Graston Technique®
Natural Standard Bottom Line Monograph, Copyright © 2009 (www.naturalstandard.com). Commercial distribution prohibited. This monograph is intended for informational purposes only, and should not be interpreted as specific medical advice. You should consult with a qualified healthcare provider before making decisions about therapies and/or health conditions.
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Related Terms:
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Adhesions, carpal tunnel syndrome, chronic inflammation, connective tissue, fascia, fascial restrictions, GASTM, Graston Augmented Soft Tissue Mobilization, Graston Technique® Instrument-Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization, repetitive stress injury, scar tissue, soft tissue fibrosis, soft tissue injury, sprains, strains, subluxations, TherapyCare Resources. |
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Graston Technique® is a patented form of non-surgical instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization that is used to break down scar tissue and restrictions in fascia (connective tissue present throughout the body, surrounding blood vessels, nerves, muscles, bones, and organs). |
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The Graston Technique® uses a unique set of stainless steel instruments designed to break up scar tissue buildup in body areas such as the shoulder or wrist, which are often associated with acute or chronic soft tissue injuries. Soft tissues include skin, muscle, nervous (neurological), and connective tissues. Examples of soft tissue injuries include strains, sprains, subluxations (partial dislocation of joints), carpal tunnel syndrome, and repetitive stress injury. Treatment using the Graston Technique® involves sliding a stainless steel instrument designed for a particular body part over the surface of the skin in a back and forth motion. Generally, advocates suggest several Graston Technique® sessions for treatment of soft tissue injuries. |
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Scar tissue is a type of fibrous connective tissue that may occur in any area of the body. This tissue generally receives a smaller blood supply than normal tissue and stretches less. Scar tissue also tends to be thicker than the tissue it replaces after an injury. Scar tissue may build up around muscles, tendons, and ligaments as the body heals from an injury. As a result, the movement of the surrounding body tissues may be impaired, or the patient may experience pain when they try to move. Clinically, the buildup of tissue after an injury is called soft tissue fibrosis, but most practitioners refer to these areas as adhesions. |
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An athlete invented the Graston Technique® after experiencing an incomplete recovery from a knee injury. Surgery and other forms of conventional therapy did not return the athlete to full functionality. In order to find a way to fully recover from the soft tissue injury, the athlete used his background in machining to create the first templates of the stainless steel instruments used in the Graston Technique®. The parent company of the Graston Technique® is TherapyCare Resources. The first clinic using the Graston Technique® opened in 1994. Since then, several major sporting organizations use the Graston Technique® for professional athletes. Several bodywork therapy schools have integrated this modality into their curriculum. |
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Content available for subscribers only.
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Content available for subscribers only.
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Content available for subscribers only.
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Content available for subscribers only.
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Content available for subscribers only.
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Natural Standard Monograph
(www.naturalstandard.com)
Copyright © 2009 Natural Standard Inc. Commercial distribution or
reproduction prohibited.
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The information in this monograph is intended for informational purposes
only, and is meant to help users better understand health concerns.
Information is based on review of scientific research data, historical
practice patterns, and clinical experience. This information should not be
interpreted as specific medical advice. Users should consult with a
qualified healthcare provider for specific questions regarding therapies,
diagnosis and/or health conditions, prior to making therapeutic decisions.
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