Excel PT: Graston Technique

Excel PT: Graston Technique

EXCEL PHYSICAL THERAPY PHYSICIAN UPDATE

A Courtesy Publication for the Medical Community

HOW THE GRASTON TECHNIQUE CAN HELP YOUR PATIENTS FEEL THEIR BEST

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EXC PHYSI

A Courtesy Publication fo

How The Graston Technique Can H

Graston technique is a form of Instrument-Assisted Soft Tissue Mob i l i zat i on ( IASTM) of ten used by physical therapists when treating injuries involving soft tissue damage, including muscles and tendons. How does it work? There are 6 different Graston

By Caroline Hodgins, PT, DPT

tools in a variety of shapes to help treat different areas of the body based on tissue composition. The instruments are very helpful compared to using the clinician’s hands because they can help detect abnormal tissue textures or bumps that are present in muscles. This can help the physical therapist better detect the problem area and also help your patient to recognize areas that are contributing to their pain. How does it help? IASTM is often used to help treat inflamed tendons or fascia from overuse injuries, areas that are painful from sprains, areas that are tight from surgical scars, or areas that are causing nerves to be entrapped. This includes commonly known injuries, such as tennis elbow, Achilles pain, plantar fasciitis, ankle sprains, and carpal tunnel, just to name a few. In addition to helping find the areas that feel abnormal, there are many scientific reasons that IASTM is beneficial. IASTM has been proven to increase activity of fibroblasts which are the cells that help produce collagen which makes up connective tissues, facilitating healing of injured tissues. Additionally, the pressure applied when using IASTM causes the cells to respond and communicate more – the pressure to the area helps to increase blood flow which helps to increase the healing process.

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Help Your Patients Feel Their Best

The increased blood flow from IASTM can immediately provide temporary pain relief, as well as improve flexibility of the area. This allows your patient to complete exercises or stretches with diminished or abolished pain, as well as through an increased range of motion which can help improve recovery time. A typical treatment session at Excel that involves IASTM may start with a warm-up to get the treatment area moving – this can be active such as on a bicycle or passive, such as with heat whi le in a stretch depending on the patient. Excel ’s model allows for hands-on time and one-on-one time with the therapist to discuss causes of pain and activities that are difficult. If IASTM is appropriate, the therapist will spend a few minutes working on the area. IASTM can be applied while your patient is resting, while the physical therapist is stretching your patient, or even while your patient is doing an exercise, depending on the stage of the injury. After IASTM, your patient wi l l go through a series of exercises specific to their diagnosis and functional l imi tat ions. IASTM may help to reduce pain wi th these activities and allow your patient to use their muscles more efficiently to better heal.

At Excel Physical Therapy, the Graston Technique is one of many tools in our toolbox.

If your patients are recovering from an injury or experiencing muscle aches and pain, give us a call for a complimentary screening at one of our 35 convenient locations.

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Patient Success Spotlight

“ I have been suffer ing from upper back pain and pain in my left foot and ankle for several years. I was not able to put a lot of pressure on my left foot; it was hard to walk and go up and down the stairs. Regarding my upper back, shoulders and neck, I was in constant pain. I was not able to stretch my arm completely above my head, it was hard to even blow dry my hair. After star ting physical therapy with Jean Scott , PT, DPT, my l ife completely changed. I could see that I star ted correcting my posture, the way I sleep, even the kind of shoes I wore. Jean performed a technique cal led Graston; I strongly bel ieve that this was the key to my recovery. Jean also gave me exercises to do at home and I did them consistently. Thanks to her, I am completely pain-free and able to move again. I am so grateful for al l the help she has given me. It is a great sensation to feel you are pain- free! ! Thank You!” - D.A. (Levittown Clinic Patient) “It is a great sensation to feel you are pain- free!! Thank You!”

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