Graston: Blades of Healing

Graston's: Blades of Healing

By: Kyle Magyar

    Those in the Physical Therapy world and Athletic Training world have all heard of these sleek, shiny, chrome, metal instruments called Graston tools. At first glance they look like something that could be taken out of a surgeon's medical bag. However, no matter how painful they look, they can bring comfort, if used properly. Though there are other tools like it, that other may use for rehab, the Graston tools seem to always have better results.

This is a relatively new technique that has started to show great promise. The instruments are polished pieces of metal, each formed in a specific manner as to do the proper job. Though you may be able to buy these, research and studying on how to use them is yet to be done.

What Graston’s does, is administer a therapeutic exercise to specifically detect and effectively treat areas exhibiting soft tissue fibrosis or chronic inflammation.1 By adding pressure to the skin with these tools, the administrator can feel any buildup of excess tissue in the body. With this knowledge the administrator can break up the tissue with the same tool and relieve any tension or tightness felt in joints, muscles, or tendons. This should not be used by just any person or family member. A certification is required to use these tools. These courses can be found online easily if anyone becomes interested in using the tools correctly.

Graston is successful due to its ability to mobilize soft tissue. Soft tissue mobilization breaks up inelastic or fibrous muscle tissue such as scar tissue, move tissue fluids, and relax muscle tension. This procedure consists of rhythmic stretching and deep pressure.2 It is knowing which way to move the tools and the pressure required for it that gives need to a certification. In such instances relieving tension in the cervical spine can be dangerous if done incorrectly, but the Graston tools allow us to do just that, with proper training. I hope this has sparked some interest in my readers. These tools are amazing and have the potential to help many people who are in pain. I had the opportunity to feel the cold steel instruments dig into my skin. Though some pain was felt, after I never had felt better.

References

1. Graston Technique. (2016) About. Retrieved from: http://www.grastontechnique.com/about
2. Science-Based Medicine. (December 29, 2009) The Graston Technique- Introducing Microtrauma with Instruments. Retrieved from: https://www.sciencebasedmedicine.org/the-graston-technique-inducing-microtrauma-with-instruments/

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