What is Graston Technique?
Graston Technique® is an evidence-based manual therapy approach that is effective in improving soft tissue mobility and fascial restrictions. The stainless steel Graston instruments are used to gently rub and massage troubled areas in order to identify restricted areas, and release and soften scar tissue. When combined with appropriate therapeutic exercise, Graston therapy leads to the restoration of pain-free movement and function. Graston Technique therapy is successful in effectively treating all soft tissue conditions and injuries, whether they are chronic, acute or post- surgical.
What are the benefits of Graston Technique therapy?
The primary benefit of Graston Technique therapy is relief. It is a versatile treatment that can be used for any soft tissue injury. It is also used to treat any muscle pain, aches, or restricted range of motion. Graston Technique therapy has resolved issues for patients that caused them to live with pain for years, sometimes decades. Other benefits include:
- decreases overall treatment time
- fosters faster rehabilitation/recovery
- reduces the need for anti-inflammatory medication
- resolves chronic conditions thought to be permanent
What conditions can be treated with Graston Technique?
Graston Technique can be used to treat any movement system dysfunction that has been determined to have a soft tissue component. Graston therapy can effectively and efficiently address soft tissue lesions and fascial restrictions while treating acute and chronic conditions, including:
- carpal tunnel syndrome
- neck pain
- fibromyalgia
- tennis elbow
- golfer's elbow
- back pain
- myofascial pain syndromes
- knee pain
- foot pain
- post-surgical joint replacements
- shoulder pain
- scar tissue / post-surgical scars
- shin splints
- trigger finger
- post-mastectomy scarring
- caesarean scarring
What kind of results does Graston Technique produce?
Historically, the Graston Technique has had positive outcomes in 75-90 percent of all conditions treated. It is equally effective in restoring function to acute and chronic injuries, pre- and post-surgical patients and maintaining optimal range of motion.
Will Graston Technique affect my daily activities?
Patients that have progressed beyond the acute stages of inflammation and repair are often encouraged to resume a pain-free level of activity and exercise with the modifications that are determined by their Graston Technique certified physical therapist. Graston Technique is designed to be implemented with appropriate therapeutic exercises and activities to achieve an ideal outcome.
What happens before my Graston Technique treatment?
Prior to an appointment at Release Physical Therapy with a Graston Technique certified and trained physical therapist, patients are advised to complete five minutes of cardiovascular activity, such as riding a stationary bike or walking on a treadmill. A heat treatment may first be applied to the injured area to warm up the soft tissue before Graston Technique is administered.
What can I expect during a Graston Technique treatment session?
A Graston Technique certified physical therapist will first utilize the appropriate instruments to scan, then treat, the affected area. Treatment generally consists of the physical therapist rubbing the affected area(s) with the handheld stainless steel instruments, using very specific, calculated massage techniques. Treatment time is usually 30 to 60 seconds per area treated. It is common for patients to experience some discomfort during the procedure.
What should I expect after a Graston Technique treatment session?
Many patients have reported increased range of motion and reduced pain after the first treatment. You may experience soreness, bruising or see small red dots (called petechiae) over the area treated. If any soreness is felt after the procedure, icing the treated area for 15 to 20 minutes following the treatment may ease the discomfort. Your physical therapist will design an exercise and/or stretching program to be used in conjunction with the Graston treatments to maximize effectiveness.
Is Graston Technique a widely used and trusted form of therapy?
Yes. The use of Graston Technique instruments and protocol has been a recognized part of the manual therapy industry for more than 25 years. Graston Technique has become standard protocol in many universities and hospital-based outpatient facilities as well as industrial on-site treatment settings. Many professional sports organizations, including U.S. Olympic teams, use the technique in the care of their athletes. In fact, Graston Technique is the leading soft-tissue therapy that is used by two-thirds of NFL, NBA and MLB teams.
Certified Graston Technique Providers in Washington DC
Only certified and properly trained clinicians can safely and effectively provide Graston Technique treatment. All physical therapists at Release Physical therapy are certified and extensively trained in the technique. If you think you may benefit from Graston Technique therapy, call our office at Release Physical Therapy to speak with one of our certified physical therapists or request an appointment today.
What conditions can be treated with Graston Technique?
Graston Technique can be used to treat any movement system dysfunction that has been determined to have a soft tissue component. Graston therapy can effectively and efficiently address soft tissue lesions and fascial restrictions while treating acute and chronic conditions, including:
- carpal tunnel syndrome
- neck pain
- fibromyalgia
- tennis elbow / golfer's elbow
- back pain
- myofascial pain syndromes
- knee pain
- foot pain
- post-surgical joint replacements
- shoulder pain
- scar tissue / post-surgical scars
- shin splints
- trigger finger
- post-mastectomy scarring
- caesarean scarring
What kind of results does Graston Technique produce?
Historically, the Graston Technique has had positive outcomes in 75-90 percent of all conditions treated. It is equally effective in restoring function to acute and chronic injuries, pre- and post-surgical patients and maintaining optimal range of motion.
Will Graston Technique affect my daily activities?
Patients that have progressed beyond the acute stages of inflammation and repair are often encouraged to resume a pain-free level of activity and exercise with the modifications that are determined by their Graston Technique certified physical therapist. Graston Technique is designed to be implemented with appropriate therapeutic exercises and activities to achieve an ideal outcome.
What happens before my Graston Technique treatment?
Prior to an appointment at Release Physical Therapy with a Graston Technique certified and trained physical therapist, patients are advised to complete five minutes of cardiovascular activity, such as riding a stationary bike or walking on a treadmill. A heat treatment may first be applied to the injured area to warm up the soft tissue before Graston Technique is administered.
What can I expect during a Graston Technique treatment session?
A Graston Technique certified physical therapist will first utilize the appropriate instruments to scan, then treat, the affected area. Treatment generally consists of the physical therapist rubbing the affected area(s) with the handheld stainless steel instruments, using very specific, calculated massage techniques. Treatment time is usually 30 to 60 seconds per area treated. It is common for patients to experience some discomfort during the procedure.
What should I expect after a Graston Technique treatment session?
Many patients have reported increased range of motion and reduced pain after the first treatment. You may experience soreness, bruising or see small red dots (called petechiae) over the area treated. If any soreness is felt after the procedure, icing the treated area for 15 to 20 minutes following the treatment may ease the discomfort. Your physical therapist will design an exercise and/or stretching program to be used in conjunction with the Graston treatments to maximize effectiveness.
Is Graston Technique a widely used and trusted form of therapy?
Yes. The use of Graston Technique instruments and protocol has been a recognized part of the manual therapy industry for more than 25 years. Graston Technique has become standard protocol in many universities and hospital-based outpatient facilities as well as industrial on-site treatment settings. Many professional sports organizations, including U.S. Olympic teams, use the technique in the care of their athletes. In fact, Graston Technique is the leading soft-tissue therapy that is used by two-thirds of NFL, NBA and MLB teams.
Certified Graston Technique Providers in Washington DC
Only certified and properly trained clinicians can safely and effectively provide Graston Technique treatment. All physical therapists at Release Physical therapy are certified and extensively trained in the technique. If you think you may benefit from Graston Technique therapy, call our office at Release Physical Therapy to speak with one of our certified physical therapists or request an appointment today.
Cari Simon
Owner, Physical Therapist
Bettie Kruger
Physical Therapist
Stephanie Lam
Physical Therapist
Trever Reed
Physical Therapist
Ethan Gramstad
Physical Therapist