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When it comes to treating painful conditions, physical therapy offers a variety of treatments. A central form of physical therapy is hands-on treatment, often referred to as manual therapy. Manual therapy techniques include joint mobilization and soft tissue manipulation. Each technique involves a combination of controlled motions and gentle pressure. Your physical therapist will select the best manual therapy techniques to treat your particular condition. These versatile techniques can be used to address a wide variety of musculoskeletal issues. Some manual therapy techniques have a specific purpose such as pain relief.
Are you looking for a breakthrough pain relief treatment? The Graston Technique® might be the answer to your problems. The Graston Technique has gained prominence as a specialized approach to painful soft tissue problems. Instead of just using their hands, your physical therapist will apply special instruments to treat your condition. The Graston Technique is sometimes referred to as a kind of instrument-assisted manual therapy for soft tissue pain. Want to know if the Graston Technique is right for you? Learning about some of the conditions it can treat may help you understand the scope of this technique.
Conditions the Graston Technique can help treat
- Muscle strains — Muscle strains happen when a muscle is stretched too far or torn. When you strain a muscle, you may experience persistent pain in the area. Your ability to use the muscle may also be seriously limited. Tendons can be strained as well. Like muscle strains, these tend to be caused by overuse or a sudden impact. When you strain a muscle or a tendon, rest is important. Continuing to put stress on the muscle can make your injury worse. In addition to rest, physical therapy treatments such as the Graston Technique can offer major benefits. The technique works to break down scar tissue and increase blood flow. This can help your recovery process stay smooth and relatively brief.
- Tendinitis — Tendinitis is the inflammation of the tendons. When the tendons get inflamed, they can become stiff and painful. You may experience difficulty when trying to move at joints near the affected tendons. Movements might also come with an uncomfortable grating sensation. Generally, tendinitis arises from overuse and repetitive stress. As with muscle strains, rest can be an important part of your recovery process. The Graston Technique can aid in your recovery by reducing inflammation in your tendons.
- Carpal tunnel syndrome — Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is a peripheral neuropathy. This means it is a nerve issue that occurs outside of the central nervous system. The central nervous system is made up of the brain and the nerves in the spinal column. Many more nerves branch out from the central nervous system and run through the entire body. A properly functioning nervous system is important. Many nerve issues can limit the sensory feedback you receive and hinder your ability to control your body. Carpal tunnel syndrome is no exception. CTS affects the median nerve that runs through your wrist into your hand. This nerve plays an important role in the functioning of your hand. The median nerve is situated in an area called the carpal tunnel. When the carpal tunnel is irritated or damaged, it can press into the median nerve. Compression or damage of the median nerve then leads to many other symptoms. Common symptoms include nerve pain and numbness in the hand. CTS affects the soft tissue in your body and often leads to further soft tissue injuries. This makes the Graston Technique a great option for treatment. With the right manual techniques, your physical therapist can help free up your median nerve and alleviate CTS symptoms.
- Plantar fasciitis — The plantar fascia is a thick band of tissue located along the underside of your foot. When this tissue gets irritated, it can lead to a condition called plantar fasciitis. Plantar fasciitis can have many causes, from overuse to poorly fitting footwear. As a result of the soft tissue inflammation, you may experience pain and tightness around your foot. The Graston Technique can help by reducing tension in your foot and alleviating your pain.
- Shin splints — Shin splints are an overuse injury relatively common in athletes. Like plantar fasciitis, they often occur as a result of overuse and footwear issues. Putting too much stress on your shins while running and jumping can be a major cause of irritation. If you have shin splints, you may experience pain around your shins due to tiny tears in the bone and muscle tissue. In addition to the Graston Technique, PT exercises for flexibility can be very helpful in treating shin splints.
- Tennis elbow — Tennis elbow is a common term for a medical condition called lateral epicondylitis. It is an injury that occurs when the tendons around your elbow are torn or swollen. The injury is typically caused by repetitive, strenuous forearm motions that are common in tennis, hence the name. Golfer’s elbow, or medial epicondylitis, is a similar tendinopathy. This condition specifically affects the inside of the elbow and can be caused by the kind of swinging motions involved in golf. If you have either tennis elbow or golfer’s elbow, effective treatment can be important for getting you back in the game. The Graston Technique as well as manual therapy in general can play a pivotal role in your PT treatment journey.
- Surgery rehab — Recovering from surgery? Physical therapy can be crucial to post-surgery rehabilitation. Treatments that promote healing are often used to help patients make a quick and complete recovery. When it comes to healing-centered treatment, the Graston Technique is among the most effective methods. By improving the flow of nutrients in your body, this manual technique can help ensure that your soft tissue gets what it needs to heal.
How does the Graston Technique work in physical therapy?
The Graston Technique involves a few specific steps to address issues in the soft tissue. One thing the Graston Technique does well is eliminate soft tissue restrictions. A soft tissue restriction occurs when a specific muscle or ligament is unable to stretch normally. This can limit your range of motion and cause other symptoms. The Graston Technique can help improve your mobility and alleviate other symptoms such as chronic pain. The first step in addressing any soft tissue injury is a thorough assessment. During the assessment, your physical therapist will analyze your condition and seek to pinpoint the source of your symptoms. Understanding the root of your soft tissue problem can be very helpful in the treatment phase.
Once your physical therapist knows which areas to target, they can start using the Graston instruments. These are smooth steel instruments designed to focus your physical therapist’s motions. By applying targeted strokes and controlled pressure, your physical therapist will work to break up muscle knots and scar tissue. The instruments can also stimulate blood flow, speeding up your body’s natural healing processes. This can promote the formation of healthy tissue in an injured area. To optimize the results of the Graston Technique, your physical therapist will likely incorporate it into your treatment alongside other forms of therapy. A holistic treatment plan helps ensure a well-rounded recovery process.
Get treated with the Graston Technique at a Lattimore Physical Therapy clinic near you
Looking for a clinic that utilizes the Graston Technique? Lattimore Physical Therapy can help you get the treatment you need. You can receive Graston therapy at our offices in East Rochester – Pianoworks and Elmwood. In addition to the Graston Technique, our therapists are skilled in applying a wide array of top-notch PT techniques. Our team can help you engage in a comprehensive treatment plan designed to relieve your pain and deliver long-term benefits.
Contact our team today for more information or to schedule an initial appointment.
