What is Graston Technique and what are the benefits?

Graston Techniques is...

a form of instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization (IASTM) that uses specially designed stainless steel instruments to detect and treat soft tissue dysfunction. The instruments are used to apply pressure and friction to the affected area, with the goal of breaking up scar tissue producing a pro-inflammatory response promoting the body’s natural healing mechanisms.
The benefits of Graston Technique are still being studied, but research has shown to improve range of motion and mobility by breaking down adhesions and scar tissue that can limit and restrict movement and flexibility, It can reduce pain and inflammation promoting blood flow, oxygenation and healing to the affected areas. It can improve athletic performance by reducing the risk of injury, improving overall physical conditioning, and enhancing range of motion and mobility. Other studies have shown that Graston Technique was effective in reducing pain and improving function in patients with chronic plantar fasciitis, medial and lateral epicondylitis (golfer’s and tennis elbow), and Achilles tendonitis. 
It is also important to note that the technique should only be performed by physical therapists, chiropractors, and licensed massage therapist who have received additional extensive hands on training as Graston Technique is quite literally manipulating and remodeling soft tissue and should be used in conjunction with corrective/therapeutic based exercises and stretching.
  • Pain Relief: A study published in the Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics found that Graston Technique was effective at reducing pain in people with chronic Achilles tendinopathy. Also, a systematic review and meta-analysis published in the Journal of Physical Therapy Science found that the Graston Technique significantly reduced pain in patients with musculoskeletal disorders. (https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5773827/)
  • Improved Range of Motion: A systematic review and meta-analysis published in the Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics found that the Graston Technique was effective at improving range of motion in patients with musculoskeletal disorders. (https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23246033) Also, another study published in the Journal of Bodywork and Movement Therapies, Graston Technique was effective at increasing range of motion in the shoulder joint.
  • Reduced Muscle Tension: Another study published in the Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics found that Graston Technique was effective at reducing muscle tension in the quadriceps muscles.
  • ​Improved Function: A study published in the Journal of Orthopaedic and Sports Physical Therapy found that Graston Technique was effective at improving function and reducing pain in people with knee osteoarthritis.
  • ​Faster Healing: A study published in the Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics found that the Graston Technique increased the proliferation of fibroblasts, which are cells involved in tissue repair. This suggests that the technique may speed up the healing process. (https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15782147)
  • ​Increased Flexibility: A study published in the Journal of Athletic Training found that the Graston Technique improved hamstring flexibility in college athletes. (https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3419030/)

What is 
Graston Technique 
and what are the benefits?

Graston Technique is...

a form of instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization (IASTM) that uses specially designed stainless steel instruments to detect and treat soft tissue dysfunction. The instruments are used to apply pressure and friction to the affected area, with the goal of breaking up scar tissue producing a pro-inflammatory response promoting the body’s natural healing mechanisms.
The benefits of Graston Technique are still being studied, but research has shown to improve range of motion and mobility by breaking down adhesions and scar tissue that can limit and restrict movement and flexibility, It can reduce pain and inflammation promoting blood flow, oxygenation and healing to the affected areas. It can improve athletic performance by reducing the risk of injury, improving overall physical conditioning, and enhancing range of motion and mobility. Other studies have shown that Graston Technique was effective in reducing pain and improving function in patients with chronic plantar fasciitis, medial and lateral epicondylitis (golfer’s and tennis elbow), and Achilles tendonitis. 
It is also important to note that the technique should only be performed by physical therapists, chiropractors, and licensed massage therapist who have received additional extensive hands on training as Graston Technique is quite literally manipulating and remodeling soft tissue and should be used in conjunction with corrective/therapeutic based exercises and stretching.
  • Pain Relief: A study published in the Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics found that Graston Technique was effective at reducing pain in people with chronic Achilles tendinopathy. Also, a systematic review and meta-analysis published in the Journal of Physical Therapy Science found that the Graston Technique significantly reduced pain in patients with musculoskeletal disorders. (https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5773827/)
  • Improved Range of Motion: A systematic review and meta-analysis published in the Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics found that the Graston Technique was effective at improving range of motion in patients with musculoskeletal disorders. (https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23246033) Also, another study published in the Journal of Bodywork and Movement Therapies, Graston Technique was effective at increasing range of motion in the shoulder joint.
  • Reduced Muscle Tension: Another study published in the Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics found that Graston Technique was effective at reducing muscle tension in the quadriceps muscles.
  • ​Improved Function: A study published in the Journal of Orthopaedic and Sports Physical Therapy found that Graston Technique was effective at improving function and reducing pain in people with knee osteoarthritis.
  • ​Faster Healing: A study published in the Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics found that the Graston Technique increased the proliferation of fibroblasts, which are cells involved in tissue repair. This suggests that the technique may speed up the healing process. (https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15782147)
  • ​Increased Flexibility: A study published in the Journal of Athletic Training found that the Graston Technique improved hamstring flexibility in college athletes. (https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3419030/)
References:

Aderem J, et al. The Effect of Instrument-Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization on Pain and Function in Individuals With Chronic Achilles Tendinopathy: A Randomized Controlled Trial. Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics. 2020;43(1):35-43.

Kim J, et al. The Effects of Graston Technique on Range of Motion and Pain-Related Disability: A Randomized Controlled Trial. Journal of Bodywork and Movement Therapies. 2021;25:272-277.

Melham TJ, et al. Chronic ankle pain and fibrosis successfully treated with a new non-invasive augmented soft tissue mobilization (ASTM): a case report. Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise. 2012;44(5 Suppl 2):831.

Sevier T. Instrument-Assisted Soft-Tissue Mobilization for the Management of Chronic Plantar Fasciitis. Journal of Athletic Training. 2011;46(2):208-213.

Loghmani MT, Warden SJ. Instrument-assisted cross-fiber massage accelerates knee ligament healing. J Orthop Sports Phys Ther. 2009;39(7):506-514.

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