I’m sure we have all seen at some point scrolling through social media someone getting their muscles scraped with a tortuous device, with what is called the Graston tool. But what are these scary looking metal tools? The Graston Technique, is a form of manual therapy known as soft-tissue instrument-assisted mobilization (IASTM). Graston tools are used to treat soft tissue fibrosis or chronic inflammation. Graston tools break up fascial restrictions or scar tissue that develops after trauma to muscles, tendons, fascia or ligaments.
McBrearty Chiropractic is a Graston chiropractor that also practices the active release technique (ART). A Graston chiropractor who is certified in active release therapy specializes in soft tissue through the movement and manipulation of muscle and soft tissue. Utilizing the Graston technique, it gives the chiropractor and licensed massage therapists (LMT) an extra tool to stretch and relax the muscle tissues which often become dense or scarred from soft tissue injuries, chronic or acute.
What should I expect when I see a Graston chiropractor? Our ART providers seldom use graston on a first appointment in our office, unless the scar tissue or fascia is too dense to manipulate with their hands. Once the diagnosis is established, the soft tissue is warmed up through hand manipulation first to get more blood flow into the area. Lotion or cream is applied locally to the affected areas and treated gently to begin. A series of passes will be made with the Graston tool over the area of complaint. Do not be alarmed to see redness or bruising, this is a common side effect of scraping.
Common conditions treated
- Achilles Tendinitis
- Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
- Neck Pain (Cervical Sprain/Strain)
- Hamstring Injuries
- Hip Pain
- IT Band band
- Tennis Elbow (Lateral Epicondylitis)
- Golfers elbow (medial epicondylitis)
- Back Pain (Lumbar Sprain/Strain)
- Knee Pain (Patellofemoral Disorders)
- Heel Pain (Plantar Fasciitis)
- Shoulder Pain (Rotator Cuff Tendinitis)
The main goal of Graston scraping is to reduce and/or eliminate pain while restoring normal range of motion and function. Graston does not have to hurt to be effective and successful. Our end goal is for you to leave feeling more pain than when you walked in the door. Please inform the medical professional of any pain or discomfort during your treatment. Our end goal is for you to not be long term, but to feel better, faster. Most typically this treatment is done 1-2x/week with a minimum of 48 hours in between sessions. Most patients begin to see results within 3 to 4 appointments.
Give us a call at 330-491-0381 or visit our website, yourartdoc.com for more information on how to become a client at McBrearty Chiropractic, and schedule your first appointment with our Graston chiropractor.