TotalPerformancePT.Graston Technique

TotalPerformancePT.Graston Technique

PHYSICAL THERAPY N E W S L E T T E R

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.

GRASTON TECHNIQUE HOW IT CAN HELP YOU TO FEEL YOUR BEST

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ALSO INSIDE: • So What Is The Graston Technique, Anyway? • Tips For Planting A Potted Herb Garden

• Healthy Recipe • COVID Update

PHYS I CAL THERAPY N E W S L E T T E R

GRASTON TECHNIQUE HOW IT CAN HELP YOU TO FEEL YOUR BEST

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 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 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 the 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 the 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.

Learn more by visiting our website at TotalPerformancePT.com or schedule your consultation today by calling 215.997.9898 !

S O W H A T I S T H E GRASTON TECHNIQUE, ANYWAY?

A typical treatment session at Total Performance that involves IASTMmay 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 while in a stretch depending on the patient. Total Performance’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. At Total Performance Physical Therapy, the Graston Technique is one of many tools in our toolbox.

If you are recovering from an injury or experiencing muscle aches and pain, contact us today! Our therapists can get you back to leading the pain-free life you deserve! Scan the QR code to book your appointment now!

EXERCISE ESSENTIALS Helps relieve pain from scar tissue.

Hear Why Our Patients Love Us! Highly recommend Total Performance Physical Therapy! I am an avid runner, hiker, XC skier - just an all round lover of outdoor adventure. A recent nagging, recurring Achilles pain though, sent me in search of a PT practice with a sports medicine focus. After reading their reviews, I decided to give Total Performance a try. Best decision ever! Everyone there was professional, friendly and just as serious about my recovery and reaching my goals as I was! I worked mainly with Dr. Dan Murphy; he is highly knowledgeable and his passion for his field shines through in his process and patient interaction. He assessed and isolated the root cause(s) of my pain, then developed a dynamic exercise program to get me back out there logging pain free miles. Each session I knew (and counted on!) that Dan was going to give me new, ever-challenging exercises increasing my strength and stability, bring my body back into balance. It was hard work, but a fun and positive office atmosphere made the sessions fly by! Total Performance PT: Stronger, faster, better - indeed! Thank you! — C.S.

SCAR FRICTION MASSAGE 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. Always consult with your physical therapist before performing an exercise in order to relieve pain.

Learn more by visiting our website at TotalPerformancePT.com or schedule your consultation today by calling 215.997.9898 !

C O V I D U P D AT E

W E A R E G E T T I N G V A C C I N A T E D !

There is a rise in COVID right now however, PT is an essential business, sowe plan to stay open and continue to serve you. We want to take a moment to thank our patients for their continued support throughout 2020

W E ’ R E T A K I N G P R E C A U T I O N A R Y S T E P S

AVOIDING HUGS OR SHAKING OF HANDS

WASHING YOUR HANDS REGULARLY

AVOID TOUCHING YOUR FACE WITH YOUR HANDS

TIPS FOR PLANTING A POTTED HERB GARDEN

At Total Performance, we arededicated tohelping youfindactivities that you enjoy that’ll get you moving and out in the sunshine! One spring activity we think you may enjoy is planting a potted herb garden. Follow our tips below or contact our clinic for more info on how you can enjoy the spring while still protecting yourself! 1. Discover what herbs will work best for you. Do you find yourself frequently cookingwith certainherbs? Insteadofmaking another trip to thegrocery store, youcangrowthemright inyour backyard! 2. Make sure you have enough room for each herb to grow and thrive. A commonmistakewhenplanting a garden is not allowing enough room for plants to grow. 3. Make sure your herb garden is in the right light. Be sure to check the lightingandwatering requirements for eachherbyoupurchase. Looking for more spring activities? For more tips, don’t hesitate to contact Total Performance today! We can help you enjoy a fun and safe spring.

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EXERCISE ESSENTIALS

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INGREDIENTS • 1 cup frozen strawberries • 1/4 cup frozen raspberries • 1/4 cup blueberries • ½ – 1 small beet frozen

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Show or mention this coupon during your visit, or call 215.997.9898 to redeem this offer. This offer expires on April 30, 2021

Learn more by visiting our website at TotalPerformancePT.com or schedule your consultation today by calling 215.997.9898 !