What is Graston Technique®?

Graston Technique® Instrument-Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization (GISTM) is used to detect and treat scar tissue, adhesions and restrictions within the soft tissues of the body. These issues can arise from a variety of injuries and/or post-op surgeries. Graston Technique® utilizes six stainless steel instruments that form and contour to different parts of the body. These tools are used in various ways in each of the stages of healing to break up adhesions and assist with recovery and remodeling of soft tissue. This technique can facilitate and improve your function and quality of life.

Stages of Healing Process

• Inflammatory Stage
  • The body’s initial response to an injury
  • Cardinal signs of inflammation
• Redness, Heat, Swelling, Pain, Loss of Function
• Fibroblastic Stage
  • Laying down of collagen/tissue
• Maturation Stage
  • The new tissue is reorganized and strengthened
  • Restoring the integrity of soft tissue

What are the Benefits of Graston Technique®?

Graston Technique® can provide quicker outcomes in association with a complete physical therapy treatment plan. GISTM focuses on your participation in your own treatment plan to enhance your learning and self managing of your diagnosis and rehabilitation process. Graston Technique® can be an important tool to assist in improving your quality of life and ability to return to function.

Common Diagnoses Treated with Graston Technique®

Can be used for acute or chronic conditions

• Medial Epicondylitis/osis
• Lateral Epicondylitis/osis
• Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
• Neck and Back Pain
• Plantar Fasciitis
• Rotator Cuff Tendinitis/osis
• Patellar Tendinitis/osis
• Tibialis Posterior Tendinitis/osis
• Heel Pain
• DeQuervain’s Syndrome
• IT Band Syndrome
• Post-Surgical and Traumatic Scars
• Myofascial Pain and Restrictions
• Chronic and Acute Sprains/Strains
• Non-Acute Bursitis
• RSD (Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy)
• Wrist Tendinitis/osis
• Reduced ROM Due to Scar Tissue
• Achilles Tendinitis/osis

What to Expect with Graston Technique®

The Graston Technique® tools are used to detect soft tissue adhesions in the muscle and/or connective tissue beneath the skin. Each tool has specific roles to treat and break up scar tissue and adhesions to improve mobility and reduce pain.

Bruising and pain can occur following each session as we are initiating the healing process, however these are normal responses and will diminish with time and healing.

Treatment Sequence

Your treatment plan will be tailored to your specific condition, diagnosis and personal goals. Graston Technique® is a great tool when used in concordance with a stretching, strengthening, etc physical therapy program. The main goal is to develop a plan to get you back to your previous level of function with less pain and improved overall quality of life.

RehabAuthority offers the physical therapy solutions such as back pain, shoulder pain and knee pain in Boise and throughout Idaho.