Graston Technique
Instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization that targets scar tissue and fascial restrictions with surgical precision.
Advanced Instrument-Assisted Therapy
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.
How the Graston Technique Works
Warm-Up & Preparation
A brief warm-up increases blood flow to the target area. This may involve light exercise, ultrasound, or heat application.
Instrument Treatment
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.
Stretching & Strengthening
Following treatment, targeted stretches and exercises reinforce the tissue changes and help rebuild healthy movement patterns.
Benefits of the Graston Technique
Precise Tissue Detection
The instruments act as an extension of the provider's hands, amplifying the ability to detect even minor fascial restrictions.
Scar Tissue Breakdown
Controlled microtrauma initiates the body's healing cascade, remodeling disorganized scar tissue into healthy, functional tissue.
Reduced Treatment Time
Many patients experience significant improvement within 4-6 treatment sessions, often faster than conventional soft tissue methods.
Increased Range of Motion
By releasing fascial restrictions, the Graston Technique restores normal tissue flexibility and joint range of motion.
Decreased Pain
Patients frequently report reduced pain levels as adhesions are broken down and normal tissue mobility returns.
Pairs Well With Adjustments
Used alongside chiropractic adjustments and therapeutic exercises for a complete treatment approach.
Who Can Benefit?
The Graston Technique is effective for a wide variety of acute and chronic soft tissue conditions. You may benefit if you have:
- ✓Chronic tendinitis (Achilles, patellar, rotator cuff)
- ✓Plantar fasciitis
- ✓Carpal tunnel syndrome
- ✓IT band syndrome
- ✓Post-surgical and traumatic scars
- ✓Shin splints
- ✓Chronic ankle sprains with residual stiffness
Research & Evidence
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.
Is This Service Right for You?
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:
- •Open wounds, abrasions, or unhealed surgical incisions in the treatment area. We wait until the skin barrier is fully intact.
- •Active deep infection or cellulitis in the area, which needs medical management before any manual therapy.
- •Blood thinners or bleeding disorders without clearance. Petechiae and minor bruising are normal with Graston, so these cases need physician sign-off first.
- •Severe varicose veins or fragile, thinning skin over the treatment area. We will choose a gentler soft-tissue alternative.
- •Acute, undiagnosed swelling or hot redness in a limb, which can indicate a clot. Get cleared by a physician before treatment.
What to Expect at Your First Session
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.
Assessment & Tissue Detection
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.
Instrument-Assisted Treatment
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.
Reassessment & Plan
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.
Aftercare: How to Get the Most from Your 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.
Ice the Area Briefly
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.
- Wrap an ice pack in a thin towel.
- Apply for 15 minutes.
- Wait at least an hour before reapplying.
Dosage: 1 to 2 times the day of treatment if needed.
Light Movement, Not Heavy Loading
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.
- Take a 10 to 15 minute walk later in the day.
- Run through any home stretches or eccentric drills Dr. JC prescribed.
- Avoid heavy lifting and high-impact training for 24 to 48 hours.
Dosage: Light movement the day of treatment, return to full training after 48 hours.
Drink Water
Treated tissue mobilizes byproducts that the body needs fluid to clear. Hydration also supports collagen turnover, which is the goal of the technique.
- Have a full glass of water before leaving the office.
- Aim for half your body weight in ounces over the rest of the day.
- Skip alcohol on the day of treatment, it slows tissue recovery.
Dosage: Day-of treatment and the next 24 hours.
Avoid Hot Tubs & Saunas
Heavy heat exposure right after Graston can make minor petechiae more obvious and increase post-treatment soreness. Save the sauna for the day after.
- Skip hot tubs and saunas the first 24 hours.
- A warm shower in the evening is fine.
- Resume normal heat exposure after 24 hours.
Dosage: 24 hour pause, then back to normal.
A note from Dr. JC
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.
Who We Treat with Graston Technique in Bridgeton & St. Louis
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.
Post-surgical patients
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.
Plantar fasciitis patients
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.
Runners
Calf, IT band, and Achilles thickening from high mileage. Graston restores tissue glide so stride length and push-off mechanics return to normal.
Cashiers & retail workers
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.
Trades with elbow tendinitis
Electricians, plumbers, and auto technicians with chronic tennis elbow or golfer's elbow. The forearm extensor and flexor groups respond predictably to Graston.
Old injury scars
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.
Repetitive grip workers
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 returning from injury
Athletes coming back from a strain or sprain whose tissue feels stiff and unreliable. Graston accelerates the remodeling phase so they regain confidence faster.
Older adults with chronic stiffness
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
Frequently Asked Questions
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 Active Muscle Release is a hands-on myofascial release technique involving active patient movement. Dr. JC often combines both approaches for full 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. Advanced Wellness Chiropractic in Bridgeton regularly treats athletes from a variety of sports.
You do not need a referral to schedule with our office. Some insurance plans require one for coverage, so check your plan. During your initial evaluation, Dr. JC will determine whether Graston Technique is appropriate for your condition or whether another soft tissue therapy, such as Active Muscle Release or shockwave therapy, would be more effective for your needs.
Patients on Their Experience Here
From the first phone call to exception customer service, I would recommend this place 100%.
If you want a Chiropractor that is thorough and on point, he's the one.
Excerpts about the office experience, not evidence of a particular treatment result.
Related Conditions
Shoulder Pain
Graston instruments effectively break down scar tissue and fascial restrictions in the shoulder.
Learn MoreKnee Pain
Instrument-assisted mobilization helps resolve patellar tendonitis and IT band tightness.
Learn MoreNeck Pain
Graston Technique releases fascial restrictions in the cervical region that contribute to chronic neck pain.
Learn MoreAdvanced Wellness Chiropractic
Schedule Your Appointment at Advanced Wellness Chiropractic
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