The
Graston Technique:
A New Way to Decrease Pain and Improve Function
We have recently
added a new technique called the Graston Technique to the health
care services we offer our patients. This remarkable procedure allows
us to detect and treat areas of "scar tissue" or adhesions
in muscles, tendons and ligaments that can lead to pain and dysfunction.
In the healing
process our body attempts to repair muscles, tendons and ligaments
with "scar tissue", much like the scar that forms on the
skin when you have scraped or banged your knee. As you can imagine,
that scar tissue is not as strong and flexible as normal, healthy,
undamaged tissue. Over time we can have a build up of this fibrous
scar tissue, particularly in the muscles, tendons and ligaments
that get a lot of use. This can lead to pain and dysfunction because
this replacement tissue lacks the strength and flexibility of healthy
tissue (in some areas it may even mat down and entrap a nerve).
The Graston
Technique allows us to better detect and treat these areas because
it uses a stainless steel instrument that glides along a patient's
muscle, tendons or ligaments and acts like a "scar tissue"
stethoscope. When knots or bands of scar tissue are encountered,
both the doctor and the patient sense a restriction or a granular
feeling. The instrument can then be used to "break up"
this restriction or adhesion. Stretching exercises are then used
to promote realignment of the fibers so that they behave more like
normal, healthy tissue.
The benefit
of the Graston Technique is not only in detection of restrictions
or adhesions, but also in the amount of improvement that takes place
in a short amount of time. Unfortunately, the unaided hand is hard
pressed to detect and break up as much scar tissue as the stainless
steel instruments can.
When the Graston
Technique is coupled with the necessary strengthening and stretching
exercises, it provides a great aid to the chiropractic adjustment
and the patient gets better much quicker and more completely.
The Graston
Technique is not appropriate for every patient condition. It is,
however, very helpful for people with the most common conditions
we treat in this office. If you have not experienced the Graston
Technique and you still have lingering discomfort or stiffness,
please ask us whether you may be helped by this effective new treatment.
If you would like more information on the Graston technique visit
the website at www.grastontechnique.com.
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