Graston technique tools are myofascial releaser instruments which massage and break down damaged muscle fibers, myofascial lesions, chronic muscle tension, post-operational scar tissue and fascial trigger points and knots.
What is the Graston Technique
The Graston technique uses strong medical grade dense stainless steel instruments to treat and assess soft tissue problems and dysfunction.
The technique is closely associated with Instrument Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization (IASTM), orthopedic massage and myofascial release.
The tools (see below) come in a range of sizes and have a mix of smooth, convex and concave edges.
Graston manufacture and sell their own tool-set however there are is also a wide range of other similar IASTM tools available from other manufacturers.
Click to review a wide range of IASTM tools at Amazon.com
Firstly applying emollient, the therapist glides the tools across the tissue and tries to identify any damaged tissue or areas of fibrosis. The skill of the trained therapist lies with their ability to sense, pick up and recognize the damaged areas using only the implements as it lightly glides over the skin.
Once lesions are identified, the range of Graston tools can be used to specifically focus on damaged areas and guide and direct the soft tissue back to its non-damaged original state.
The advantage of the tools over hands, fingers and other “clumsy” massage methods such as elbows and palms is that the tools edges are very precise in getting right to the affected myofascial knots and trigger points.
The time to address an injury point may vary depending upon how old or deep the injury is. Typically an injury should be worked on for around 10 minutes.
Unlike normal massage techniques, patients would warm up and warm down after a Graston technique session.
The Graston technique is used to treat injuries such as:
- sprains and strains
- muscle tears
- old sports injuries
- tennis elbow
- golfers elbow
- plantar faciitis
- rotator cuff
- carpal tunnel syndrome
- achilles tendonitis
- iliotibial band syndrome
- arthritic joint issues
Graston Technique Tools and Tennis Elbow
In this video the sports therapist uses the Graston technique tools to lightly scan over the fore-arm muscle group searching for areas that are smooth and areas that are more gritty or show restriction.
As the technique develops, the therapist works up the arm to the elbow releasing the adhesion in the superficial layers of the fascia.
The session ends with the use of the GT3 tool which allows for a greater emphasis and focus on a key part of the forearm muscle where it joins the elbow.
Graston Technique Instrument and Achilles Tendonitis
In this video the therapist demonstrates how the soft tissue technique can be applied to the Achilles tendon area. Using a number of stainless steel tool, the session is again used to identify grainy and rough areas of tissue.
Once identified the Graston tools are used to facilitate the breaking up of soft tissue adhesion’s and loosen tight structures within the calf muscle and the Achilles tendon that can contribute to the overuse injury.
Graston Technique Tools and Tight Hamstrings
In this demonstration the doctor shows how to improve leg range of motion using the tools and technique on hamstring. After one session of 20 minutes the patient increased the angle from 50 to 70 degrees.
