Graston Technique®
Instrument-assisted soft tissue treatment to help reduce pain, address restrictions, and restore mobility.
San Tan Physical Therapy uses a hands-on, individualized approach to help Queen Creek patients get back to the activities they enjoy.
What Is Graston Technique®?
Graston Technique® effectively detects and breaks down scar tissue, adhesions, and other restrictions in muscles, tendons, and ligaments. It can also help reduce inflammation associated with pain and restricted mobility.
Using stainless steel instruments, a clinician gently combs over the involved tissue. The instruments can “catch” on fibrotic tissue, helping identify areas of restriction. Once dysfunction is identified, the instruments are used to address scar tissue so the body can absorb it.
At San Tan Physical Therapy, Graston Technique® is used with the depth, pressure, and specificity needed to treat the painful area while also following the kinetic chain to help identify and address the source of the problem.
Identify Restrictions
Stainless steel instruments help the clinician detect fibrotic tissue, scar tissue, adhesions, and areas of soft-tissue restriction.
Treat the Tissue
The technique is applied with focused depth and pressure to help break down restrictions and support healthy tissue function.
Restore Movement
Graston Technique® is combined with a brief warm-up, stretching, strengthening, and ice as part of the rehabilitation process.
Patients usually receive two treatments per week over four to five weeks. Many patients have a positive response by the third or fourth treatment.
Conditions Graston Technique® May Help Treat
Graston Technique® is used for a range of acute and chronic soft-tissue conditions, including pre- and post-surgical rehabilitation.
Upper Body
- Carpal tunnel syndrome
- Cervical sprain/strain and neck pain
- Tennis elbow
- Golfer’s elbow
- Rotator cuff tendinosis/tendinitis
- Trigger finger
Lower Body
- Achilles tendinosis/tendinitis
- Patellofemoral disorders and knee pain
- Plantar fasciitis
- Tibial periostitis (shin splints)
Other Applications
- Fibromyalgia
- Lumbar sprain/strain and back pain
- Post-surgical scar tissue
- Acute and chronic injuries
How Graston Technique® Works
This technique is designed to support tissue healing and mobility by:
- Separating and breaking down collagen cross-links while stretching connective tissue and muscle fibers
- Increasing skin temperature and blood flow to and from the area
- Facilitating changes in chronic muscle-holding patterns
- Increasing cellular activity in the region, including fibroblasts and mast cells
- Increasing histamine response secondary to mast cell activity
Historically, Graston Technique® has had positive outcomes in 75–90% of conditions treated. It is used to help restore function for acute injuries, chronic injuries, and pre- and post-surgical patients.
Ready to Move With More Confidence?
San Tan Physical Therapy provides one-on-one evaluation and personalized care to help you improve strength, mobility, and confidence.
No doctor referral is necessary. Immediate appointments are available, with first visits in 24–48 hours.