Graston Technique incorporates the use of patented stainless-steel instruments to aid the clinician in the detection and treatment of soft-tissue dysfunction.
 

An advanced system of instrument assisted soft-tissue mobilization combined with rehabilitative exercises to improve overall musculoskeletal function.
 

Benefits of Graston Technique

  • Palpatory skills enhanced

  • Deeper penetration & specificity when necessary

  • Releases both the elastic and viscous elements of soft tissue

  • Can treat the myofascial complex without regard for the muscular origins

  • Improved patient outcomes!

  • Reduced wear & tear on hands!

 
 

How do the instruments work?

The Graston instruments detect and amplify soft tissue restrictions or dysfunction,
similar to how a stethoscope
amplifies the heartbeat.

 
 

 

History of the Instruments

  • Cross-Friction Massage

  • Research & Development

  • Patented Products & Protocols

  • On-going Research & Development

The Graston Instruments

All instruments have contoured edges designed to conform to different body parts/surfaces/shapes.

  • Concave

  • Convex

  • Rounded

  • Pointed

Treatment Edges

  • Double Beveled

  • Single Beveled

 The Graston Technique on MIGUEL MOLINA
Swimming Team Philippines

5 Medals / 3 Golds
23rd SEA GAMES
Outstanding Athlete
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Physiological Effects of Graston Technique

Recreates the normal inflammatory response: fibroblastic proliferation

  
 
 

GT1 - “Handlebars”

 

  • Description

  • Handles, Treatment Curve, Angles

  • Application

  • Large Muscle Groups, Scanning, Treatment

  • Handholds

  • Two - Handhold

  • Strokes

  • Sweeping, Swivel, Fan
     

GT 2 – “Bottle Opener”

  • Description

  • Two treatment curves, angles, knobs

  • Application

  • Small Muscle Groups, Scanning, Treatment

  • Handholds

  • One-Handhold, Two - Handhold

  • Strokes

  • Sweeping, Swivel, Fanning, Scooping

GT3 – “Tongue Depressor”

  • Description

  • Handle, treatment curve

  • Application

  • Localization

  • Handholds

  • One-Handhold, Two - Handhold

  • Strokes

  • Brushing, Strumming, J-Stroke

GT4 – “Scanner”

  • Description

  • Treatment curve

  • Application

  • Scanning, Treatment

  • Handholds

  • One-Handhold, Two - Handhold

  • Strokes

  • Sweeping, Fanning, Strumming

GT5 – “Boomerang”
 

  • Description

  • Treatment curve

  • Application

  • Scanning, More aggressive treatment

  • Handholds

  • One-Handhold, Two - Handhold

  • Strokes

  • Sweeping, Fanning, Strumming

GT6 – “Carpal Tunnel Tool”
 

  • Description

  • Three treatment curves, angles, knobs

  • Application

  • Smaller regions, localization

  • Handholds

  • One-Handhold, Two - Handhold

  • Strokes

  • Sweeping, Brushing, Strumming,
    J-Stroke
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Graston Technique Assessment & Treatment Strokes

  • Sweeping

  • Fanning

  • Brushing

  • Strumming

  • J-stroke

  • Swivel

  • Scooping

Benefits of Graston Technique

  • Clinicians

  • Enhanced ability to detect soft-tissue lesions

  • Decreased fatigue with increased mechanical advantage

  • Decreased treatment time

  • Positive outcomes/cost effective

  • Spares the wear & tear on your hands

  • Patient

  • Improved Outcomes

...Documentation of Soft Tissue Dysfunction

  • Location

  • Descriptors

  • Ridges, Nodules, Granules, Gritty, Fibrotic, etc.

  • Depth of Restriction

  • Superficial vs. Deep
    (Try to id the layers involved)

  • Severity

  • VAS/NRS, Pain Diagram, etc.

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Graston Technique Treatment Parameters

  • Duration

  • Each Session

  • Treatment Plan

  • Instrument

  • Shape

  • Edge

  • Intensity

  • Frequency

  • Amplitude

  • Direction

Basic Components of Graston Technique

  • Soft Tissue Warm-up

  • Cardiovascular

  • Ultrasound

  • Hot Moist Packs, etc.

  • G.I.S.T.M.

  • Stretching/MET/ART

  • Rehabilitative Exercises

  • High Rep/Low Load

  • Cryotherapy

..Typical Patient Progression

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1.  First Session: Soft-tissue evaluation and gentle treatment to gauge patient response.

2.  Second Session: Implement G.I.S.T.M. including stretching & strengthening program.

3.  Third Session thru Discharge: Modify technique to maximize response and improve functional levels.

 

..Practical Integration of Graston Technique

  • Not designed to treat all conditions.

  • Graston assessment should be integrated with remainder of the musculoskeletal exam.

  • Designed to increase sensitivity and detect more subtle soft tissue lesions.

  • Expected to reduce the stress/strain on clinician’s hands.

  • Graston Technique is an additional TOOL in the treatment armamentarium.

Potential Treatment Response

  • Pain & Discomfort

  • Pettichia/Bruising

  • Breakout (Hypothesis: The release of hardened scar tissue from healthy soft tissue)

Factors Affecting Treatment

  • Stages of the Condition

  • Acute

  • Chronic

  • Tissue Reactivity

  • High Tissue Reactivity

  • Low Tissue Reactivity

  • Joint Mobility

  • Hypermobility

  • Hypomobility

  • Rehabilitative Exercises

Scientific Basis of Graston Technique

G.I.S.T.M. essentially expands on and exploits the principals of Transverse Friction Massage first made popular by James Cyriax, M.D.

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