What is the Graston Technique?
The Graston Technique is a patented form of instrument-assisted soft tissue therapy that enables clinicians to break down scar tissue and fascial restrictions to relieve pain and restore range of motion. The technique uses specially designed stainless steel instruments to pinpoint areas exhibiting soft tissue fibrosis or chronic inflammation.
At The Physicaltherapy Centre in North Sydney, we use the Graston Technique specifically for the diagnosis and treatment of soft tissue concerns. The tools are used as an extension to manual therapy, as they are more precise and accurate in amplifying any fibrotic changes in soft tissue. This allows the practitioner to accurately localise and treat the patient’s areas of discomfort.
Sometimes the therapist will use active movements by the patient to achieve more improvement. The mobilisation of soft tissue reduces the formation of scar tissue, fascial restrictions, and chronic inflammation. By breaking down these lesions, the inflammatory process is stimulated – leading to an increase in healing, reduced need for pain medication, and less time in rehabilitation.
What does being treated by The Graston Technique feel like?
At first glance, it would appear as if it would be quite a painful experience. Like many therapies, the degree of discomfort felt by a patient can vary, and depends on the amount of pressure the treating practitioner chooses to apply.
Depending on the degree to which a structure has been injured, it may require more force to assist in breaking down the lesions in question. The experience can be made more comfortable for the patient by starting out gently, and graduating to firmer pressure.
Most people report that being treated using the Graston Technique is a pleasing experience.
Redness and Soreness after Treatment
It’s common, after a session of the Graston Technique in North Sydney, to be left with some red marking over the skin which may lead to some minor bruising. At the conclusion of your treatment, you may notice red marks where you have been treated. This is a good sign because it points to increased blood flow within the region, which initiates and accelerates the healing process.
The Graston Technique instruments break down the scar adhesions and facilitate healing within the injured muscle or ligament, increasing the absorption rate of the tissue that’s broken down to rehabilitate injured regions faster. Due to this rapid breaking up of scar tissue, you can expect side effects of local soreness for around 48-72 hours after the treatment.
Tools Used in the Graston Technique
The Graston instruments are specifically shaped to maximize the benefits of certain anatomical areas, such as a small hook-shaped instrument for use at the ankle or a longer bow-shaped instrument for the neck and shoulder region. There have been many similar techniques such as Gua sha, Smcittar, and IAM instruments, but Graston currently has the largest following of practitioners.
Whilst there are a range of Graston instruments, essentially all that is needed is a blunt metallic object with a straight edge.
Is this treatment right for me?
The Graston Technique is used widely in competitive sports but also for everyday desk workers and manual labourers.
The technique can be used to treat injuries including but not limited to:
- Shoulder pain
- Shin splints
- Trigger finger
- Carpal tunnel syndrome
- Tennis elbow
- Osteoarthritis
Why Choose Us for Graston Technique Therapy?
Tom Cartwright, our senior North Sydney chiropractor at The Physicaltherapy Centre, has many years of experience using the Gratson Technique. In Tom’s own words:
I began my Graston experience under the tutelage of a previous senior practitioner. Studying the Graston Technique is currently only possible through courses offered in the US. As this form of treatment has seen been so successful in the management of soft tissue injuries and complaints, my tutor travelled to the US for a weekend to participate in the course. Fortunately for me, upon his return to where I was practicing, I was privy to all of his learnings about the technique. After weeks of advice from him and practicing on each other, I began treating my own patients with impressive results.
This technique is fantastic for those of you that have previously had an injury, whether it be a sprained ankle from a running injury or shoulder issue. It is also used in post surgery rehabilitation.
Some years back, I was treated using the Graston Technique for a hamstring injury. Both the comfort and effectiveness of the treatment saw me return quickly to activity. The benefits of this technique has prompted me to use it in practice on my patients who have also seen many positive results.
I found it was also fantastic on previous ‘corkies’, as although they aren’t giving you grief at the time, they are more susceptible to re-injury. Interestingly, Michael Phelps, American swimming champion, has spoken about using the Graston Technique as a means of recovery post training.
Make an Appointment Today
Break free from the clutches of pain and discomfort with Graston Technique treatments in North Sydney. Allow us to assist you in your journey towards better health. Give our team a call today or book an appointment online.
