Graston Technique Toronto - Lawrence Park Health and Wellness
What is Graston Technique®?
Graston Technique® is an innovative and proven approach to the diagnosis and treatment of connective tissue dysfunction and injuries. The technique utilizes stainless-steel instruments specially designed to detect and treat areas exhibiting soft-tissue fibrosis or chronic inflammation. This remarkable procedure allows your clinician to detect and treat areas of scar tissue and fascial restrictions in muscles, tendons and ligaments that can lead to pain and dysfunction. This decreases overall treatment time, enhances faster rehabilitation/recovery and resolves conditions once thought to be permanent.
Why is Scar Tissue a Problem?
When connective tissue, such as muscle, ligaments or tendons become restricted or scarred, it can result in pain, tenderness, loss of flexibility and motion. It is not unusual to find a restriction in one part of the body that produces pain and dysfunction in another area, commonly known as the kinetic chain.
In the healing process the human body attempts to repair muscles, tendons and ligaments with scar tissue, which is not as strong and flexible as normal, healthy, undamaged tissue. Build up of fibrous scar tissue over time, particularly in muscles, tendons and ligaments subjected to microtrauma / overuse can lead to pain and dysfunction because this replacement tissue lacks the strength and flexibility of healthy tissue.
Treatment by Graston Technique®
Graston Technique® treatment protocols may also include the use of heat, ice and rehabilitation to restore patients to their pre-injury level of activity. Muscle re-education, in addition to stretching and strengthening exercises are employed to provide the patient with optimal results within a minimal number of treatments. Following and staying with the plan of treatment is critical to achieving the clinical goals set by the clinician and the patient. Without full commitment to treatment, a positive outcome may not occur.
Most patients report improved function and pain reduction within the first two treatments. Although it is not unusual to experience some discomfort during initial treatment, it should dramatically lessen within a short period of time. Mild to moderate bruising may take place during the process of breaking down old scar tissue. During the course of treatment, daily consumption of 6-8 glasses of water, along with proper nutrition will also prove beneficial.
Who Can Benefit From Graston Treatments?
- Neck and Back Pain
- Shoulder Injuries
- Tennis / Golfer’s Elbow
- Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
- De Quervain’s Tenosynovitis
- IT Band Syndrome
- Knee Pain
- Medial Tibial Stress Syndrome (“Shin Splints”)
- Achilles Tendinopathy
- Plantar Fasciitis / Fasciosis
- Muscle Strains
- Ligament Sprains
- Tendon Injuries
- Nerve Entrapments
- Post-fracture Pain
- Fibromyalgia
Number of Graston Technique® Treatments Required
Factors such as age, history, chronicity of the condition, occupation and lifestyle will determine the number of times that an individual will be treated. The average number of treatments is 6 to 8. Generally treatment is performed no more than twice a week unless the clinical circumstances dictate otherwise.
Summary
Graston Technique ® is a proven advanced technology for the treatment of connective soft tissue injuries. The success of treatment will be directly proportionate to the individual’s commitment to the personalized treatment plan established by the clinician. When Graston Technique® is coupled with the necessary strengthening and stretching exercises, it provides a great aid to Chiropractic treatment and the patient gets better much quicker and more completely. Please note, Graston Technique® is not appropriate for every patient condition. Please speak to your clinician directly to determine whether you may be helped by this effective new treatment.
Source: http://www.grastontechnique.com