The Graston Technique is a popular technique among chiropractors, occupational therapists, and osteopathic physicians. This technique has proven to be effective whenever it is applied to torn ligaments and other ailments that require soft-tissue massage therapy. This therapy has been designed to help therapists locate areas of restriction, as well as to break up scarred tissues in the body.
In this blog, we’ll review what the Graston Technique is, its benefits, and how it can be applied during chiropractic massages or soft-tissue massages. Stick around to get the full version of this article.
What is the Graston Technique?
The Graston Technique is a very popular technique that has been used by practitioners and therapists all over the world. This form of therapy has been proven to be effective in relieving individuals of chronic pains and stress. The technique involves the use of manual instruments.
The Graston Technique can also be described as a type of manual therapy for soft-tissue instrument-assisted mobilization. As mentioned earlier, this technique involves the use of instruments (in some cases, individuals who seek to personally perform the technique make use of hard wooden sticks).
Professionals, on the other hand, make use of instruments and a specialized form of massaging of the skin. Graston therapy primarily aims to help break down scar tissues and relieve any tissue trauma.
How Does It Work?
The Graston Technique is a deeper and more intense form of manual therapy, due to the amount of pressure applied in making it effective. The associated manual instruments are made out of stainless steel and shaped in concave or convex manners.
These instruments are built with round edges and can be used to scan and locate places where you have fibrotic tissue injuries. These tools have been designed in six different shapes, purposes and sizes. They also work hand-in-hand to help you feel better, both during and after treatment.
What to Expect At An Appointment
When arriving at your first appointment, the first thing your registered massage therapist will do is check and locate the position of the muscle knots or scarred tissues. This process is carried out by running the instrument on your skin to detect the scar tissue causing pain or restriction.
Also, after the therapist detects the position of the scar tissue, he/she uses another tool to break the tissue to help your body regroup and regain mobility and function.
Who is a Good Candidate For This Treatment?
Regardless how convenient it might seem, the Graston Technique is not ideal for everyone. If you have an open wound or deep vein thrombosis, you are advised to avoid any form of manual therapy (including Graston therapy). However, massage therapies such as the Graston Technique are suitable for those with issues such as Tendinopathies, fascial syndromes, Edema, traumatic scars and entrapment syndromes.
Benefits of the Graston Technique
It helps to reduce pain resulting from scar tissues or internal injuries
It provides quicker and improved solutions to patients with tissue problems
It helps patients relax and relieve stress
It doesn’t have any form of side-effect
It is an easy method for pain relief
Contact Refresh Health & Wellness Today
At Refresh Health & Wellness, our team specializes in scraping massages and other specialized techniques to help our clients achieve their wellness goals. To book an appointment, contact us today!