WHAT IS GRASTON THERAPY?
Originally developed for athletes, Graston Therapy is a form of instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization that effectively breaks down scar tissue and fascial restrictions. The treatment itself doesn’t take long, but there can be some minor discomfort accompanied when beveled edge is moved across the skin. In areas of high scar tissue formation, Petechiae will form. These small red dots may look unhealthy, but they are actually significant when found. Not only can we objectively correlate the pain pattern with the presence of petechiae, but also helps the clinician identify where treatment needs to be applied. This is why we often use this therapy first, so that the other modalities can be applied to areas of high scar tissue activity.
WHAT IS GRASTON THERAPY USED TO TREAT?
Many of our patients suffer from pain, restricted range of motion, and/or numbness due to underlying causes. One of the most common causes is the buildup of scar tissue and trigger points, which is the main use for this tool.
Scar tissue, in short, does not have the same flexibility and elasticity as healthy muscle. Since it doesn’t lengthen like normal muscle, areas with scar tissue may have limited range of motion and an altered joint axis of rotation.
Trigger points or muscle “knots” are sensitive spots in soft tissue, and too many of them can cause “myofascial pain syndrome.” They are usually described as micro-cramps, due to the non-voluntary contracture of the muscle. These sore spots are as common as pimples, and can grow like weeds around injuries if left untreated. This is due to the recruiting process of other muscles that are injured.