graston technique lake country physiotherapy

Graston Technique

If you suffer from carpal tunnel syndrome, fibromyalgia, recently received a sprain in one of your joints, or deal with neck or ankle pain, then you know just how limiting and painful everyday activity can become. Physiotherapy offers relief from these conditions as well as dozens of others.

Contact Lake Country Physiotherapy in Orillia, ON today for more information about Graston Technique® and how it can benefit you! 

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What Is The Graston Technique?

Graston Technique® is an innovative form of instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization that enables clinicians to effectively break down scar tissue and fascial restrictions. The technique utilizes specially designed stainless steel instruments to specifically detect and effectively treat areas exhibiting soft tissue fibrosis or chronic inflammation. 

An emollient is placed on the skin in the area to be treated and each instrument employs a beveled treatment edge. The treatment edge facilitates the breakdown of scar tissue and stimulates blood flow to the injured area, accelerating the natural healing process. 

There is some misinformation about Graston Technique® on the internet: the treatment is not painful and should not cause any bruising. Our physiotherapists at Lake Country Physiotherapy are highly trained in the use of this method of treatment to break down scar tissue and fascial restrictions, relieve pain and inflammation, and release muscle tension. 

Common Conditions Graston Technique Can Treat

There is a wide array of benefits that Graston Technique offers. Besides the ones previously mentioned, here is a list of conditions Graston Technique can treat:

  • Ankle Pain (Achilles Tendinosis/itis)
  • Neck Pain (Cervical Sprain/Strain)
  • Hamstring Injuries
  • Hip Pain
  • IT Band (Iliotibial Band)
  • Tennis Elbow (Lateral Epicondylosis/itis)
  • Back Pain (Lumbar Sprain/Strain)
  • Golfer’s Elbow (Medial Epicondylosis/itis)
  • Knee Pain (Patellofemoral Disorders)
  • Heel Pain (Plantar Fasciitis)
  • Shoulder Pain (Rotator Cuff Tendinosis/itis)
  • Scar Tissue
  • Trigger Finger
  • Women’s Health (Post-Mastectomy and Caesarean Scarring)

If you have been diagnosed with any of these conditions, or are experiencing painful symptoms associated with them, it’s time to contact a physiotherapist for treatment. Your physiotherapist here at Lake Country Physiotherapy  will be able to properly assess your condition, and assemble a comprehensive treatment plan for your recovery, which may even include Graston Technique®! 

Contact Lake Country Physiotherapy  in Orillia, ON Today 

How can the Graston Technique help me?

Scar tissue is a type of fibrous connective tissue that receives less blood than normal tissue and stretches much less. It tends to be thick and may build up around the ligaments, tendons, and muscles after an injury. The buildup of soft tissue is referred to as adhesions. Injuries that may result in adhesions include shin splints, pulled hamstrings, meniscal tears and much more. When you are injured, adhesions and scar tissue may occur either in the tissues or in the skin, all of which can be relieved with the Graston Technique.

It is believed that scar tissue and adhesions prevent the underneath body structures from moving properly. This is because ligaments, tendons, and muscles are unable to move freely. It’s problematic because scar tissue and adhesions may bend to fascia and cause a condition known as fascial restriction. Adhesions and scar tissue can also occur on a smaller scale as a result of a cross-linking of muscle fibers.

Over time, even the wear and tear of everyday life can cause muscle fibers to adhere to each other irregularly. With the Graston technique, the treatment causes muscle fiber separation, which reduces pain and increases functional mobility.

What can I expect from a treatment using the Graston Technique?

At the beginning of a Graston Technique treatment, the areas of the soft tissue fibrosis will be moved to make the scar tissue more receptive. The edge of the stainless steel tool will be used to slowly glide across the affected soft tissue until it comes in contact with an adhesion. Our physiotherapist will then rub over the adhesion to elicit movement. This friction will help promote the healing process of your soft tissue injury.

The amount of pressure used with the instrument, and the speed in which it is done will vary depending on the nature of your condition, and it will be adjusted throughout the treatment. After each treatment, the affected area will be stretched and our physiotherapist will provide you with ice packs if you experience any soreness.

Most patients who receive the Graston technique will undergo two treatments a week, over a five-week time frame. You should expect to notice relief by the third or fourth treatment.

Some of the many benefits of the Graston Technique include:

  • Reduction in pain, for a better quality of life
  • Reduction in inflammation
  • Increased mobility and ability to perform daily tasks
  • Increased rate of volume and blood flow to affected areas to enhance healing
  • Boost in cellular activity for good health
  • Breakdown of collagen cross-links

Add the Graston Technique to your treatment plan today!

Are you ready to get started on the path toward relief and recovery with the Graston Technique? Contact Lake Country Physiotherapy today to request an appointment with one of our dedicated Orillia, Ontario physiotherapists. We are committed to helping you heal and get back to your pain-free life!

How to Get Started

1
Request An Appointment

Call us at 705-327-7876 or book online to get started.

2
Get A Custom Treatment Plan

Our team will create a treatment plan specific to your injury and needs.

3
Recover & Enjoy Life Pain-Free!

Our goal is to get you back to feeling great and living the life you want

Book an Appointment