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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.
Graston Technique is a strong fit for scar tissue, chronic tendinopathy, plantar fasciitis, post-surgical adhesions, and stubborn fascial restrictions. The technique is precise and well-tolerated when matched to the right tissue. There are a few situations where it should be modified or postponed. Talk to Dr. JC first if any of the following apply to you:
Your first Graston visit at Advanced Wellness Chiropractic typically runs about 30 minutes. Dr. JC walks you through the assessment, the instrument work, and what to expect afterward so the experience is predictable and comfortable.
Before treatment
A focused intake on your symptom history, prior surgeries or injuries to the area, and what activities aggravate the problem.
During treatment
Dr. JC uses the Graston instruments to scan the tissue. Areas of fibrosis, scar tissue, or fascial restriction produce a distinct grainy feel that the instruments transmit clearly.
After treatment
You will know exactly which structures are driving your symptoms and which ones we plan to treat first.
Before treatment
A brief warm-up using soft tissue work or a heated table prepares the area and improves blood flow before the instruments are used.
During treatment
A thin layer of emollient is applied and Dr. JC works the stainless steel tools across the restricted tissue with controlled strokes. The active treatment is usually 8 to 12 minutes per region.
After treatment
Mild pinkness is normal and tells us we hit the right tissue. Some patients see light petechiae for a day or two, which is expected and resolves on its own.
Before treatment
Dr. JC retests the motion or pain provocation that was positive at the start of the visit so the change is measurable.
During treatment
If sore or warm, ice is applied briefly. You receive a stretching and strengthening plan that locks in the new tissue glide between visits.
After treatment
Most plans run 4 to 6 visits. If the case is layered, Dr. JC may combine Graston with chiropractic adjustments or shockwave therapy in later sessions.
Graston creates a controlled inflammatory response that drives healing in the days that follow. Treat the area kindly for the first 24 to 48 hours and the tissue rebuilds the way you want it to.
A short cold pack helps if the treated area is warm or sore. Keep it brief, we want the body's healing response to do its work.
Dosage: 1 to 2 times the day of treatment if needed.
The treated tissue is remodeling. Gentle motion through the new range tells the body how to rebuild it, but heavy loading too soon disrupts the process.
Dosage: Light movement the day of treatment, return to full training after 48 hours.
Treated tissue mobilizes byproducts that the body needs fluid to clear. Hydration also supports collagen turnover, which is the goal of the technique.
Dosage: Day-of treatment and the next 24 hours.
Heavy heat exposure right after Graston can make minor petechiae more obvious and increase post-treatment soreness. Save the sauna for the day after.
Dosage: 24 hour pause, then back to normal.
Mild bruising or pinkness is part of the technique, not a complication. It tells us we worked the right tissue. If the bruising spreads, the area becomes hot, or pain sharpens past the second day, message the office. That is not the typical pattern and we want to take a look.
Graston is the right tool when there is real fibrotic tissue to break down, scar from old injuries, dense tendon thickening, or fascial restrictions that hand-only work cannot reach. These are the patients who get the most out of it.
Patients with stiff, ropey scars from rotator cuff repair, ACL reconstruction, abdominal surgery, or C-section. The instruments remodel disorganized scar tissue back into properly aligned fibers.
Heel pain that has not responded to stretching and orthotics often has dense fibrotic tissue along the fascia. Graston is one of the most effective tools for it.
Calf, IT band, and Achilles thickening from high mileage. Graston restores tissue glide so stride length and push-off mechanics return to normal.
Repetitive scanning and bagging at grocery, pharmacy, and big-box stores create forearm and wrist fibrosis. Graston works well alongside chiropractic adjustments for these cases.
Electricians, plumbers, and auto technicians with chronic tennis elbow or golfer's elbow. The forearm extensor and flexor groups respond predictably to Graston.
Patients with hamstring, quad, or shoulder injuries from years ago that still feel tight or weak. The residual fibrosis is the reason, and the instruments can finally clear it.
Patients from Boeing, warehouse hubs, and assembly lines whose grip and forearm tendons are loaded thousands of times per shift. Forearm Graston combined with adjustments protects the wrist long-term.
Athletes coming back from a strain or sprain whose tissue feels stiff and unreliable. Graston accelerates the remodeling phase so they regain confidence faster.
Long-standing tendon thickening at the shoulder, hip, or Achilles in patients over 55. Graston pairs well with low-force adjustments for this group.
We see Graston patients from Bridgeton, Maryland Heights, Hazelwood, Florissant, St. Ann, Creve Coeur, and across North County St. Louis. If your case is work-related, Dr. JC can help document the injury and coordinate with your employer or workers' compensation carrier.
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.
Yes, post-surgical scar tissue is one of the most responsive conditions to Graston Technique. The stainless steel instruments break down disorganized collagen fibers in the scar and stimulate the body to replace them with properly aligned tissue. Patients in our Bridgeton, MO office frequently see improved range of motion and reduced tightness around surgical sites after just a few sessions.
Both are effective soft tissue treatments, but they work differently. Graston uses precision instruments to detect and break down scar tissue and fascial adhesions, while Pin and Stretch is a hands-on myofascial release technique involving active patient movement. Dr. JC often combines both approaches for comprehensive soft tissue care, selecting the best technique based on your specific condition.
Absolutely. Many professional and collegiate athletes receive Graston Technique treatments during their competitive seasons to manage soft tissue injuries and maintain peak performance. The treatment is quick, typically 10 to 15 minutes per area, and most athletes can return to training immediately afterward. Our clinic near St. Louis regularly treats athletes from a wide range of sports.
No referral is necessary. You can schedule an appointment directly with Advanced Wellness Chiropractic. During your initial evaluation, Dr. JC will determine whether Graston Technique is appropriate for your condition or whether another soft tissue therapy, such as Pin and Stretch or shockwave therapy, would be more effective for your needs.
“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.
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