GRASTON | Wash Park Chiro

Graston Technique

Instrument Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization (IASTM) is a not-so-new trend in the management of adhesions and scar tissue formation. Our doctors are certified to use the Graston Technique® and IASTM to diagnose and treat adhesions, scar tissue and areas of painful muscle, ligament, and joint injuries.

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How it Works

Graston Technique® helps the doctor detect fibrosis under the skin within layers of muscle, ligament and fascia

Treatment includes either gently or vigorously ‘scraping’ the 45 degree beveled edge of stainless steel instruments on the skin. Additionally we use a lubricant of beeswax emollient or pain-relieving gel to help the instrument glide

Pressure ranges from light to deep depending on the area of the body and severity of the injury

Treatment lasts about 3-5 minutes in each area

Am I a candidate?

Many repetitive stress or chronic injuries such as carpal tunnel, tennis elbow, tendonitis, shin splints, shoulder impingement and plantar fasciitis respond to the Graston Technique within just a few treatments. The Graston Technique has been shown to speed and direct healing of acute and traumatic injuries including sprains and strains.

Benefits

Decreasing overall time of treatment
Fostering faster rehabilitation/recovery
Reducing the need for anti-inflammatory medication
Resolving chronic conditions thought to be permanent
Continuing to engage in everyday activities

How many treatments can I expect?

We try to keep the number of IASTM treatments to about 4-6. Many patients will experience relief after just one session. When treating a new or chronic injury within a short period of time (2-3 weeks) we notice diminishing returns when treating more than 6 times. When treating an area to prevent recurrence, we recommend a session about every 4-6 weeks.

Combined Treatments

Combining IASTM with Adjustments, RockTape and/or Infrared Laser can speed healing even more. Additionally, the NormaTec Pulse Compression System is a great add-on to heal faster.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is Graston technique and how does it work?

Graston technique is a method of instrument-assisted soft tissue massage (IASTM). Practitioners use specially shaped metal tools, to break up scar tissue and adhesions while bringing blood flow to the area to promote healing. It is especially used to target areas of tightness or restriction. It works in combination with strengthening, stretching, and chiropractic adjustments to help promote healing.

What are the benefits of Graston?

Graston and other IASTM techniques offer several key benefits for patients dealing with pain, tightness, or chronic soft-tissue issues:

Breaks down scar tissue and adhesions that limit movement
Reduces muscle tension and pain by improving tissue mobility
Increases blood flow to support healing and recovery
Improves range of motion in stiff or restricted areas
Speeds up recovery from overuse injuries and chronic conditions
Enhances performance for athletes by restoring normal movement patterns
Works well alongside rehab exercises to create long-lasting improvements

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Who can benefit from Graston?

Graston can help athletes, active adults, people who have had surgery, anyone with chronic soft-tissue conditions or limited range of motion. It is particularly helpful for people who want to speed up recovery or improve movement quality.

What can I expect to feel during a session of Graston?

Graston technique shouldn't be painful but it might be a little bit uncomfortable at the beginning. It works to target areas of tightness or with scar tissue. As adhesions breakdown and the tissue warms, discomfort should decrease. At the end of a treatment, you can expect the area to be warm and red due to the increased temperature and blood flow in the tissue.