Good to Know: Graston Technique

Instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization, commonly known as "Graston", incorportates the use of stainless-steel instruments to aid the clinician in detection & treatment of soft tissue dysfunction. The metal instruments have contoured edges for different parts of the body.

Studies by Loghmani and Warden (2009 and 2013) have shown benefits for ligamentous healing in the first 4 weeks post injury by helping improve both the amount of blood reaching the injured ligament and the amount of blood vessels supplying it.

Another case series by Baker et al. (2013) found that instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization may be helpful for muscular injuries, such as in the hamstrings, by decreasing pain and increasing Range of Motion.

Some of the conditions that may benefit from treatment with these tools include: tennis elbow, golfer's elbow, plantar fasciitis, nerve entrapment, carpal tunnel syndrom, MCL sprains, ankle sprains, and scars.

Dr. Ben McNutt, chiropractor

References

Loghmani M T & Warden S J. Instrument-assisted cross fibre massage increases tissue perfusion and alters microvascular morphology in the vicinity of healing knee ligaments. BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine. 13:240, 2013.

Baker R T, Nasypany A, Seegmiller J G &Baker J G. Instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization treatment for tissue extensibility dysfunction. International Journal of Athletic Therapy & Training. 18(5):16-21, 2013.

Loghmani M T & Warden S J. Instrument-assisted cross fibre massage accelerates knee ligament healing. Journal of Orthopaedic & Sports Physical Therapy. 39(7): 506-514, 2013.