At first glance, the Graston Technique® (GT) may look like a scary or even painful form of treatment. However, despite the fact that handheld, stainless steel instruments —which may appear intimidating— are used to assist practitioners with the process, GT is an innovative, yet proven method, designed to detect and treat areas with scar tissue adhesions, fascial restrictions, and limited range of motion. As a result, if you or someone you know is suffering from chronic inflammation or soft tissue fibrosis in the Bozeman area, consider trying an alternative form of therapy, like the Graston Technique, to alleviate symptoms in an effective and natural way, today.

Origin and Background

The Graston Technique is an interdisciplinary treatment, which uses instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization (IASTM) to address a variety of injuries and physical conditions. According to the official GT website, the technique’s specific protocol and tools have been a recognized, influential part of the manual therapy industry for more than 20 years.

Appropriately named, the method was originally developed by an amateur athlete, David Graston, who discovered the advantages of massaging his knee with uniquely designed tools in an attempt to treat a personal injury. After noticing remarkable personal success —which he had been unable to achieve through surgery and conventional therapy— the pioneer took his findings to Ball State University and Ball Memorial Hospital in Indiana, where he collaborated with researchers and medical professionals to develop the procedure and its necessary instruments further.

Today, thousands of clinicians all over the world, including Dr. Reza in Bozeman, incorporate his patented methodology and instruments into their work. Some of the advantages patients have noticed, after experiencing the Graston Technique include:

  • Chronic conditions resolved
  • Reduced need for anti-inflammatory medicine
  • Shorter treatment time, and a faster recovery

How Does the Graston Technique Work?

Typically, the GT practitioner will employ extremely precise, calculated techniques with his or her tools in order to relieve pain and inflammation in a specific area. Although it is not uncommon for patients to experience some mild discomfort during treatment, the duration of the procedure is often very short (generally, between 30 and 60 seconds per area). After the session, there may be some bruising, as well; it should be noted that GT therapy is not designed to cause excessive pain or bruising.

It is also important to keep in mind that the Graston Technique is never used completely on its own. More specifically, the typical protocol begins with a warm-up exercise, then GT treatment, followed by stretching, strengthening, and ice if necessary.

Who Can Benefit from Treatment?

Anyone in the Bozeman area with a soft-tissue injury can take advantage of the positive effects associated with the Graston Technique. From elite athletes to everyday patients, many have noticed drastic improvements following treatments, and so can you.

In particular, chronic or acute conditions and disorders that have benefitted from GT therapy include:

  • Achilles Tendonitis
  • Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
  • Cervical Sprain or Strain (neck pain)
  • Fibromyalgia
  • Lumbar Sprain or Strain (back pain)
  • Plantar Fasciitis (foot pain)
  • Shin Splints
  • Scar Tissue
  • Women’s Health (post-mastectomy and cesarean scarring)

Depending on the severity of the condition, most patients benefit from one to two treatments per week and begin to experience substantial improvements associated with GT by the third or fourth session. Furthermore, most injuries are resolved after four or five weeks of consistent therapy in Bozeman.

Call Reza Chiropractic to Reap the Benefits of the Graston Technique

If you are looking for a clinician certified in performing the patented procedure, call a trusted, well-educated chiropractor like Dr. Reza Ghassemi in Bozeman. In addition to his Doctor of Chiropractic, he holds a Bachelor of Arts in Biology, as well as a Physical Therapy degree. No stranger to alternative therapies, Dr. Ghassemi is a certified Interactive Metronome provider, a certified Kinesio Taping practitioner, and he has been trained by industry leaders in GT. Contact Reza Chiropractic or call today at (406) 920-1807 to discover what the Graston Technique can do for you in Bozeman today.