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"Graston Technique® is an advanced form of myofascial release.
Soft-tissue dysfunction, which includes scar tissue, adhesions
and restrictions, results in pain, weakness and functional
limitation for the patient. Graston Technique® uses patented
stainless steel instruments, which are contoured to complement
the body's shapes and curves.... The instruments are designed
to facilitate a clinician's hands, not replace them."
"The Graston Technique® was inspired when a tool and die maker sustained
a knee injury during a waterskiing accident. Three ligaments
were ruptured, requiring extensive surgical repair. The
resultant scar tissue caused unresolvable range of motion
limitations and strength deficits preventing full rehabilitation....
Through research, as well as treating hundreds of clients, the
Graston Technique was developed as an effective rehabilitation
program for a wide variety of diagnoses. It is important to
understand that the Graston Technique® is only one part of the
total therapy program. It is not meant to be used alone,
but to be used as a component of an overall treatment program."
"The Graston Instruments, much like a tuning fork, resonate in the
clinician’s hands allowing the clinician to isolate adhesions and
restrictions, and precisely treat them. When explaining the properties
of the instruments, we often use the analogy of a stethoscope. For, just
as a stethoscope amplifies that can be heard by the human ear, so do
the instruments increase significantly the information which can be
detected by the human hands."
"The Graston 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." Graston Technique is being used by more than 35 professional and amateur sports
organizations. It is used by the New England Patriots, winners of the
2004 and 2005 Superbowls.
In addition, Graston Technique® is being taught at four colleges,
including Indiana University, where it is part of the graduate kinesiology course
curriculum for athletic trainers.
The following is a list of conditions which are responsive to
Graston Technique®:
Medial Epicondylitis
Lateral Epicondylitis
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Neck and Back Pain
Plantar Fasciitis
Rotator Cuff Tendinitis
Patellar Tendinitis
Tibialis Posterior Tendinitis
Heel Pain
DeQuervain's Syndrome
Post-Surgical and Traumatic Scars
Myofascial Pain and Restrictions
Chronic and Acute Sprains/Strains
Non-acute Bursitis
RSD (Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy)
IT Band Syndrome
Wrist Tendinitis
Reduced ROM Due to Scar Tissue
Achilles Tendinitis
Absolute Contraindications for the Graston Technique®:
Open Wound- Unhealed Sutre Site/Sutures
Unhealed Fractures
Thrombophlebitis
Uncontrolled Hypertension
Kidney Dysfunction
Patient Intolerance/Non-compliance/Hypersensitivity
Hematoma
Osteomyelitis
Myositis Ossificans
Relative Contraindications for the Graston Technique®
Anti-Coagulant Medications
Cancer
Varicose Veins
Burn Scars
Acute Inflammatory Conditions (e.g. Synovitis)
Inflammatory Condition Secondary to Infection
Rheumatoid Arthritis
Pregnancy (consider inherent ligament laxity)
Osteoporosis
The following is a list of research studies and case reports performed utilizing the
Graston Instruments.
Read more about Graston Technique:
Graston Technique Helps Athletes Get Back In Game
Clinical Studies
Rat Tendon Morphologic and Functional Changes Resulting from Soft Tissue Mobilization: Science
and Sports Exercise. Vol. 29 No. 3 1997. Pp 313-319.
Traditional Physical Therapy vs. Graston Augmented Soft Tissue Mobilization in treatment of
lateral epicondylitis: Journal of the American College of Sports Medicine.Vol. 27 No. 5 1995.
Rotator Cuff Tendinosis: DC Tracts. Vol. 14 No.1 2002. Pp 3-6.
The Effects of the Graston Technique on Electrodiagnostic Testing, Objective clinical Measures
and Subjective Measurements on individuals diagnosed with Carpal Tunnel Syndrome: Midwest
Automotive Manufacturing Facility.
Case Reports
Instrument-assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization for the treatment of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome,
Laura K. Sweney, MS, PT.
The Use of Instrument assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization for the Treatment of Plantar Fasciitis,
Mike Ploski, MS, PT, ATC, OCS.
The Use of Instrument assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization for the Treatment of Low Back Injury,
Terry Carey, MS, PT, MTC.
See
The GRASTON TECHNIQUE® Website for more information.
Reprinted in part or whole with the permission of TherapyCare Resources, Inc.
Licensee of the Graston Technique®. Any reproduction of this, other than for
personal reference, is not granted without the permission of TCR. Graston
Technique® is a registered trademark and the copy is protected by copyright.
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