Graston Technique in Orleans & Ottawa, ON
Have you ever heard of the Graston Technique Physiotherapy? This unique treatment uses handheld instruments with a special type of massage that helps identify restrictions and break up scar tissue. Here at the Orleans Physiotherapy, your physiotherapist may recommend the Graston technique in combination with other treatment modalities.
The Graston Technique uses six core stainless steel tools. The tools have rounded edges in concave and convex shapes. Your physiotherapist uses these instruments to scan over your body to detect injured tissues and treat them.
Soft-Tissue Massage Therapy for Graston Technique
A cross-friction massage brushes or rubs against the grain of scar tissue, re-introducing tiny trauma to the affected areas. The aim is to initiate and promote healing in affected soft tissues. This temporary inflammation increases the rate and amount of blood flow, increasing access to oxygen and other nutrients for faster, more thorough healing.
Your physiotherapist will assess the areas contributing to your pain and provide treatment along that chain. So, if you have a sore back, you might receive treatment to your shoulders, abdomen, hip flexors, hamstrings, and other areas that may seem unrelated. Still, they are connected through your internal fascial network.
Is This Therapy Right for Me?
The first step is always a thorough assessment by your physiotherapist. Once your PT has completed your initial exam, they can recommend which therapies belong in your recovery plan. Many patients find adding the Graston Technique aids in complete healing in the shortest time possible.
The Graston technique treats acute and chronic conditions such as:
- Achilles tendinosis
- Lower back strained or sprained muscles
- Carpal tunnel
- Cervical sprains and strains
- Plantar fasciitis
- Rotator cuff injuries and pain
- Tennis or golfer's elbow
- Shin splints
Most patients follow a typical course of treatment with this therapy. Your PT may recommend as few as one session, but many patients have up to 10 sessions over several weeks.
Your physiotherapist at Orleans Physiotherapy can recommend the Graston technique for your recovery.
What to Expect at Orleans Physiotherapy
If your physiotherapist recommends the Graston technique at Orleans Physiotherapy, you can expect the following:
Before Your Graston Technique Treatments
- Before your appointment, you will do five minutes of cardiovascular activity, like walking on a treadmill or riding a stationary bike.
- Heat or ultrasound may be applied first to warm up the soft tissues.
During Your Graston Treatments
- Your physiotherapist uses various Graston Technique instruments to scan and treat affected areas.
- Usually, your physiotherapist rubs the affected area(s) with these specialized handheld stainless steel instruments with specific massage motions.
- Treatments usually focus for 30 to 60 seconds on each area.
- Patients commonly experience some discomfort during the treatment, often associated with the current pain or discomfort in the area being treated.
After the Treatment
- You may feel bruised or sore and may see small red dots in the area(s) that were treated. These are called petechiae and are evidence the treatment is affecting the tissues.
- If you feel sore afterwards, apply an ice pack for 15 to 20 minutes.
- An exercise, strengthening, and stretching program is recommended with the Graston Technique to rehabilitate muscles and help injured tissues heal.
- Many patients report less pain and a greater range of motion after the initial treatment.
Physiotherapy Graston Technique FAQs
What does the Graston Technique do?
Graston Technique is a proven, innovative Physiotherapy massage that uses instruments to assist in soft tissue mobilization. This enables your physiotherapist to effectively reduce fascial restrictions and break down scar tissue.
Does the Graston Technique Really Work?
Graston Technique Physiotherapy research reports that between 75% and 90% of all conditions treated have positive outcomes. Both acute and chronic injuries respond to the technique equally. It is also recommended for pre- and post-surgical patients and any condition that requires developing or maintaining an optimal range of motion.
