Soft tissue injuries
are commonplace in our
society. Whether it be
the weekend warrior who
overdoes it raking leaves,
the factory worker who’s
job is often repetitive in
nature, or the competitive
athlete who trains countless
hours, sprains/strains, tendonitis,
and carpal tunnel
syndrome are some of the
problems that can develop from overuse. In the past
10 years, a new treatment, called the Graston Technique,
has been developed to effectively treat these
types of problems.
From 1991-1992, the Graston Technique was
developed and researched in a collaborative effort
between Ball Memorial Hospital and Ball State
University in Muncie, Ind. Since then it has grown
to over 3000 providers, including chiropractors,
athletic trainers, occupational therapists, and physical
therapists.
What is Graston Technique? First, it is
important to understand what scar tissue (and/or
adhesions) is and why it can have an adverse effect and
cause pain. Scar tissue prevents fluid movement of
muscles, tendons, ligaments, and surrounding tissue.
Thus, when someone says they feel tight, or have pain
with movement, they are experiencing the binding
effects of scar tissue and/or adhesions.
If one could inspect a muscle closely, it would
reveal that it is made up of several components. The
largest component is the muscle fasiculi, followed
by the muscle fibers, and finally the myofibrils. The
myofibrils are what make the contraction of a muscle
possible. It would take hundreds of these to make up
the thickness of a human hair.
Fascia, a thin layer of another classification of
tissue, weaves its way around every organ, muscle,
and tendon. Fascia is likened to a flexible skeleton
that connects the top of your head to the tips of your
toes to everything else. Without the fascial system, the
human body would lack form.
Unfortunately, scar tissue can adhere fascia to
muscle, impairing your function (range of motion)
and producing pain. Tendons and ligaments also
are surrounded by fascia and can be affected in the
same manner. Fascial restrictions (scar tissue and
adhesions) left untreated can prevent fluid
movement.
Graston Technique breaks down and
releases scar tissue. The technique utilizes patented
stainless steel instruments, uniquely shaped to treat
different areas of the body. The weight and design of the
various instruments allows clinicians to effectively
treat deep soft tissue dysfunctions, while preventing
the stress associated with manual therapies on their
own extremities. A key benefit to patients is they are
able to engage in normal everyday activity during
treatment.
As the clinician glides the instrument over the
patient’s affected area, the patient and the clinician
will notice a distinct feeling of going over a speed
bump, or a gravel-like grittiness when an adhesion is
detected. As the Graston Technique instrument slides
across the adhered fibers, it pulls the fibers to the
side and releases them. Over time, this process will
generally reduce or eliminate the adhered fibers,
restoring function and eliminating the pain
associated with it. Graston Technique can be utilized
whether the injury is acute or chronic.
Graston Technique is widely accepted as an
efficacious treatment for soft tissue dysfunction.
Indiana University, the University of Virginia, and Ball
State University have researched Graston Technique.
Numerous major companies, including Frito Lay,
Allison Transmission, and Disney Entertainment
utilize Graston Technique. College and professional
sports teams, including the University of Michigan
and the New England Patriots, among others, have
incorporated it into their treatment protocols.
Dr. John Schofield is a 1994 graduate of Palmer College
of Chiropractic and has practiced in Cedar Falls
since 2001. He was trained and certified in the Graston
Technique in 2005 and has actively used this technique
in his chiropractic practice since then.
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