Loading...
Loading...
Instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization that targets scar tissue and fascial restrictions with surgical precision.
The Graston Technique uses specially designed stainless steel instruments to detect and treat areas of soft tissue fibrosis or chronic inflammation. At Advanced Wellness Chiropractic in Bridgeton, Dr. JC uses these precision tools to identify restrictions that are often undetectable by hand alone.
This evidence-based approach is used by professional sports teams, elite training facilities, and rehabilitation clinics worldwide. The instruments amplify your provider's ability to locate and treat problematic tissue, leading to more effective outcomes in fewer sessions.
A brief warm-up increases blood flow to the target area. This may involve light exercise, ultrasound, or heat application.
Your provider glides the stainless steel instruments along the skin, detecting and breaking down adhesions, scar tissue, and fascial restrictions in the underlying soft tissue.
Following treatment, targeted stretches and exercises reinforce the tissue changes and help rebuild healthy movement patterns.
The instruments act as an extension of the provider's hands, amplifying the ability to detect even minor fascial restrictions.
Controlled microtrauma initiates the body's healing cascade, remodeling disorganized scar tissue into healthy, functional tissue.
Many patients experience significant improvement within 4-6 treatment sessions, often faster than conventional soft tissue methods.
By releasing fascial restrictions, the Graston Technique restores normal tissue flexibility and joint range of motion.
Patients frequently report reduced pain levels as adhesions are broken down and normal tissue mobility returns.
Used alongside chiropractic adjustments and therapeutic exercises for a comprehensive treatment approach.
The Graston Technique is effective for a wide variety of acute and chronic soft tissue conditions. You may benefit if you have:
A systematic review of instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization (IASTM) by Karmali et al. (2019), published in the Journal of Contemporary Chiropractic, examined 6 studies and found that all 5 studies comparing IASTM to a non-IASTM group demonstrated statistically and clinically significant pain reduction within the IASTM groups. A 2022 randomized controlled trial involving 60 patients with myofascial neck pain found that Graston Technique was most effective compared to soft tissue release and traditional treatment, with statistically significant improvements in pain, neck disability, range of motion, and pressure pain threshold.
A 2024 randomized controlled trial published in the Hong Kong Physiotherapy Journal compared IASTM to manual myofascial release in 31 patients with upper trapezius myofascial pain syndrome and found that while both treatments significantly reduced pain, IASTM was significantly more effective than manual myofascial release for pain reduction. A 2025 meta-analysis published in the Journal of Manual and Manipulative Therapy pooled results from multiple RCTs and found a significant reduction in pain scores when comparing Graston Technique to placebo controls, with a mean difference of -1.45 on the visual analog scale.
At Advanced Wellness Chiropractic in Bridgeton, MO, Dr. JC stays current with the latest research to ensure every patient receives the most effective, evidence-based care available.
FAQ
The Graston Technique is an evidence-based form of instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization. It uses specially designed stainless steel instruments to detect and break down scar tissue, fascial restrictions, and adhesions in muscles, tendons, and ligaments. The technique is used by clinicians worldwide and is popular among professional sports teams.
Some patients may experience minor redness or light bruising in treated areas, known as petechiae. This is a normal response that indicates increased blood flow to the area and typically resolves within a day or two. Your provider at Advanced Wellness Chiropractic in Bridgeton controls the pressure to minimize discomfort.
Most patients see significant improvement within four to six treatment sessions. Each session typically lasts about 10 to 15 minutes for the instrument-assisted portion, followed by stretching and strengthening exercises. Your provider will tailor the treatment plan to your specific condition and progress.
While both techniques involve scraping instruments along the skin, the Graston Technique uses patented, precision-engineered stainless steel tools and follows specific clinical protocols developed from evidence-based research. Dr. JC has undergone extensive training to detect and treat soft tissue dysfunction with a high degree of accuracy.
The Graston Technique is particularly effective for chronic tendinitis, plantar fasciitis, carpal tunnel syndrome, IT band syndrome, post-surgical scar tissue, shin splints, and chronic ankle sprains. It works well for any condition involving scar tissue buildup or fascial restriction that limits mobility or causes pain.
“More relief than anything else”
I had been struggling with a shoulder injury for two years. Tried traditional chiropractic adjustments, massage, rehab and all of them helped a little bit but Dr. JC has given me more relief than anything else and I finally have hope now!
Graston instruments effectively break down scar tissue and fascial restrictions in the shoulder.
Learn MoreInstrument-assisted mobilization helps resolve patellar tendonitis and IT band tightness.
Learn MoreGraston Technique releases fascial restrictions in the cervical region that contribute to chronic neck pain.
Learn MoreDon't wait to start feeling better. Schedule your appointment today or give us a call.
New patients seen within 24 hours