Graston Technique is a popular Instrumented Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization (IASTM) treatment. It effectively breaks down scar tissue and reduces inflammation that causes pain and restricted mobility. Used by a physical and occupational therapists, hand therapists, chiropractors and athletic trainers, the stainless steel instruments comb over and "catch" on fibrotic tissue, immediately identifying areas of restriction. The instruments enable clinicians to treat soft tissue lesions with the depth, pressure and specificity necessary to affect the condition at the site of the pain, as well as following the kinetic chain to find and treat the cause. Once the tissue dysfunction has been identified, the instruments break up the scar tissue so the body can absorb it.
Instrumented Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization (IASTM) is an evidence-based soft tissue manual therapy technique that uses specifically designed instruments to remove restrictions in muscles, tendons, and ligaments that may be leading to pain and disability. It also is used to detect soft tissue restrictions with more sensitivity than human palpation, allowing more specific treatment intervention.
Incorporating IASTM with therapeutic exercise and muscular re-education can expedite soft tissue recovery. Some common diagnoses that can be effectively treated with IASTM are tendonitis, neck/back pain, Tennis/Golfer’s Elbow, scar tissue limitations, and plantar fasciitis.
Contact Information:
Kathy Braun, PT, ATC
Phone: 202-660-1820
Fax: (703) 847-0293
Email: connect@ kathybraunpt.com
