Graston Technique

Instrument assisted soft tissue manipulation (IASTM) including the Graston Technique is a unique manual therapy that can be added to massage therapy and chiropractor treatments. IASTM involves using stainless steel tools to rub on the skin.

Muscles, tendons, ligaments, and fascia can play an integral part in pain and can also influence how well you move. IASTM and Graston technique creates a new signal to the brain that changes the perception of pain as well as alters the environment in your tissues. This leads to decreased pain in these tissues, reduced muscle tension, and improved range of motion.

Graston Technique taking place during a massage at Calgary's MPH clinic

Here are some of the most common way Graston technique can improve soft tissue injuries:

Increasing the pliability of tissues to allow better stretch and less injury
Changing the input from painful areas into the brain, hence changing pain sensation
Increasing activity of the specific cells (fibroblasts) responsible for building new, strong soft tissue
Increasing activity of the “garbage man” cells in tissues to help clean up excess
Increasing blood flow to the painful area, allowing for removal of hazardous inflammatory by-products
Remodeling of permanently misaligned fibres in tendons and ligaments

Overall, the expected outcome of IASTM and Graston Technique is the stimulation of tissue repair, leading to decreased pain and stiffness, increased range of motion and function, and decreased total treatment time.