The Graston Technique

Ease away knotted tissue and restore natural movement

The Graston Technique® is an advanced form of instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilisation. First developed in the early 1990s by competitive water skier David Graston, who sustained a serious knee injury that failed to respond to surgery and typical therapies, it has quickly evolved for both the diagnosis and treatment of soft tissue pathology.

Each instrument is shaped and contoured to work on a specific body part. Thus, there is an instrument that is small enough to be used on the Achilles tendon, fingers, and carpal tunnel, and there are instruments specifically designed to treat larger body regions such as the back, upper shoulder and neck, hamstrings, quadriceps, and iliotibial band. Using the instruments, the clinician is better able to detect fibrotic tissue and can treat at greater depth and specificity than with his bare hands.

Scorpio is pleased to provide patients with this innovative and proven approach to the diagnosis and treatment of soft tissue injuries. Our manual therapists are all skilled Graston practitioners and agree that the introduction of this technique has revolutionised our approach to treatment. Our patients agree that we get results far more quickly and effectively than in the past.

The Graston Technique® can be used to assist in the treatment of

• Neck and back pain
• Headaches
• Achilles tendinitis and plantarfasciitis ("policeman's heel")
• Tennis & golfer's elbow
• Shoulder pain and stiffness
• Shin splints
• Muscle tears
• Tendon injuries
• Post-operative scar tissue
• Trigger points
• Carpal tunnel syndrome
• Ligament sprains
• Many chronic, unresolved soft tissue problems *

* Soft tissue injuries are some of the most irritating injuries to deal with—for patients and clinicians alike. The source of the pain produced by these injuries can be difficult to locate accurately and treat effectively. Tendon injuries in particular can be frustratingly slow to heal and most manual therapists struggle with the demands made on their hands and wrists. Some of the standard techniques used to treat these injuries, including transverse friction massage and myofascial release, can cause a lot of discomfort - both for the provider and for the patient. An effective solution for both may be the Graston Technique®.