Graston Technique for Pain Relief: How It Works and What to Expect

If you’re dealing with persistent pain or limited mobility due to injury, you may have heard of the Graston technique. This cutting-edge therapy is becoming popular for its effectiveness in providing effective pain relief by breaking down scar tissue and promoting healing. Our Physiotherapy in Edmonton offers the Graston technique as part of our approach to patient care, aiming to restore movement and ease discomfort so you can get back to living pain-free.

Osteopath performing diaphragm coastal release with IASTM tool

What is the Graston Technique?

It is a manual therapy that uses stainless steel instruments to target and break down scar tissue and adhesions beneath the skin. Originally developed for athletes, it’s now widely used in rehabilitation for chronic pain, muscle tightness, and mobility issues.

Our Family Physio team applies the Graston technique to precisely reach problem areas, offering deeper, more focused relief than traditional massage. This technique improves circulation, reduces inflammation, and promotes faster healing by breaking down damaged tissue, enabling the body to replace it with healthy tissue.

How the Graston Technique Works

The Graston technique involves using specially designed stainless steel tools to massage and scrape the skin, targeting areas with scar tissue and muscle adhesions. These tools come in various shapes and sizes to match different parts of the body and types of tissue. Here’s how it works:
  1. Assessment and Warm-Up: Our physiotherapists begin with a thorough assessment of the painful or restricted areas, followed by a gentle warm-up. This might include a light massage or stretching to prepare the tissue for treatment.
  2. Instrument-Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization (IASTM): Using the Graston instruments, we apply specific strokes along the affected area. The stainless steel tools allow us to feel and identify irregularities in the tissue, such as scar tissue or adhesions, that could be causing discomfort or limiting mobility.
  3. Breaking Down Scar Tissue: The scraping motion of the Graston tools helps break down scar tissue and adhesions that can limit movement and lead to discomfort. By breaking up this damaged tissue, we encourage the body to produce new, healthy tissue in its place. This process also stimulates the flow of blood and promotes healing.
  4. Stretching and Strengthening Exercises: After the Graston treatment, we often recommend targeted exercises to stretch and strengthen the treated area. This helps maintain the benefits of the therapy and prevents the tissue from becoming restricted again.

Benefits of the Graston Technique for Pain Relief

The Graston technique has numerous benefits, especially for individuals struggling with chronic pain or scar tissue buildup. Here’s why we recommend it as a core component of our physiotherapy services:

  • Effective Pain Relief: By targeting the underlying scar tissue and adhesions, the Graston technique addresses the underlying cause of discomfort instead of merely covering up the symptoms. Many patients report noticeable pain relief after just a few sessions.
  • Improved Mobility and Flexibility: Breaking down scar tissue enables greater freedom of movement in the muscles and joints, enhancing range of motion and flexibility. This proves highly beneficial for athletes or those recovering from an injury.
  • Accelerated Healing: The scraping motion of the Graston tools increases blood flow to the treated area, promoting faster recovery by bringing oxygen and nutrients to the tissues that need them most.
  • Enhanced Patient Experience: The Graston technique is highly individualized, allowing our physiotherapists to address specific problem areas with precision. Patients appreciate the tailored approach and often feel more in control of their recovery journey.
  • Complementary to Other Treatments: The Graston technique works well in combination with other forms of physiotherapy, such as stretching, strengthening exercises, and hands-on therapy, to provide comprehensive pain relief and recovery.

Your First Graston Technique Session: What to Know

If you’re new to the Graston technique, you might be wondering what the treatment feels like and what you can expect. Here’s a quick rundown of a typical session at our physiotherapy:

  • Sensation During Treatment: The Graston technique may feel slightly uncomfortable, often described as a “scraping” or “deep massage” sensation. Our physiotherapists adjust the pressure to ensure it’s effective and tolerable.
  • Post-Treatment Soreness: Mild soreness in the treated area is normal for a day or two, comparable to post-deep tissue massage soreness as your body begins to heal.
  • Visible Redness or Bruising: Some redness or minor bruising may occur due to the scraping technique. This is temporary and should fade within a few days.
  • Progress Over Multiple Sessions: While some feel relief after one session, multiple treatments are typically needed for better results. We’ll tailor a plan based on your unique needs and response.

Our patient experience with the Graston technique shows that it’s highly effective for conditions like tendinitis, plantar fasciitis, muscle strains, and other issues involving soft tissue. Every session is customized to tackle your individual needs, maximizing the benefits you receive from per treatment.

Is the Graston Technique Right for You?

If you’re considering the Graston technique, our team at physiotherapy in Edmonton is here to help you determine if it’s the most effective approach for your needs. We’ll assess your condition, discuss your goals, and create a treatment plan that’s customized to provide the possible outcomes. For those dealing with persistent pain, restricted movement, or scar tissue, the Graston technique offers a unique and effective option for recovery. Our patient experience at Family Physiotherapy shows that this technique can make a real difference, especially when combined with other targeted therapies.

Reclaim Your Mobility and Comfort with Us:

At Family Physiotherapy, we’re committed to helping our patients find lasting relief through personalized, compassionate care. If you’re ready to try the Graston technique or explore other options for managing pain and improving mobility, reach out to us today. Our physiotherapy in Edmonton team is here to assist you on your journey to recovery, helping you get back to the activities you love—pain-free.

Your path to recovery starts here. Contact Family Physiotherapy, and let’s work together to restore your movement, comfort, and quality of life.