The Graston Technique: Instrument-Assisted Mobilization in Sports Medicine

Physical therapist, athletic trainers, and other health care professionals are always looking for new techniques or equipment that improve their ability to help clients or athletes. There are many certifications, equipment, and instruments that therapists can utilize; however, the Graston Technique (GT) has been growing in popularity over the past couple years with more therapists using it as another tool for the treatment of musculoskeletal injuries.

 According to www.grastontechnique.com, “Graston Technique is an innovative, patented form of instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization that enables clinicians to effectively break down scar tissue and fascial restrictions”. This technique uses six stainless steel instruments that allow the clinician to detect and correct the area of restriction. The tools come in different shapes and concavity that adapt to the contour of different body parts and regions, facilitating the identification of injured tissue.

The GT has been clinically proven to treat common chronic and acute injuries such as: Cervical sprain/strain, Lumbar sprain/strain, Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, Plantar Fasciitis, Medial Epicondylitis, Rotator Cuff Tendinosis, Patellofemoral Disorders, Achilles Tendinosis, and many other conditions (http://www.grastontechnique.com/Research_Reports.html for published research articles). Robin Pester, PT, ATC states "Graston Technique allows me to place my athletes in their sport-specific positions in order to precisely isolate and release soft tissue restrictions that are interfering with their optimal movement patterns. It has been a key factor in returning both my professional and recreational athletes to the top of their game, be it track & field, golf, triathlons or ultrarunning."

Athletic trainers, physical therapists, and other health-care professionals must be certified in GT before they can apply the technique on their clients. There is a basic course, or M1, in which the therapist develops an understanding of GT and how to apply it into the full spectrum of musculoskeletal treatment approaches. This is usually a two days course, but it is also offered at workshops or professional meetings. The cost of the 12 hour course is $550. There is an advance course, or M2, which goes into more details and treatment for specific injuries and cases. The M2 course is $650. 

As a Certified Athletic Trainer, I personally use the GT when I really want to get rid of that chronic scar tissue and restriction. I love the fact that the tools help to identify the affected area, so that I can focus the treatment session. With the GT, you can see the results immediately; the athlete’s range of motion is improved and restrictions are eliminated.