How Graston Therapy Works
The goal of Graston is to break the cycle of pain and restricted movement caused by adhesions—areas where muscle fibers have “stuck” together following an injury or surgery.
- Detection: The therapist glides the instrument over the skin. When it passes over scar tissue or a “knot,” it creates a distinct vibrating sensation (similar to a stethoscope for the muscles). This helps us pinpoint the exact location of the restriction.
- Micro-Trauma for Healing: By applying controlled pressure with the tool, we create a “micro-trauma” in the affected area. This triggers a localized inflammatory response, which restarts the body’s natural healing process and stimulates the production of new collagen.
- Fascial Release: The instruments help stretch and “comb” the fascia (the connective tissue surrounding your muscles), allowing the layers of tissue to glide smoothly over one another again.
Key Benefits of Graston Technique
This therapy is highly valued by athletes and post-surgical patients because it often provides faster results than traditional massage alone.
- Reduced Recovery Time: Many patients see significant improvement in just a few sessions.
- Restored Range of Motion: By breaking down internal scar tissue, it allows joints to move freely again.
- Reduced Pain Medication: By addressing the physical cause of the pain, many patients find they can reduce their reliance on anti-inflammatories.
- Chronic Condition Resolution: It is exceptionally effective for “old” injuries that haven’t responded to other treatments.
Conditions We Treat
Graston Therapy is effective for a wide range of soft tissue disorders, particularly “itis” conditions (inflammation):
| Body Area | Common Conditions |
| Foot & Ankle | Plantar Fasciitis, Achilles Tendinitis |
| Legs | Shin Splints (MTSS), IT Band Syndrome, Hamstring Strains |
| Arms & Hands | Tennis/Golfer’s Elbow, Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, De Quervain’s Tenosynovitis |
| Back & Neck | Chronic Neck Pain (Cervical Sprain), Lumbar Strains, Trigger Points |
| Shoulder | Rotator Cuff Tendinitis, Adhesive Capsulitis (Frozen Shoulder) |
What to Expect During Treatment
A Graston session is brief but intensive.
- Warm-up: We typically begin with a light warm-up (like Infrared Therapy or gentle movement) to make the tissues more pliable.
- The Treatment: The therapist uses the instruments to treat the target area. You may feel a “gritty” sensation as the tool passes over adhesions.
The Sensation: While it can be slightly uncomfortable, it should not be unbearable. We adjust the pressure based on your comfort level.
- Post-Treatment: It is common to experience temporary redness or “petechiae” (small red dots) on the skin; this is a sign that blood flow is increasing to the area.
- Follow-up: We always pair Graston with specific stretching or strengthening exercises to “re-train” the newly released tissues.
Patient Tip: Hydration is key! Drinking plenty of water after a Graston session helps your body flush out metabolic waste and supports the remodeling of your soft tissues.