When people hear about “the tool” they think about “scraping”, they call it the “scalpel”, and I’m referred to as “Dr. Dexter”. Now that is all fun, but I want people to really know what this soft tissue technique is all about. This “tool” has changed the lives of many of my patients and has been a benefit to me personally.
Graston Technique® is a soft tissue treatment technique. The doctor or therapist uses a stainless steel tool to treat and detect soft tissue fibrosis, scar tissue, and restrictions. The treatment may be uncomfortable, but it should not be painful. The technique is designed to improve blood flow to tissues that are hypoxic, meaning they have decreased oxygen delivery, usually due to being entrapped in scar tissue. Graston Technique® also causes a small inflammatory reaction in the area treated, which helps bring cells to the area that can clean up debris and facilitate the healing process. When scar tissue is laid down after either an acute or chronic injury, it lays down haphazardly, instead of in the direction that motion usually occurs in that tissue. This causes stiffness, hypoxia, and limited range of motion. Graston Technique® is a very effective tool to correct these issues. Graston Technique® has been effective in the treatment of:
• 
carpal tunnel syndrome
• cervical/neck pain (associated with whiplash)
• de Quervain’s syndrome
• epicondylosis
• fibromyalgia
• IT band syndrome
• joint sprain
• lower back pain
• muscle strain
• painful scars
• plantar fasciitis
• tendinitis
• post-fracture pain
• women’s health (post-mastectomy and Caesarean scarring)
The cross-friction that comes with the use of this tool is great at increasing mobility and with that, reducing the associated pain and discomfort. Take for example the athlete trying to attain more overhead mobility with an overhead squat, a press, or a jerk. The tool can be used on the lats, pecs, biceps, and subscapularis to create this motion. Or the person who has never been able to touch their toes, Graston can be used on the hamstrings, glutes, calves, and low back to make this happen. Hear this testimony from one of my patients: “I am generally skeptical of chiropractors and I don’t visit the doctor at all. However, I heard good things about Pro Spine & Sport so I decided to give it a try. I have never been very flexible and I can barely touch the middle of my shins….forget about the toes. But after just one visit with Corey I was able to touch my toes! This may seem minor, but for me it was major. I have never been able to do that my entire life! He did an excellent job and was able to pinpoint the areas that were causing problems in my flexibility. He definitely is not your typical chiropractor in that he does not just focus on ‘alignments’ and repeated visits. What he did for me was an incredible help to my flexibility and overall movement. I am very happy with him and will continue to use his services.”
Along with traditional chiropractic manipulation, Graston Technique® was used to make this happen. Graston is great for athletes, non-athletes, and has many uses. So I encourage you to come try out this new state of the art soft tissue treatment modality and see what we can do for you.
