The Graston Technique is an innovative, patented method of instrument soft tissue mobilization that allows clinicians to effectively break scar and fascial restrictions using specially designed stainless steel instruments that can accurately identify and treat areas of soft tissue fibrosis or chronic inflammation. Graston Technique shortens overall treatment time, promotes quicker rehabilitation and recovery, lowers the need for anti-inflammatory medications, resolves chronic conditions previously considered permanent.
What Happens During a Graston Session
I use a set of specially contoured stainless steel instruments to scan the treatment area, feeling for adhesions, scar tissue, and areas of restricted fascia that are harder to detect by hand alone. Once I locate a restriction, I apply the instrument with controlled pressure and a specific stroke pattern to break up the fibrous tissue and stimulate local blood flow.
The technique can feel intense in the moment, similar to a deep tissue massage with more precision, and it is common to see mild redness or minor bruising at the treatment site afterward as the body responds. Most areas are treated for five to ten minutes, and sessions are often combined with ART or corrective exercise in the same visit.
Conditions Graston Treats Well
Graston works especially well for chronic tendon and fascial conditions that have not responded to rest or stretching alone, including plantar fasciitis, Achilles tendinopathy, IT band syndrome, tennis and golfer's elbow, and post-surgical or post-injury scar tissue that is restricting movement. It is also effective for carpal tunnel syndrome and other conditions involving fascial restriction around a nerve.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will Graston leave bruises?
Some redness or mild bruising at the treatment site is common and expected, since the technique works by increasing blood flow to restricted tissue. It typically fades within a few days.
How is Graston different from a massage?
A massage generally works to relax the muscle broadly. Graston is a diagnostic and corrective tool. I use the instruments to specifically locate an adhesion or fascial restriction, then treat that exact area with a precise stroke pattern designed to break it up.
Can Graston be combined with other treatments?
Yes. I often use Graston alongside ART or Focused and radial Shockwave in the same visit, since each targets a different layer of restricted tissue.
Schedule Your Graston Session
Start treating scar tissue and fascial restrictions that have not responded to rest alone.
