PTI clinicians are certified in performing The Graston Technique. The Graston Technique is a form of instrument assisted soft tissue mobilization (IASTM) that uses stainless steel tools to assess for and to treat soft tissue dysfunction.
Graston Technique is non-invasive technique; it utilizes specially designed stainless steel instruments to help the clinician identify and treat areas exhibiting soft tissue fibrosis or chronic inflammation. The instruments are used as an alternative to the therapist’s hands to provide deep friction massage. The acoustic properties of the instruments aide in the diagnostic locating of scar tissue.
The deep friction massage of IASTM reintroduces microtrauma to the damaged site and sets in motion the healing cascade. During the inflammatory stage, scar tissue can be reabsorbed by the body. In the fibroblastic phase of healing, the damaged tissue is replaced by new collagen and is reformatted through proper stretching and exercise.
This process can take 3-6 months in chronic cases. Keep in mind that inflammation can occur without healing, but healing cannot occur without inflammation.
Deep friction massage initiates the inflammatory cascade to “jump start” the healing process. It has been shown to stimulate the proliferation and activation of fibroblasts. Fibroblasts play a key role in tissue healing because they are responsible for producing the key structural fiber in healthy connective tissue – collagen.
Graston Technique®:
- Resolves chronic conditions thought to be permanent
- Reduces need for anti-inflammatory medication
- Fosters faster rehabilitation/recovery
- Decreases overall treatment time
