The Graston Technique is one of the most effective natural treatments for soft tissue pains and injuries commonly used by Sports Therapists and Physiotherapists. The treatment incorporates the use of Instrument Assisted Soft Tissue Manipulation (IASTM) to restore the myofascial tissues to their full function.

By applying gentle pressure on the area of the pain, therapists can alleviate deep-seated muscle pain without the need for chemicals or complex, lengthy procedures.

Sounds too good to be true? If you’ve been suffering from muscular pain, that’s the first thought that’ll probably pop into your head. Can this frustrating and deep-set pain be solved through manipulation alone?

Short answer: absolutely! At Nordic Balance, our talented team of therapists are well-versed in the skill of the Graston Technique. It is widely revered across the industry for its versatility, precision and wide range of benefits.

Still yet to be convinced? Please keep reading to find our complete guide to the Graston Technique, how it works and its many benefits.

What is the Graston Technique?

Also commonly referred to as Instrument Assisted Soft Tissue Manipulation (IASTM), the Graston Technique is manual therapy performed by trained therapists who use an instrument (made of either stainless steel, plastic or stone) to apply pressure directly to the skin.

The instrument looks like a small bar with various curves and indentations. These shapes allow the therapist to apply pressure to different degrees and work with precision on specific areas.

This pressure is applied to the area of the body in which the patient is experiencing muscle pain.

The therapist will press the instrument on the skin during the treatment, using repeated strokes. With each stroke, they will increase the pressure gradually, according to the patient’s needs and the severity of their muscle pain.

What issues does the technique treat?

The Graston Technique is designed to help improve mobility and restore Myofascial tissues to full function.

This can be used to treat a wide range of common musculoskeletal pains and conditions, including:

– Ankle and foot pain
– Knee pain
– Hip pain
– Back pain
– Neck pain
– Shoulder pain
– Wrist pain
– Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
– Muscle pain and injuries
– Chronic ligament pain following a sprain
– Tendinopathies (i.e. Tennis elbow, Achilles)
– Scar tissue
– Caesarean scarring
– Post-Mastectomy pain
– Fibromyalgia

How does the Graston Technique work?

When pressure is applied, the mechanoreceptors and the parasympathetic nervous system are stimulated. They are signalled to obtain a relaxation response while also activating the central nervous system, which is involved in the modulation of muscle tone and movement.
Furthermore, the application of friction and pressure also stimulates blood flow, lymphatic drainage, and responses that restore fluidity to the area while clearing any adhesion between fascia and muscles.

What are the benefits of this natural therapy?

With the Graston Technique, the body’s response can be seen immediately – the skin turns red and increases the temperature. The patient typically feels an immediate improvement in the mobility and range of motion within the treated area.

The benefits of the Graston Technique include, but aren’t limited to:

– Reduce pain
– Easing the pain and reducing the extent of scar tissue
– Restoring full movement
– Returning the body to its normal function
– A treatment without chemicals
– A completely non-invasive treatment
– Reduce inflammation
– Promoting effective and long-term healing in the painful area