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Graston presents a common modality in pain management therapy. Dive into its application and those capable of executing it.
Graston, a patented manual therapy technique, employs stainless steel instruments to conduct muscle mobilizations procedures.
It's a type of soft tissue mobilization predominantly used by chiropractors, physical therapists, and masseurs. It's applied to address various issues such as neck pain, muscle stiffness, widespread muscle pain, and muscle sclerosis.
This technique is often under the radar, yet professional sports organizations heavily leverage its benefits.
Being a technique requiring thorough training, finding someone deeply versed in it is also challenging in Vietnam.
How is Graston Technique performed?
Think of Graston technique as a form of massage, but much stronger and deeper.
Doctors will utilize specially designed tools dedicated to Graston.
Firstly, identifying areas with muscle knots or restricted movement is essential. They'll use tools to glide over your body to pinpoint problematic spots causing pain or hindrance in movement.
Then, they'll use tools to break up those muscle knots by inducing inflammation right at the problematic area. This inflammation will stimulate the body's healing process, eliminating scar tissue, releasing adhesions, and enhancing blood circulation to provide nutrients to the injured area, thereby restoring muscle flexibility.
Graston Technique can address underlying muscle issues, but its effectiveness also relies on the practitioner's skill and the patient's pain tolerance.
Here's a brief clip showcasing the procedure.
As the tool moves to the affected area, it encounters adhesions and breaks them up. Over time, this process eliminates scar tissue, restores muscle mobility, and alleviates associated pain.
The ultimate goal of Graston is to transform soft tissue injuries into healthy, functional tissue.
Why opt for Graston technique to eliminate scar tissue?
Scars are thick tissues that often develop post-injury. The more they accumulate, the narrower your range of motion becomes, leading to pain and functional impairment. Graston technique addresses these issues effectively.
Graston technique doesn't operate alone but typically follows a series of warm-up exercises, then Graston therapy, and finally stretching and strengthening exercises.
Ice may also be incorporated if there's acute inflammation during the process.
What can Graston technique treat?
According to the official Graston website, it has been clinically proven to treat the following issues:
Image of an athlete after undergoing Graston
5 benefits of applying Graston technique
1. Reduce treatment and recovery time
When a patient chooses to utilize Graston technique as part of their treatment plan, the recovery time will undoubtedly decrease significantly. Unlike ignoring the pain or using painkillers to numb it, Graston technique addresses the root cause, so instead of waiting for the pain to subside, take action to expedite its relief.
2. Decrease reliance on pain medication
If you have a habit of using pain medication, it's advisable to stop using it because painkillers don't cure you of the pain; they may even lead to additional health issues such as gastric ulcers, kidney failure, etc.
With Graston technique, it increases skin temperature, enhances blood circulation to the injured area, eliminates toxins and dead cells, stimulates the body's healing process, helping you truly alleviate pain rather than just numb it.
3. Improve chronic issues
Chronic issues are truly the most discomforting, especially those related to daily or even hourly pain and discomfort. Many have found relief from such conditions through Graston.
4. Address trigger finger condition
Trigger finger is a condition where your finger is bent (like a gun trigger) and it's quite painful when affected. It can be caused by conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, gout, or diabetes.
5. Alleviate post-thigh and lower back pain
A 2017 study investigated the effectiveness of Graston technique compared to conventional stretching techniques in patients with lower back pain.
24 individuals were divided into 2 groups, one using stretching method, the other using Graston technique.
The result is both groups showed significant improvement, however, the group utilizing Graston technique yielded better outcomes.
What are the considerations when applying Graston technique?
Graston technique must be performed by trained and certified experts to be qualified. When performed by an expert, it's a very safe technique.
The most common side effects of Graston technique include discomfort during the procedure and subsequent bruising and mild soreness.
Graston technique doesn't have to be extremely painful to be effective, so speak up to the practitioner if you feel too much discomfort so they can adjust the intensity appropriately without causing you undue discomfort.
Posted by: John Doe
Keywords: What is Graston technique? – Why should you apply this technique in recovery
