Do I Need the Graston Technique?
Do you find yourself dealing with constant chronic pain in the back, neck, and shoulders? Are you struggling with debilitating carpal tunnel syndrome, or another type of overuse injury that makes movement painful? If so, the Graston Technique may be able to help.
Dr. El Nina Valencia at Prestige Health and Wellness occasionally recommends the Graston Technique to patients seeking a noninvasive treatment option for soft tissue injuries.
The Graston Technique might be a good treatment for you if you’re experiencing the following:
- Chronic pain
- Plantar fasciitis
- Post-surgical scar tissue
Continue reading to learn more about the Graston Technique for soft tissue mobilization, how it works, and other conditions it can treat.
What is the Graston Technique?
The Graston Technique uses specialized instruments to assess and treat soft tissue injuries, enhancing blood flow and healing. These instruments are made of stainless steel and can be used to detect, separate, and break down areas of excessive scar tissue while providing heat to stimulate blood flow and combat inflammation. This modality can support patients who’ve developed soft tissue injuries in NYC due to car accidents, overuse, sprains, and other trauma.
How Does the Graston Technique Work?
During an actual Graston Technique session, your provider will use the special stainless-steel instruments to scan muscles and soft tissues, looking for scars and adhesions. Typically, the procedure is practiced by physical therapists, occupational therapists, athletic trainers, chiropractors, and licensed massage therapists.
From there, controlled pressure is administered to the affected areas to break down scar tissue and mobilize the soft tissue. Each session lasts 15 to 30 minutes. We recommend multiple sessions to achieve the most beneficial results. You and your provider can assess the frequency you’d require to return to your desired Manhattan lifestyle.
The Graston Technique has been very successful among athletes and other individuals for pain relief, increased muscle flexibility, and increased range of motion. In fact, one study using the Graston Technique on ten patients with plantar fasciitis showed significant improvements in pain symptoms. Researchers also noted that patients experienced an increase in their range of motion.
Therefore, if you cannot complete your day-to-day job in Manhattan due to pain and other symptoms of a soft tissue injury, the Graston Technique for soft tissue mobilization may prove extremely beneficial.
What Conditions Does the Graston Technique Treat?
The Graston Technique is often used to treat the following conditions and their associated symptoms:
Plantar Fasciitis
Plantar fasciitis occurs when the plantar fascia (the thick fibrous tissue that connects the heel bone to the toes) becomes inflamed. Common indicators of this condition include:
- Pain in the heel or bottom arch of the foot
- Pain that is worse in the morning or after periods of inactivity
- Tight Achilles tendon
- Stiffness
Tennis Elbow
Tennis elbow (also known as lateral epicondylitis) is an overuse injury that develops when the tendons connecting the forearm to the elbow become inflamed. Symptoms of this condition are:
- Pain or aches along the outside of the forearm or elbow
- Pain when bending or straightening the wrist
- Weak grip
- Tenderness in the affected area
Scar Tissue
Scar tissue describes a collection of cells and collagen that gather over the site of an injury or area affected by surgery or disease. Indicators include:
- Red or pink raised area on the skin
- Pain
- Itching
- Difficulty moving
Visit The Best Place in NYC For The Graston Technique
If you want to see if the Graston technique is the best treatment for you and if your insurance covers it, please call us at 212-393-4673 or book an appointment today.
We look forward to seeing you at one of our locations in Manhattan NYC:
