Graston Technique
Graston Technique, or instrument assisted soft tissue mobilization (IASTM), is a technique provided by Mishock Physical Therapy & Associates to help relieve pain, enhance soft tissue healing and improve patient function.
Following over-use or traumatic injury of soft tissues (muscle, tendon and ligament), our body attempts to repair the damaged tissue by creating adhesions and scar formation, much like what happens following a scrape or cut of the skin. However, often this scar formation is laid down in abnormal ways that reduce the healing tissues’ strength, flexibility and durability. This lack of proper healing can lead to a slowed healing response or less resilient soft tissues that are apt to be reinjured.
The Graston Technique, or IASTM, uses stainless steel instruments to help diagnosis and treat dysfunctional soft tissue. When the physical therapist gently glides the tool on the injured area, the therapist and the patient can sense the granular, knotted or bandlike feel of the tissue. The tool actually amplifies the sense of touch, much like a stethoscope amplifies the sound of the heartbeat.
For treatment of the soft tissue, the instrument is used in a precise gentle way to “break up” the restrictions or adhesions in the soft tissue. Other manual therapy techniques (ART, myofascial release, mobilization, manipulation), stretching, strengthening and functional reconditioning exercises are then used to promote scar realignment and soft tissue fiber strength. This technique and other manual therapy techniques have been shown through scientific research to enhance healing of damaged soft tissues, reduce pain and expedite return to work, sports or everyday life.
The Graston Technique is currently being used by many professional and university sports teams, hospitals, clinics and work injury providers. Furthermore, there are a number of research studies demonstrating the technique’s clinical efficacy.
More common diagnoses that respond well to Graston Technique: cervical/thoracic/lumbar sprain/strain, wrist tendonitis, rotator cuff tendonitis, post-surgical scars, patellar tendonitis, de Quervain syndrome, iliotibial band syndrome, sacroiliac dysfunction, medial/lateral epicondylitis, plantar fasciitis, Achilles tendon pain and ankle sprains.
If pain is limiting you from doing the activities you enjoy, give Mishock Physical Therapy a call for a free phone consultation at (610) 327-2600 or email your questions to mishockpt@comcast.net. Also, visit our website at www.mishockpt.com to learn more about our treatment philosophy, our physical therapy staff and our six convenient locations in Gilbertsville, Skippack, Phoenixville, Barto, Limerick and Stowe
Dr. John Mishock is one of only a few clinicians with doctorate level degrees in both physical therapy and chiropractic in the state of Pennsylvania.