Description of Graston Technique Therapy

Patients undergoing therapy with the Graston Technique can expect the following:

Prior to Treatment

• Prior to an appointment with a chiropractor or another health practitioner, patients are advised to complete five minutes of cardiovascular activity, such as riding a stationary bike or walking on a treadmill
• At the office of the chiropractic clinic or other performing clinician, ultrasound or heat treatment may first be applied to the injured area to warm up the soft tissue

During Treatment

• The practitioner will utilize the appropriate Graston Technique instruments to scan, then treat, the affected area of the back
• Treatment generally consists of the clinician rubbing the affected area(s) with the handheld stainless steel Graston Technique instruments, using very specific, calculated massage techniques
• Treatment time is usually 30 to 60 seconds per area treated

After Treatment

• The patient is advised to stretch the areas treated
• Following stretching, the patient may begin low load, high repetitions of exercises using an elastic band.
• It is common for patients to experience some discomfort during the procedure and possibly some bruising. Ice application for 15 to 20 minutes following the treatment may ease the discomfort.
• Patients are advised they may be sore, bruise or exhibit small red dots over the area treated called petechaie.

It is recommended that an exercise, stretching and strengthening program be used in conjunction with this chiropractic technique to rehabilitate the back and help the injured tissues heal.

The typical course of treatments generally range from 6 to 10 visits. No medications are required in conjunction with this specific chiropractic treatment.

Contraindications

Not all candidates with pain related to soft tissue injury are candidates for Graston Technique therapy. Patients any with the following are not good candidates for the treatment:

• Open wounds
• High blood pressure
• Cancer (depending on the type and location)
• Pregnancy (pregnant women should avoid having the therapy done over the spine, pelvis, abdomen or along certain acupuncture points)
• Unhealed, complicated fractures

For a full list of both absolute and relative contraindications to the use of this therapy, please consult a trained Graston Technique clinician.

• Article written by:
• Thomas E. Hyde, DC

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