Graston Technique® (GT)
Graston Technique® (GT) is an interdisciplinary treatment used by nearly 5000 clinicians—including physical therapists, chiropractors, occupational therapists, and certified athletic trainers.
The curvilinear edge of the patented Graston Technique® Instruments combines with their concave/convex shapes to mold the instruments to various contours of the body. This design allows for ease of treatment, minimal stress to the clinician's hands and maximum tissue penetration.
The Graston Technique® Instruments, much like a tuning fork, resonate in the clinician's hands allowing the clinician to isolate adhesions and restrictions, and treat them very precisely. Since the metal surface of the instruments does not compress as do the fat pads of the finger, deeper restrictions can be accessed and treated. When explaining the properties of the instruments, we often use the analogy of a stethoscope. Just as a stethoscope amplifies what the human ear can hear, so do the instruments increase significantly what the human hands can feel.
The Graston Technique® (GT) Instruments, while enhancing the clinician's ability to detect fascial adhesions and restrictions, have been clinically proven to achieve quicker and better outcomes in treating both acute and chronic conditions, including:
- Cervical sprain/strain (neck pain)
- Lumbar sprain/strain (back pain)
- Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (wrist pain)
- Plantar Fasciitis (foot pain)
- Lateral Epicondylitis (tennis elbow)
- Medial Epicondylitis (golfer's elbow)
- Rotator Cuff Tendinitis (shoulder pain)
- Patellofemoral Disorders (knee pain)
- Achilles Tendinitis (ankle pain)
- Fibromyalgia
- Scar Tissue
- Trigger Finger
Outcome Studies
TherapyCare Resources (TCR) has analyzed the results of patient care by utilizing the outcome analysis system of the Graston Technique® for licensed clinicians. The positive clinical results achieved thus far have led to additional research that explores patient responses to the Graston Technique®. Patient outcome data that measures pain and function — including activities of daily living — continues to be gathered. The following link will provide a detailed synopsis of recent outcome studies.
http://www.grastontechnique.com/Outcome_Data.html
Is the treatment painful?
As personally being a Graston patient, I have found it common to experience minor or NO discomfort during treatment sessions, however, bruising almost always follows the treatment, which is to be expected. This is a normal response to the inflammation process and is an essential part to the healing process.
What is the frequency of treatment?
Depending on the specific injury, patients can expect treatment frequency to be two times per week over four or eight week period.
How soon will I feel better?
A majority of patients will experience improvement in 3 to 4 treatments. Moreover, a minority of patients see positive change after the initial visit.