What is Graston and How Does it Work?
Graston is the patented & evidence based form of instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization. The Graston technique uses stainless steel tools to detect over areas of dysfunction or adhesions in muscles, tendons and ligaments within the body that are thought to limit our range of motion and cause pain. When your physical therapist is using these tools to scan your body, you and your therapist may feel bumpy or “not so smooth” sensations through the tool over the areas of restriction. Discomfort, soreness, redness and bruising might be experienced during and up to 48 hours following this type of treatment. These symptoms are absolutely normal and can actually be a sign of healing and improvement, so it is important to stretch and ice as necessary to manage the discomfort.
To get the most out of Graston (also known as IASTM) treatments, dedication to daily stretching and strengthening as instructed by your therapist is vital to maintaining the improvements you’ve made. We also recommend adequate water intake to support recovery and quick healing. Graston treatments are relatively short term, and come with many long-lasting benefits that you will begin to see in as little as two to three sessions.
Benefits of Graston?
Soft tissue mobilization with Graston instruments can be used to treat muscle pain, tendinopathies, fascial syndromes, ligament pain syndromes, edema, scar tissue, and nerve entrapment syndromes. If you have any of these issues, this technique has four specific benefits:
