Graston Technique – A Better Way to Treat Overused Muscles?

April 19, 2013
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Graston Techniques for overused muscles | Innovative Health

Graston Techniques for overused muscles | Innovative Health

Overused muscles can be a common complaint for athletes, office workers, and anyone leading an active lifestyle. When traditional methods like rest and ice fall short, many turn to alternative therapies like the Graston Technique for relief. In this article, we’ll explore what the Graston Techniques is, how it works, its benefits, and more.

Introduction to Graston Techniques

The Graston Techniques is a form of manual therapy used to treat soft tissue injuries and overused muscles. It involves the use of specialized instruments to detect and break down scar tissue and fascial restrictions within the muscles.

Understanding Overused Muscles

Overused muscles occur when repetitive motions or excessive strain cause microtrauma and inflammation in the muscle fibers. This can lead to pain, stiffness, and decreased range of motion.

Traditional Treatment Methods

Before exploring the Graston Technique, it’s essential to understand traditional treatment methods for overused muscles. These may include physical therapy, rest, ice, and over-the-counter pain medications.

 

Is Graston Effective?

One of the benefits of the Graston Techniques is each treatment is customized to the individual. Every session is a combination of examination and treatment using tools and techniques to evaluate the texture, tightness, and movement of muscles, fascia, tendons, ligaments, and nerves. The technique is proven to reduce overall treatment time, reduce the need for anti-inflammatory medication, and resolve chronic conditions often thought to be permanent.

 

Treating Overused Muscles

For a recent injury or strain, there are some steps to take immediately:

  1. Take your weight off the injury to rest the affected muscle area. For leg muscle strains, elevate the leg to reduce inflammation.
  2. Apply an ice pack. Remember not to leave it on for too long or you may run the risk of increased damage to the tissue.
  3. Increase protein intake to help support muscle healing.

Strained muscles are very common, but when left untreated can generate scar tissue. For prolonged overuse, it is prudent to seek the advice of a professional to diagnose the issue. Fortunately, we have the Graston Techniques for treating overused muscles and soft tissue strains, giving you other treatment options to consider.

What is the Graston Technique?

The Graston Technique utilizes specially designed stainless steel instruments to massage and scrape the affected muscles. This helps to break down scar tissue, improve blood flow, and promote healing.

It happens, especially this time of year. The sun is shining, birds are singing, and you are energized. You spend your time doing yard work, or cleaning out the garage, or picking up a quick game of softball or soccer with the kids. After a long winter’s nap, your muscles are typically not ready for all the extra activity. Thank goodness for the Graston Technique®, an innovative method for treating overused muscles and soft tissue that speeds up recovery time.

The Graston Technique is a patented form of instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization. The technique uses specially designed instruments to detect and treat areas with chronic inflammation, scar tissue, and fascial restrictions.

The technique was originally developed by athletes and is effective in treating chronically tight or sore spots. Many conditions are resolved quickly by using Graston, primarily because they all have one thing in common – overused muscles or repetitive stress. These include:

  • Back pain
  • Neck pain
  • Shin splints
  • Shoulder pain
  • Sciatica
  • Plantar Fasciitis
  • Knee problems
  • Tennis elbow

When you strain your muscles and soft tissue they are impacted in three ways:

  • Acute conditions, such as pulls, tears, collisions.
  • Accumulation of small tears or micro-trauma.
  • Not getting enough oxygen, is known as hypoxia.

Any of these factors cause your body to produce dense scar tissue in the affected area. Scar tissue binds up, tying down underlying tissues that long to move freely. Scar tissue build-up also causes muscles to become shorter and weaker, creating tension on tendons (which can lead to tendinosis) and often trapping nerves. All this can lead to a reduced range of motion, loss of strength, and pain.

Benefits of the Graston Technique

One of the primary benefits of the Graston Technique is its ability to accelerate the healing process. By targeting scar tissue and adhesions, it can help patients experience faster recovery times, improved range of motion, and reduced pain and inflammation.

Conditions Treated with Graston Technique

The Graston Technique can be used to treat a variety of conditions, including tendinitis, scar tissue buildup, and plantar fasciitis.

Safety and Side Effects

While generally safe, some patients may experience discomfort during Graston Technique sessions. Rare risks include bruising and skin irritation.

How to Prepare for a Graston Technique Session

Before undergoing a Graston Technique session, it’s essential to stay hydrated and wear comfortable clothing that allows for easy access to the treatment area.

 

What to Expect During a Graston Technique Session

During a Graston Technique session, patients may experience sensations ranging from mild discomfort to intense pressure as the practitioner works to break down scar tissue. Sessions typically last between 10 to 30 minutes.

 

Post-Treatment Care and Recovery

After a Graston Technique session, it’s crucial to stay hydrated, eat a nutritious diet, and follow any prescribed exercises or stretches to maintain the results.

 

Comparing Graston Technique with Other Therapies

The Graston Technique is often compared with other manual therapies like Active Release Technique (ART) and Instrument Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization (IASTM). While each approach has its unique benefits, the Graston Technique is known for its effectiveness in treating scar tissue and fascial restrictions.

 

Case Studies and Success Stories

Numerous case studies and success stories highlight the effectiveness of the Graston Technique in treating a wide range of soft tissue injuries and overuse conditions.

 

Finding a Qualified Practitioner

To ensure safe and effective treatment, it’s essential to seek out a qualified practitioner trained in the Graston Technique.

 

Conclusion

The Graston Techniques offers a promising alternative for individuals seeking relief from overused muscles and soft tissue injuries. Its ability to target scar tissue and fascial restrictions sets it apart from traditional treatment methods, making it a valuable tool in the field of manual therapy.

 

FAQs

 

Is the Graston Techniques painful?

While some discomfort may be experienced during treatment, many patients find the results well worth it.

 

How many Graston Technique sessions are needed?

The number of sessions required varies depending on the severity of the condition and individual response to treatment.

 

Is the Graston Techniques covered by insurance?

Coverage may vary depending on the insurance provider and individual policy.

 

Can anyone undergo the Graston Techniques?

Most individuals can safely undergo the Graston Techniques, but it’s essential to consult with a healthcare professional to determine suitability.

 

Are there any contraindications for the Graston Techniques?

Individuals with certain medical conditions or injuries may not be suitable candidates for the Graston Techniques.

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