Graston Technique
Active Health & Pain Relief Center of Milford CT is proud to offer Graston Technique to our patients. The reason we decided to add yet another treatment to our long list of current treatment options is simple. It gives us one more way to help people get better faster.
Graston Technique was initially developed to work on athletes with overuse conditions that lead to scar tissue build up. The same principles apply to Active Release Techniques (ART) but are done using specifically designed tools. These tools are designed to get into the places that a thumb or finger contact cant get to when using ART.
When treating conditions such as ankle sprains, carpal tunnel, wrist injuries or any area with a small tendon or ligament is injured Graston is very effective in breaking up scar tissue and restoring normal function to that area.
In my experience Graston can be integrated with our other physical therapies seamlessly. For example, If I were to treat a tennis or golfers elbow I would heat the area for a few minutes to increase blood flow to the area. The heat softens the tissue making the treatment more comfortable. Therapeutic ultrasound may be used as well to reduce pain and increase blood flow. I would perform a few passes with ART throughout the affected area and assess our current progress or areas that are still symptomatic. I am feeling for any built up scar tissue or tightness in between muscles and tendons that may not be sliding against each other properly. Once the area or usually areas are pinpointed we continue to break up the tight muscle or accumulated scar tissue using ART. In this case Graston would be used at the tendon attachment point (where the muscle meets the bone). The edge of the Graston tool allows me to be very specific when treating the small focused attachment point. I have the option of using Acupuncture to further reduce pain and promote healing at the patient request. I may finish the treatment with some more ART passes and functionally brace the area with Kinesio tape. Ice will be recommended to the patient to regulate and reduce inflammation. Home stretches and exercises are then given to stretch and strengthen the area. A commitment by the patient to perform his or her home exercises is key in a long term resolution of any injury. In this case Joint Manipulation or Chiropractic care would not be necessary unless there was nerve involvement or a functional issue related to the cervical spine or associated musculature.
I hope this gives a little insight to what I do when treating an injury. Every injury is different on every patient so treatments and treatment plans greatly differ from patient to patient and from injury to injury. If you have any questions feel free to email me @ Dr.Mike@activehealthLLC.com or call the office 203-283-5404.
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