We are independent & ad-supported. We may earn a commission for purchases made through our links.
Advertiser Disclosure
Our website is an independent, advertising-supported platform. We provide our content free of charge to our readers, and to keep it that way, we rely on revenue generated through advertisements and affiliate partnerships. This means that when you click on certain links on our site and make a purchase, we may earn a commission. Learn more.
How We Make Money
We sustain our operations through affiliate commissions and advertising. If you click on an affiliate link and make a purchase, we may receive a commission from the merchant at no additional cost to you. We also display advertisements on our website, which help generate revenue to support our work and keep our content free for readers. Our editorial team operates independently of our advertising and affiliate partnerships to ensure that our content remains unbiased and focused on providing you with the best information and recommendations based on thorough research and honest evaluations. To remain transparent, we’ve provided a list of our current affiliate partners here.
Health

Our Promise to you

Founded in 2002, our company has been a trusted resource for readers seeking informative and engaging content. Our dedication to quality remains unwavering—and will never change. We follow a strict editorial policy, ensuring that our content is authored by highly qualified professionals and edited by subject matter experts. This guarantees that everything we publish is objective, accurate, and trustworthy.

Over the years, we've refined our approach to cover a wide range of topics, providing readers with reliable and practical advice to enhance their knowledge and skills. That's why millions of readers turn to us each year. Join us in celebrating the joy of learning, guided by standards you can trust.

What Is Graston Technique?

Dan Harkins
By
Updated: Jan 30, 2024
Views: 8,099
Share

Soft tissue damage, also known as scar tissue, is a common muscular ailment for athletes and others with active lifestyles, which is often accompanied by pain and a loss of flexibility. Many turn to prescription, massage, physical or chiropractic therapy to relieve this damage, while a growing body of believers appears to be supporting a new method of detecting and eliminating skeletal pain: the Graston Technique®. Developed in Indiana at Ball State University's Memorial Hospital, practitioners of this method roll a half-dozen types of vibrating steel tools across patients' bodies to find exactly where scar tissue may be lurking and dissolve the adhesions with applied heat, vibration and even frequency changes.

According to the official Graston Technique® Web site, run by parent company TherapyCare Resources, Inc., the concept was born when an unnamed athlete, who was also a machinist, could not find relief for a knee injury through traditional surgery and therapies. The six instruments and patented technique then was developed more specifically by researchers at Ball State. In 2011, the company reports that 11,000 certified therapists utilize the procedure globally as well as 1,000 oupatient clinics.

The Graston Technique® is not a mystical chiropractic procedure. TherapyCare Resources explicitly publicizes the technique's methods. The procedure starts with a deep stretching regimen, followed by gel being applied over problem areas. Depending on the complaint and specific treatment path, any one of the six tools is then slid deeply over different muscle groups to detect areas with scar tissue, also known as fibrotic tissue. Once detected through more intense resulting vibrations, other techniques are used to allegedly help the tools dissolve the tissue causing pain or range of motion problems.

Not just anyone can buy these instruments. To do so, customers have to attend training and become certified to perform the procedure in a range of settings, from chiropractic clinics and physical therapy facilities to locker rooms and doctors' offices. Though many medical experts are skeptical and awaiting further clinical trials, others appear to be fully on board. TherapyCare Resources reports that the method is taught at nearly 50 universities and is being studied in 2011 by four separate research institutions, despite initial confirmation upon development at Ball State.

This alternative therapy is used to diagnose and treat a range of painful conditions. From breaks, sprains and strains to tennis elbow, carpal tunnel and more serious degenerative conditions, the Graston Technique® claims an effectiveness rate of between 60 percent to 92 percent. Nevertheless, this so-called cross-tissue therapy is still considered by many to be in its experimental phase.

Share
WiseGeek is dedicated to providing accurate and trustworthy information. We carefully select reputable sources and employ a rigorous fact-checking process to maintain the highest standards. To learn more about our commitment to accuracy, read our editorial process.
Dan Harkins
By Dan Harkins
Dan Harkins, a former military professional, brings his diverse life experiences to his writing. After earning his journalism degree, he spent more than two decades honing his craft as a writer and editor for various publications. Dan’s debut novel showcases his storytelling skills and unique perspective by drawing readers into the story’s captivating narrative.

Editors' Picks

Discussion Comments
Dan Harkins
Dan Harkins
Dan Harkins, a former military professional, brings his diverse life experiences to his writing. After earning his...
Learn more
Share
https://www.wise-geek.com/what-is-graston-technique.htm
Copy this link
WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.

WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.