Who Uses Graston Technique®?
Indiana University was the first to include Graston Technique® in its teaching curriculum. In 2000, Graston Technique® was included in the graduate kinesiology course for athletic trainers and now is an elective in the doctoral physical therapy program. Today, Graston Technique® has become part of the curriculum in 45 advanced degree programs for physical therapy, chiropractic and athletic training.
GT was first researched in 1991-92 at Ball State University and Ball Memorial Hospital in Muncie, Indiana. The research found that the controlled micro trauma induced through Graston Technique® protocol, increased the amount of fibroblasts to the treated area. That amount of inflammation to the scar tissue helps initiate the healing cascade. The structure of the tissue is rearranged, and damaged tissue is replaced by new tissue. Ice is then applied to reduce the pain and exercise is implemented to increase function and range of motion.
About Graston Technique®
Changing the way soft tissue injuries are treated
graston techniqueGraston Technique® is an evidence-based form of instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization that enables clinicians to effectively address scar tissue and fascial restrictions through comprehensive training, resulting in improved patient outcomes.The technique uses specially-designed stainless steel instruments, along with appropriate therapeutic exercise, to specifically detect and effectively treat areas exhibiting soft tissue fibrosis or chronic inflammation. The instruments also are used diagnostically to follow the kinetic chain, to locate and treat the cause of the symptom as well as the specific area of pain.
Originally developed by athletes, Graston Technique® is a unique evidence-based form of instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization used by more than 22,650 clinicians worldwide— including physical and occupational therapists, hand therapists, chiropractors, and athletic trainers.
GT is utilized at some 2,700 outpatient facilities and 77 industrial sites, by more than 384 professional and amateur sports organizations, and is part of the curriculum at 45 respected colleges and universities. Six stainless steel instruments form the cornerstone of Graston Technique®.
The curvilinear edge of the patented Graston Technique® Instruments combines with their concave/convex shapes to mold the instruments to various contours of the body. This design allows for ease of treatment, minimal stress to the clinician’s hands and maximum tissue penetration.The Graston Technique® Instruments, much like a tuning fork, resonate in the clinician’s hands allowing the clinician to isolate adhesions and restrictions, and treat them very precisely.
Since the metal surface of the instruments does not compress as do the fat pads of the finger, deeper restrictions can be accessed and treated. When explaining the properties of the instruments, we often use the analogy of a stethoscope. Just as a stethoscope
