The Graston Technique

Anyone who has ever skinned a knee or sustained a cut knows about “scar tissue,” which is the result of the body’s natural ability to repair injuries. A healed cut or scrape often looks and feels different from the surrounding skin. Scar tissue generally lacks the strength and flexibility of normal skin.

Internal injury to muscle and tissue – perhaps so minor you might not have even realized you were injured – also can result in the formation of scar tissue on the inside as the body works to repair torn or strained tissue. And over time, this fibrous scar tissue can lead to pain and reduced range of motion due to its reduced flexibility and its adhesion to other tissue. Sometimes, internal scar tissue can even painfully constrict or entrap a nerve.

A treatment called the Graston Technique, performed at LiveWell Chiropractic and Wellness Center, allows Dr. Ridley to detect and treat areas of scar tissue and adhesions in muscles, tendons, and ligaments. The Graston Technique uses a set of stainless steel instruments that are drawn over the skin to the affected area, and gently “break up” the scar tissue or adhesion. Since many injuries produce inflammation, muscle changes and scar tissue, this approach is helpful in creating significant, long-term changes to soft tissues throughout your body.

Dr. Ridley’s stainless steel hand instruments allow a deeper, more sensitive detection and treatment of deep restricted tissues. Their concave/convex shapes mold to the various contours of the body for greater comfort and effectiveness. As the instruments are pulled across adhesions and scar tissue, patients often report a temporary tightening, then a pleasant sense of release and wider range of motion. Repeated visits help Dr. Ridley resolve these areas of scar tissue and improve muscle tone. Most patients have a positive response after one to three treatments.

Originally developed for the treatment of athletic injuries, the Graston Technique has been very successful in treating both acute and chronic soft tissue injuries. Graston can be used to help with plantar fascitiis (burning foot pain), sciatica, carpal tunnel, TMJ (tempormandibular joint), knee, elbow and shoulder problems, tight hamstrings or quadriceps -- any place in the body with scar tissue and adhesions. Recovery time is faster than with other conventional treatment methods, and there is a reduced need for anti-inflammatory medications. The Graston Technique can resolve even long-standing conditions you may have thought were permanent.

Dr. Ridley advises Graston patients not to be discouraged by initial soreness or bruising at the treatment site. This is a positive sign that the scar tissue has been broken up and restrictions have been released. Soreness is usually minimized after 48 to 72 hours, and can be controlled with ice and stretching. Stretching and strengthening exercises are given to Graston patients to enable them to maintain the release of scar tissue, restrictions, and adhesions. Additionally, Dr. Ridley recommends increased water intake, usually 6 to 8 glasses of water per day, to promote proper healing.