Excel PT: Graston Technique

Excel PT: Graston Technique

THE NEWSLETTER ABOUT YOUR HEALTH AND CARING FOR YOUR BODY Health Tips Newsletter

HOW THE GRASTON TECHNIQUE CAN HELP YOU FEEL YOUR BEST

Graston technique is a form of Instrument-Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization (IASTM) often used by physical therapists when treating injuries involving soft tissue damage, including muscles and tendons. (continued inside)

By Caroline Hodgins, PT, DPT

INSIDE : • How The Graston Technique Can Help You... • Featured Physical Therapist

• Patient Success Spotlight • Complimentary Assessment

Visit: excelphysicaltherapy.com

HEALTH AND CARING FOR YOUR BODY Health Tips Newsletter

HOW THE GRASTON

TECHNIQUE CAN HELP YOU FEEL YOUR BEST

INSIDE :

• Featured Physical Therapist • Complimentary Assessment

• Exercise Of The Month • Patient Success Spotlight

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. The increased blood flow from IASTM can immediately provide temporary pain relief, as well as improve flexibility of the area. This allows the 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.

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How does it work? There are 6 different Graston 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

By Caroline Hodgins, PT, DPT

bumps that are present in muscles. This can help the physical therapist better detect the problem area and also help the 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

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STRUGGLING WITH AN INJURY OR PAIN? NO REFERRAL NEEDED - CALL 866-88-EXCEL TODAY!

Nicole Torlincasi, PT, DPT Therapist at our Pottstown cl inic location. FEATURED PT

So What Is The Graston Technique Anyway?

1. Why did you decide to become a physical therapist and what motivates you to work with patients? I have always been interested in the human body and have been amazed at how everything is connected and works together. As an athlete, I needed PT myself. I loved the atmosphere and how personable

the experience was and thought I would enjoy helping people the same way my PT helped me. The rewarding feeling of helping someone achieve their goals to live their desired lifestyle makes everything worth it, and motivates me to continue leaning so I can continue to help them. 2. In your words, what makes Excel Physical Therapy different from other physical therapy clinics? Excel provides patients with more 1 on 1 time with the PT, which allows for individualized plans of care related to their goals. 3. What was your most memorable patient experience? My most memorable patient experience, to date, has been helping someone who has been in pain for years, with previous failed attempts of PT, begin to have pain-free days and restore their quality of life.

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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 the patient is resting, while the physical therapist is stretching the patient, or even while the patient is doing an exercise, depending on the stage of the injury. After IASTM, the patient will go through a series of exercises specific to their diagnosis and functional limitations. IASTM may help to reduce pain with these activities and allow the patient to use their muscles more efficiently to better heal.

4. If you could be any animal, what would it be and why? I would be a dog because they have the ability to make any day a better day and bring people joy. Getting treats would be an added bonus.

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

5. If you could describe yourself in one word what would it be and why? Persistent- I am always striving to go above and beyond to better myself, as well as my patients, and rise to any challenge.

6. What do you like to do in your off time, outside the clinic? Outside the clinic, I enjoy spending time with family and friends, staying active, getting outdoors and doing things with my pup, Levi. I also really enjoy cooking and trying out new recipes!

If you 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.

CONTACT US TODAY TO SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT! TELEHEALTH APPOINTMENTS AVAILABLE excelphysicaltherapy.com 866-88-EXCEL

“I have been suffering 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 starting physical therapy with Jean Scott, PT, DPT, my life completely changed. I could see that I started correcting my posture, the way I sleep, even the kind of shoes I wore. Jean performed a technique called Graston; I strongly believe 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 all the help she has given me. It is a great sensation to feel you are pain-free!! Thank You!” - D.A. (Levittown Clinic Patient) Patient Success Spotlight “It is a great sensation to feel you are pain-free!! Thank You!”

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• Balance & Vestibular Rehab • Concussion Rehab Program • Functional Movement Screens (FMS) • LSVT Big Therapy

• Manual Therapy – ART & Graston Techniques • McKenzie Method • Pelvic Health • Pre- & Post-Surgical Rehab • TMD (Temperalmandibular Dysfunction)

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You will use two fingertips to firmly press against the central area of the scar. Do not use any lubricants for this exercise. Gently push the skin in a circle WITHOUT SLIDING the skin. Hold for 2-3 seconds, then return to start. Repeat this gentle pushing of the skin up and down, and then left to right. Attempt to move the scar in all four directions. If the scar is wider than your fingertips, repeat along every point of the scar. SCAR FRICTION MASSAGE EXERCISE OF THE MONTH

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