatment and it’s great for those with acute or chronic pain. However, if you don’t notice results after 6 treatments then it is likely not going to work for you. The success of Graston Technique depends on the type of condition and the severity of your pain.

There are some contraindications to the Graston technique, however. You should not use it if you have:

Open wounds
Cancer
Pregnancy
High Blood pressure.

3.) Enhances healing

This technique is very effective at promoting healing. Here’s how:

The Graston technique is a treatment tool Chiropractors or Physiotherapists use to reduce pain and muscle tone. They use a special handheld instrument to twist, turn and apply pressure to the injured areas which creates controlled microtraumas in the area. When these microtraumas occur it activates a natural inflammatory response that leads to improved healing and increased blood flow. This may sound counterintuitive but this inflammatory response is what allows the tissue to heal properly.

Also, these microtraumas impact your collagen, which is the substance that makes up your muscles and tendons. In particular, it can stimulate collagen regrowth and redistribution of collagen fibers across the treated area. This helps make your tissue stronger and more durable.

Another reason this technique enhances healing is it improves circulation which transports more blood and essential nutrients to enhance the healing process and reduce recovery time.

What is Graston Technique all about courtesy of Spine & Sports Clinic (Read the caption)

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4.) Effective for many chronic conditions

This technique has been shown to be effective for a wide range of conditions. Here are a few:

Carpal tunnel syndrome

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome affects millions of Canadians every year. In your wrist there is a rigid passageway of ligament and bone where your median nerve and tendons of your hand and fingers run through. This is called the Carpal tunnel. Sometimes the median nerve can become entrapped inside of the “tunnel”. When this happens it can result in weakness, numbness, and pain in your hand and fingers. This is often due to overuse of the forearm muscles and tendons, leading to thickening or swelling in the tunnel.

With use of the Graston Technique, a physiotherapist can improve the mobility and tone of the wrist muscles, greatly reducing the irritation of the nerve in the tunnel. This leads to a decrease in the patient’s pain and numbness. Coupled with proper exercises, the overall treatment of the afflicted hand is greatly accelerated and oftentimes surgery is avoided.

Tendonitis

Tendonitis can affect every joint in your body causing inflammation and irritation. Tendons are cords that attach your muscle to bone. Tendonitis is typically caused by repetitive motions like throwing a ball, swinging a golf club and completing jobs that require repetitive movements. Graston Technique has been shown to be effective in tendon rehab and can result in more mobility and reduced pain.

Plantar fasciitis

Plantar Fasciitis occurs when the plantar fascia, a thick band of tissue that runs from the bottom of your heel to the bottom of your toes, becomes irritated. This tends to happen in high-intensity athletes and those that work all day on their feet.

The Graston technique is one of the best treatments for Plantar Fasciitis. It increases blood flow and activates the healing processes in your body to heal the plantar fascia.

This technique also improves recovery and reduces scar tissue buildup.

Other conditions treated by this technique include:

Back, knee, shoulder, and neck pain
Tennis elbow
Golfer’s elbow
Achilles tendinitis
IT band syndrome
Hip flexor strain

5.) Enhances recovery

The use of Graston Technique can be helpful for recovering from a workout or athletic performance. It works by increasing bloodflow to the targeted area which can shorten your recovery period. Additionally, it can reduce muscle soreness and stiffness that can come on with a heavy workout.

There you have it! 5 reasons to try the Graston Technique. If you’re interested in seeing if this technique could work for you then book an appointment with one of our physiotherapists by clicking the “Find a clinic near” button on this page.

Graston technique demo courtesy of Full Function Rehab & Wellness (Read the caption)

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Book Your BACK NECK SHOULDER KNEE ELBOW HIP WRIST FOOT Pain Consult

This appointment is your opportunity to tell us what hurts and discover whether physiotherapy or chiropractic care is a good fit for you! During this session, you will talk with a physiotherapist or chiropractor on a phone call (or online) and create the right care plan specifically for your pain. There is no obligation on this session is to find out whether physiotherapy or chiropractic care can help you getting back to doing the things you love in life.

Frequently Asked Questions

How painful is the Graston Technique?

There will be some discomfort during the treatment. For many it gives them the “hurts so good feeling”. Afterwards many feel a significant decrease in their pain.

How long does the graston technique take to work?

Many people experience results just after the first treatment. However, generally it takes around 3 treatments to feel the results.

Can I do the Graston Technique myself?

It’s best to seek a Chiropractor or Physiotherapist to administer this technique. The reason is many who try it themselves target the wrong areas or apply too much pressure making the affected area worse.

About Taylor Sipos

Taylor is a physiotherapist at The Orthopaedic Therapy Clinic located in Toronto, Ontario. He treats patients with various musculoskeletal conditions using patient education, exercise therapy, manual therapy and acupuncture. His treatment philosophy involves giving his patient’s the means to self-manage their injuries. He does this through reassurance, education and health promotion. Taylor uses the same principles as a patient educator at Pain Hero. He aims to provide you with high-quality, easy to understand information to teach you about your condition and how to improve it.

Medical Disclaimer:

The information presented in this blog post is for educational purposes and should not be interpreted as medical advice. If you are seeking medical advice, treatment or a diagnosis, consult with a medical professional such as one suggested on this website. The Clinic Accelerator Inc. and the author of this page are not liable for the associated risks of using or acting upon the information contained in this article.

5 Reasons to Try the Graston Technique