More Than Just Scraping
If you have heard of Graston Technique, you may have seen videos online of metal instruments being dragged across skin. It can look intense, but the reality is more nuanced than what social media shows. Graston Technique is a clinically validated form of instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization (IASTM) that has been used by chiropractors, physical therapists, and athletic trainers for over 25 years.
At Advanced Wellness Chiropractic in Bridgeton, MO, Dr. JC uses Graston Technique as part of a comprehensive treatment approach for patients dealing with chronic pain, restricted movement, and soft tissue injuries.
How Graston Technique Works
The technique uses six patented stainless steel instruments, each shaped differently to treat specific areas of the body. These instruments allow the clinician to detect and treat areas of scar tissue, fascial restrictions, and chronic inflammation that are difficult to address with hands alone.
When the instrument glides over the skin, it creates a controlled micro-trauma in the affected soft tissue. This does three things:
- Breaks down adhesions and scar tissue — Collagen fibers that have formed in a disorganized pattern during the healing process are disrupted, allowing the body to rebuild them in proper alignment
- Increases blood flow — The localized inflammation response brings fresh blood supply to the area, delivering nutrients needed for tissue repair
- Stimulates the nervous system — Mechanoreceptors in the fascia and muscles are activated, which can reduce pain signaling and improve proprioception
The instruments also give Dr. JC tactile feedback. As the instrument passes over tissue, adhesions and restrictions create a vibration or grittiness that can be felt through the instrument. This allows for precise identification and treatment of problem areas.
What Conditions Does Graston Technique Treat?
Chronic Tendon Problems
Tendinopathy in the elbow (tennis elbow), shoulder, knee, and Achilles tendon responds well to Graston Technique. These conditions involve degenerated tendon tissue that needs mechanical stimulation to restart the healing process.
Plantar Fasciitis
The thick fascia on the bottom of the foot can develop adhesions and micro-tears that cause intense pain with each step. Graston instruments can effectively treat the plantar fascia and the calf muscles that contribute to the condition.
Post-Surgical Scar Tissue
After surgery, scar tissue can form around the incision site and in deeper tissues. This scar tissue can restrict movement and cause pain months or even years after the procedure. Graston Technique helps remodel this tissue and restore normal function.
Neck and Back Pain
Chronic neck pain and low back pain often involve fascial restrictions and muscle adhesions that limit spinal mobility. Treating these soft tissue components alongside chiropractic adjustments produces better outcomes than either treatment alone.
IT Band Syndrome
Runners and cyclists frequently develop tightness and inflammation in the iliotibial band, which runs along the outside of the thigh. Graston instruments can effectively treat the length of the IT band and the surrounding tissues.
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Carpal tunnel symptoms can be caused or worsened by adhesions in the forearm muscles and the fascia surrounding the median nerve. Graston Technique applied to the forearm and wrist can reduce compression on the nerve and improve symptoms.
What the Research Says
Instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization, including Graston Technique, has a growing body of research supporting its clinical use:
Lateral epicondylitis (tennis elbow): A study published in the Journal of Orthopaedic and Sports Physical Therapy (Sevier & Stegink-Jansen, 2015) reviewed conservative management of lateral epicondylitis and found that IASTM techniques like Graston produced clinically meaningful improvements in pain and grip strength. The mechanical stimulation of the tendon tissue was linked to improved collagen fiber alignment during healing.
Carpal tunnel syndrome: A clinical trial published in the Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics (Burke et al., 2007) examined patients with carpal tunnel syndrome treated with Graston Technique applied to the forearm flexor muscles and transverse carpal ligament. Patients showed significant improvement in nerve conduction velocity and symptom severity compared to baseline, supporting IASTM as a non-surgical option for mild to moderate carpal tunnel.
Posterior shoulder tightness: Research published in the Journal of Sport Rehabilitation (Laudner et al., 2014) found that a single session of IASTM to the posterior shoulder produced immediate and significant improvements in glenohumeral internal rotation range of motion in overhead athletes. This is relevant for patients with chronic shoulder pain and restricted movement.
Plantar fasciitis: A prospective case series published in the Journal of the Canadian Chiropractic Association (Howitt et al., 2006) reported that patients with chronic plantar fasciitis who received Graston Technique as part of their treatment plan showed significant improvement in pain scores and functional outcomes within 4 to 6 weeks.
Tissue remodeling mechanism: A laboratory study published in Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise (Gehlsen et al., 1999) demonstrated that controlled-pressure instrument-assisted massage increased fibroblast recruitment and collagen synthesis in tendons. This provides a biological basis for the clinical improvements seen with Graston Technique — the instruments literally stimulate the cells responsible for tissue repair.
What to Expect During Treatment
A typical Graston Technique session at Advanced Wellness Chiropractic follows this sequence:
- Warm-up — Light exercise or heat application to increase blood flow to the treatment area
- Instrument treatment — Dr. JC applies the appropriate instrument to the affected area using specific strokes and pressure. Treatment time is usually 3 to 5 minutes per area
- Stretching — Targeted stretches are performed immediately after treatment to take advantage of the increased tissue mobility
- Strengthening — When appropriate, corrective exercises are introduced to reinforce the gains made during treatment
Does It Hurt?
Patients often describe the sensation as a deep pressure with some discomfort over areas of significant adhesion. It should not be sharp or unbearable. Some redness and minor bruising in the treatment area is normal and typically resolves within a day or two. Dr. JC adjusts the pressure based on your tolerance and the condition being treated.
How Graston Fits Into Your Treatment Plan
Graston Technique is rarely used as a standalone treatment. It works best when combined with other therapies that address different aspects of your condition:
- Chiropractic adjustments address joint restrictions and spinal alignment
- Pin and Stretch therapy treats trigger points and muscle tension
- Graston Technique targets fascial adhesions and scar tissue
- Shockwave therapy provides deeper tissue stimulation for chronic tendon issues
- Corrective exercises strengthen the areas that have been treated to prevent recurrence
This layered approach is what makes the treatment plans at Advanced Wellness Chiropractic effective. By addressing joint, muscle, and fascial components simultaneously, patients recover faster and more completely.
Is Graston Technique Right for You?
Graston Technique may be a good option if you:
- Have chronic pain that has not responded to rest or medication
- Feel stiffness or restricted movement in a joint or muscle group
- Have scar tissue from a previous injury or surgery
- Are dealing with a tendon condition like tennis elbow or plantar fasciitis
- Want to improve recovery from a sports injury
It may not be appropriate for open wounds, active skin conditions, uncontrolled diabetes, or certain vascular conditions. Dr. JC will evaluate your specific situation during your consultation.
Get the Treatment Your Body Needs
If chronic pain or restricted movement is holding you back, Graston Technique may be the piece you have been missing. Schedule an appointment at Advanced Wellness Chiropractic in Bridgeton, MO by calling (636) 393-8390. We will evaluate your condition and build a treatment plan that gets you moving again.