Chris and his team treat a range of patients for orthopedic and sports medicine needs. To progress treatment at home, I may recommend additional exercises using safer tools such as a lacrosse ball or foam roller.Ĭhris Gabriel, PT, OCS (Board Certified Orthopedic Specialist), CSCS (Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist), practices with the OrthoCarolina Wellness Center.Unfortunately, they often apply too much pressure or target the wrong areas, making the problem worse. I have seen patients try to perform a Graston-like technique at home using butter knives or wrenches. Self-treating with the wrong tools and without expert help can cause more harm than good.The technique should be used within the course of a full treatment plan, including active stretching, strengthening and dynamic exercise to maximize healing.While patients will generally feel better after the first treatment, it typically takes three to four treatments before patients will sense lasting relief.The technique does not need to bruise or cause pain to be effective. However, if bruises appear often, the technique is being administered too intensely.There will be some discomfort during treatment, but the instrument and massage should not cause intense pain.Here are three reasons the treatment can fall short: I’ve seen patients who have benefited greatly from the technique and have also seen patients who did not. The tool helps me sense muscle vibrations and identify specific areas to work. Next, I’ll push the tool gently across the injured area using big, broad strokes. They can perform this warm-up with a stationary bike, elliptical machine or simple dynamic movements. In the clinic, I begin treatment by having patients warm up their soft tissues. This helps increase blood flow and restore movement patterns in injured tissues. The Graston technique uses a stainless-steel instrument and special massage method to identify areas of muscle adhesion, or scar-like tissue, that can be improved.Ī healthcare provider uses the instrument and massage in combination to stretch and relax the muscle tissues. Muscles are comprised of different fibers, and as fibers become tight, they build up toxins. Patients with chronic pain and inflammation have also benefited. This technique has since been used to help thousands of athletes and weekend warriors recover from strained and pulled muscles, ligaments and tendons. The Graston technique can be a useful muscle injury repair tool when incorporated into a full treatment plan.įor centuries, the Chinese Gua sha technique has been used to promote healing by scraping muscle tissue to stimulate blood flow. In the early '90s, amateur athlete David Graston introduced a variation of this technique in the United States. Graston, who had a knee injury at the time, developed the unique tool and massage technique now referred to as the “Graston technique” to treat himself.
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