What is the Graston technique?
Soft tissue mobilization to Support Healing and Recovery
At Movement Chiropractic & Sports Clinic, we’re always seeking the best methods to help our patients recover from injury, relieve pain, and improve mobility. One highly effective tool in our therapy toolkit is the Graston Technique. This specialized technique is a form of instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization (IASTM) that allows us to target and treat areas of soft tissue restriction with precision and effectiveness. Whether you’re dealing with an old sports injury, chronic pain, or tight muscles from everyday activities, the Graston Technique can be a powerful solution on your journey to recovery.
What is the Graston Technique?
The Graston Technique is a manual therapy that involves using stainless steel instruments to detect and treat areas of scar tissue, adhesions, and other soft tissue restrictions that may be causing pain or limiting movement. The specially designed Graston tools allow Dr. Drew Hunt to glide over muscles, tendons, and fascia with a high degree of precision, helping to identify and break up these restrictions.
The technique is especially beneficial for conditions like:
Tendonitis
Plantar fasciitis
Carpal tunnel syndrome
Shin splints
Scar tissue restrictions
Muscle strains and sprains
By directly addressing soft tissue adhesions, the Graston Technique promotes a faster, more effective healing process and allows patients to regain full function more quickly.
How Does the Graston Technique Work?
The Graston Technique works by creating a controlled microtrauma to the soft tissues, which stimulates a local healing response. Here’s a breakdown of how it works:
Detection of Restrictions: The Graston instruments are used to scan the skin’s surface, and Dr. Hunt can feel for areas of restriction, tension, or tightness. These areas may feel “gritty” or rough to the touch due to underlying scar tissue or adhesions.
Breaking Down Adhesions: Once the restricted area is located, Dr. Hunt uses the tools to apply targeted pressure that breaks down the scar tissue, releasing tightness and reducing restriction. This controlled approach creates slight microtrauma, encouraging the body’s natural healing process.
Promoting Circulation and Healing: The Graston Technique stimulates blood flow to the treated area, bringing essential oxygen and nutrients that aid in tissue repair. By boosting circulation and breaking down restrictions, the technique helps reduce pain, increase mobility, and enhance overall recovery.
Benefits of the Graston Technique
Patients who receive the Graston Technique as part of their treatment plan often report several key benefits, including:
Reduced Pain: By addressing scar tissue and adhesions, the Graston Technique relieves discomfort caused by tissue restriction and inflammation.
Improved Range of Motion: Breaking down soft tissue adhesions allows muscles, tendons, and ligaments to move more freely, helping to restore full range of motion.
Accelerated Healing: By stimulating the body’s natural healing response, the technique speeds up recovery from injuries, reducing downtime.
Decreased Muscle Stiffness: Patients often experience less muscle stiffness after treatment, leading to easier movement and reduced risk of re-injury.
Why We Use the Graston Technique at Movement Chiropractic & Sports Clinic
At Movement Chiropractic & Sports Clinic, we’re committed to using evidence-based, effective therapies to support our patients’ health and wellness goals. The Graston Technique aligns perfectly with our approach, offering a non-invasive yet powerful way to treat soft tissue injuries and promote healing. Dr. Drew Hunt incorporates Graston as part of a holistic treatment plan that may also include chiropractic adjustments, dry needling, and dynamic rehabilitation to address the root causes of pain and provide comprehensive support.
What to Expect During a Graston Technique Session
During a Graston Technique session, Dr. Hunt will guide the instruments over the targeted area, applying varying degrees of pressure depending on your needs. Patients typically experience a feeling of deep massage and sometimes a mild discomfort in areas with significant adhesions. This is a normal response as the tissue breaks down and begins to heal. After treatment, it’s common to feel temporary soreness, but most patients report feeling relief and improved mobility soon afterward.
Is the Graston Technique Right for You?
The Graston Technique is a versatile treatment that can benefit a wide range of patients, from athletes recovering from injury to individuals dealing with chronic pain or muscle tightness. If you’re unsure if the Graston Technique is right for you, Dr. Drew Hunt can help assess your condition and create a personalized treatment plan.
Book a Graston Technique Session in Greater Indianapolis
If you’re ready to experience the benefits of the Graston Technique, we invite you to visit Movement Chiropractic & Sports Clinic in Greater Indianapolis. Dr. Drew Hunt and our team are here to support you with personalized, effective therapies designed to help you move and feel your best.
Schedule your appointment today and discover how the Graston Technique can help you achieve better mobility and lasting relief!