Whiplash and the Graston Technique®

Neck strain caused by a forceful, fast back-and-forth motion is called “whiplash” because the motion resembles the cracking of a whip. Whiplash injuries are most commonly associated with rear-end car accidents, but it can result from sports accidents, trauma, or other similar jolting injuries.

The Graston Technique® is a manual therapy classified as an instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization treatment. The Graston treatment can be used to treat whiplash, along with other conditions.

What Is the Fastest Way to Heal a Whiplash Injury?

There are rarely shortcuts when it comes to your body’s recovery from an injury. Most people suffering from whiplash experience mild to moderate ligament sprain that can last a few days or weeks. Symptoms of whiplash include:

• Neck pain and stiffness.
• Loss of range of movement in the neck.
• Headaches.
• Tenderness in the shoulder.
• And occasional dizziness.

While it is important to stay active, taking care of yourself with rest is important during the first few days of an injury. If any particular motion makes the injury hurt more, then avoid that movement until your neck has more time to heal. Alternate applying ice or a heated pad to the injured area.

Does Graston® Treatment Break Up Scar Tissue?

The goals of the Graston Technique® are to reduce patient pain and increase the function of the injured area. It achieves this by breaking down scar tissue and fascia restrictions usually found in soft tissue affected by trauma. Stretching the connective tissue attempts to rearrange the structure of the soft tissue to reduce restrictions on areas being treated. Overall, the Graston Technique® hopes to create a better healing environment for injured soft tissue.

What Kind of Physical Therapy Is Used for Whiplash?

If your whiplash persists for months or longer, see a trained physical therapist or qualified health professional who can help establish a treatment program to help improve your neck’s strength and flexibility. Through exercise and stretches, the neck can hopefully improve in mobility and strength to reduce pain.

Working on good posture can also help reduce stress on the spine overall. Your physician may suggest more passive strategies at the beginning of treatment, like ice packs, heat therapy, massage, ultrasound, electrotherapy, etc.

Can the Graston Technique® be Used on Your Neck?

Manual adjustments as well as instrument assisted treatments such as the Graston Technique®, can be used to help a wide range of injuries like lower back pain, headaches, a variety of spine-related conditions, and neck pain, such as whiplash.

During a Graston® treatment session, you can expect a trained professional to rub, using specific massage maneuvers, along the affected area with the handheld Graston Technique stainless-steel tools. Each treatment lasts about a minute per area, and it’s not uncommon for patients to feel some limited discomfort during the procedure.

East Bay Chiropractic & Wellness Specializes in The Graston Technique®

East Bay Chiropractic has been treating patients for over 35 years and has offered and specialized in the use of the Graston Technique® since 2008. To learn more about how the Graston Technique® can be used to treat whiplash and other common conditions, fill out our online contact form.