Graston Technique

Conveniently located on 58th Street in Manhattan, New York City

The Graston Technique incorporates a patented form of instrument- assisted soft tissue mobilization that enables clinicians to effectively detect and treat scar tissue and restrictions that affect normal function, separates and breaks down collagen cross-links, and splays and stretches connection tissue cross-links. It can increase the rate of blood flow to an area, increase cellular activity in the region and increase histamine response secondary to mast cell activity.

When working with damaged soft tissue and related chronic injuries, Instrument-Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization (IASTM) offers the opportunity to detect restrictions deep in the tissue and treat large and small injury areas. One of the most common and well-established IASTM methods is the Graston Technique® (GT). This patented form of instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization enables clinicians to effectively detect and treat scar tissue and restrictions that affect normal function.

The Graston Technique® instruments are used to enhance the clinician’s ability to detect adhesion’s, scar tissue or restrictions in the affected areas. Skilled clinicians use the instruments to comb over and “catch” on fibrotic tissue, which immediately identifies the areas of restriction. Once the tissue has been identified, the instruments are used to break up the scar tissue so it can be flushed from the area and absorbed by the body.

Soft-tissue injuries are common, whether from trauma or repetitive use. These injuries involve damage to ligaments, tendons, muscles, and myofascia. Doctors of chiropractic have long used their hands and fingers to break up adhesion’s and restrictions, and to promote blood flow. The additional benefit of using specially-designed instruments increases the positive effects of care to soft tissue damage. At Midway, our chiropractors use this non-invasive treatment to correct issues related to soft tissue pain.

Normally, the creation of scar tissue at an injury site is a beneficial development where the body attempts to isolate and arrest the motion of damaged muscles so proper rebuilding can take place.

In addition to Graston and other instrument-assisted treatments, the role of exercise and movement is very important. By warming the area and using instruments to smooth out scar tissue and adhesion’s, it frees the body to begin the first-stage healing process. Light exercise and specific stretching keeps the necessary circulation and range of motion from becoming restricted once again.

Graston Technique® has become standard protocol in universities, hospital-based outpatient facilities, athletes around the world. The benefits of instrument-assisted treatments, especially Graston, are many. For further information, read more here.