After any injury, scar tissue is formed on affected muscles/tendons/ligaments. The scar tissue (adhesion) often remains for years after recovery. Scar tissue limits range of motion, and in many instances causes pain, which prevents the patient from functioning as they did before the injury.
The Graston Technique is an instrument-assisted, soft tissue mobilization therapy. Developed by an athlete, this non-invasive technique uses specially designed stainless steel instruments to help the trained physiotherapist to identify and treat areas exhibiting soft tissue adhesion/fibrosis or chronic inflammation. It is beneficial in breaking up fascial restrictions, scar tissue adhesions, and detecting areas of chronic inflammation and/or fibrosis.

What is scar tissue?

Scar tissue is made of adhesive fibers that are laid down in loose irregular directions rather than single parallel direction like in normal tissue. This occurs when an area of your body is damaged or injured. Scar tissue often causes pain, prevents the fluid smooth motion of tissues, limits range of motion.

Benefits of the Graston Technique

The Graston Technique is a fast and effective method of breaking down scar tissue and it improves the soft tissue injury by:

• breaking down of scar tissue formed after injury or due to excessive inflammation
• increasing the pliability of tissues to allow better stretch and less injury
• changing the input from painful areas into the brain, hence decreasing pain sensation
• increasing activity of the specific cells (fibroblasts) responsible for building new, strong soft tissue
• increasing activity of the “garbage man” cells in tissues to help clean up excess
• remodeling of permanently misaligned fibers in tendons and ligaments
• increasing blood flow to the painful area, allowing for removal of hazardous inflammatory by-products

Conditions to be treated

Graston Technique is clinically proven to achieve faster and better patient outcomes in treating the following:

• Achilles Tendinosis/itis (heel pain)
• Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
• Cervical Sprain/Strain (Neck Pain)
• Fibromyalgia
• Lateral Epicondylosis/itis (Tennis Elbow)
• Lumbar Sprain/Strain (Back Pain)
• Medial Epicondylosis/itis (Golfer’s Elbow)
• Patellofemoral Disorders (Knee Pain)
• Plantar Fasciitis (Foot Pain)
• Scar Tissue
• Rotator Cuff Tendinosis/itis (Shoulder Pain)
• Shin Splints
• Trigger Finger
• Women’s Health (Post-Mastectomy and Caesarean Scarring)

At Memorial East Physiotherapy Clinic, we use an integrated approach to therapy and patient care. Although Graston Technique alone can make a large difference in many peoples’ pain and healing, we often use it as part of a diversified regimen.

If you have any questions regarding the Graston Technique, please contact us at (403) 272-9628.