The Graston Technique® is a proven modality for treating a wide range of chronic, sports, and post-surgical soft tissue injuries to reduce pain, improve range of motion, and restore normal function. Developed by a former athlete, the Graston Technique® employs highly specialized equipment and specific training for maximum effectiveness. At East Bay Chiropractic Wellness P.C., Dr. Martin Marmorale, a certified Graston Technique® Specialist (GTS), utilizes this modality to get patients on the road to rapid recovery.
The Graston Technique® (GT) treats scar tissue and fascial restrictions using specific, uniquely designed instruments proven to effectively treat chronic, acute, or post-surgical soft tissue conditions.
The goal of Graston Technique® therapy is to facilitate faster and more successful rehabilitation, restoring normal functions and range of motions as well as eliminating pain associated with soft tissue injuries.
What is Scar Tissue?
Healthy tissue is normally dense with regular elongated fibers running in the same direction, such as tendons and ligaments, or dense, loose, and irregular fibers running in multiple directions. When normal tissue is damaged, the tissue is thicker with irregular organization and less precise margins resulting in functional limitations, less range of motion, and pain.
What Causes Tissue Scarring?
Tissue scarring can be caused by a number of injuries, including but not limited to sports, car accidents, surgeries, and even daily activities such as gardening or a simple fall.
Do you have painful scar tissue from an old injury or surgery? We can help. Call us at (516) 679-2225 to schedule an appointment.
How Does Graston Technique® Therapy Work?
The Graston Technique® uses specifically designed stainless-steel instruments to perform a cross-fiber massage technique on the affected tissue. The therapy is performed by trained professionals who use the tools to comb over and “catch” on fibrotic tissue, which immediately identifies the areas of restriction. Once the tissue has been identified, the instruments are used to break up the scar tissue so it can be absorbed by the body returning it to its healthier state.
What Tools Are Used in Graston Technique® Therapy?
Graston Technique® makes use of six core, stainless-steel tools that are in concave and convex shapes. The instruments have round edges and thus are not sharp.
Only clinicians who have been trained and accredited in the Graston Technique® therapy are qualified to obtain the Graston Technique® instruments and apply the technique to treat patients.
Call 516-679-2225 to schedule an appointment with Dr. Martin Marmorale, one of Long Island’s only certified Graston Technique® Specialists (GTS).
Is the Graston Technique® Painful?
It is common to experience minor discomfort during the procedure and some minor bruising afterward. This is a normal response and part of the healing process. The Graston Technique® should only be performed by a qualified, properly trained, and licensed clinician.
What Conditions Does the Graston Technique® Treat?
- Back Pain (Lumbar Sprain/Strain)
- Neck Pain (Cervical Sprain/Strain)
- Shoulder Pain (Rotator Cuff Tendinosis/itis)
- Tennis Elbow (Lateral Epicondylosis/itis)
- Golfer’s Elbow (Medial Epicondylosis/itis)
- Trigger Finger
- Wrist Pain (Carpal Tunnel Syndrome)
- Knee Pain (Patellofemoral Disorders)
- Ankle Pain (Achilles Tendinosis/itis)
- Heel Pain (Plantar Fasciitis)
- Hip Pain
- Hamstring Injuries
- Fibromyalgia
How Many Graston Technique® Treatments Are Needed?
As one may expect, the answer to this question depends upon the condition and its severity. Typically, two treatments per week are applied during a four- to five-week period. Positive results are often reported after just three to four treatments.
What Are the Benefits of Graston Technique® Therapy?
The primary benefit of Graston Technique® therapy is faster recovery. This translates to:
- Less time spent in pain and in treatment
- Less reliance on pain medication
- Reduced risk of invasive surgical procedures
Will Graston Technique® Treatments Affect My Everyday Activities?
Most patients are not disabled and continue to perform their regular functions at home or work during the treatment process.
What Is the Success Rate of Graston Technique® Therapy?
According to the official Graston Technique® website, the therapy technique is reported to have positive outcomes in 75–90 percent of all conditions treated.
Why Should a Trained Professional Perform Graston Technique® Therapy?
To be performed correctly, the Graston Technique® should only be administered by a certified Graston Technique® Specialist (GTS). They are trained to properly identify specific tissue injury spots, use the tools correctly, and minimize pain and bruising.
Originally developed by athletes, Graston Technique® is an interdisciplinary treatment used by more than 43,000 clinicians worldwide — including physical and occupational therapists, hand therapists, chiropractors, and athletic trainers.
To make an appointment with Dr. Marmorale, one of Long Island’s only certified Graston Technique® Specialists (GTS), call 516-679-2225 to schedule your first appointment.
Is Graston Technique® Used Alone?
No. Common protocol includes a brief warm-up exercise, the Graston Technique® treatment, and is followed by stretching, strengthening, and ice treatments.
Who Developed Graston Technique® Therapy?
Amateur athlete David Graston originated Graston Technique® therapy in the early 1990s. Graston suffered a debilitating knee injury while water skiing and became frustrated with the slow progress he was having with conventional rehabilitation methods following his surgery.
Having a professional background in machining and after consulting with several healthcare professionals, he created several instruments to treat his own soft tissue injury. His success led to a collaboration with medical and research personnel at Ball Memorial Hospital and Ball State University in Muncie, Indiana, to further develop a technique and a set of instruments.
However, the concept of cross-fiber massage is not new. Therapeutic massage has been around in many cultures for centuries. Graston Technique® is based on the works of Dr. James Cyriax, a British orthopedic surgeon who studied the effects of deep tissue or cross-fiber massage.
If you feel that Graston Technique® therapy or one of our other modalities will help with your pain or injuries, call the East Bay Chiropractic Wellness P.C. office today at (516) 679-2225 and schedule an appointment. Our caring, professional staff will get you on the path to wellness so that you can resume your normal activities.
East Bay Chiropractic Wellness P.C. and Graston Technique® Therapy
The founder of East Bay Chiropractic Wellness P.C., Dr. Martin Marmorale was certified in 2008 in the Graston Technique®. As Long Island’s premier Graston practitioner, Dr. Marmorale has successfully treated many patients suffering from various injuries that resulted in scarred tissue and fascial restrictions. His patients compliment and appreciate that the doctor takes the time and care needed for the treatment to alleviate their pain effectively.
If you have an injury that has left you with muscle pain, don’t suffer any longer. Make an appointment with Dr. Marmorale at East Bay Chiropractic Wellness P.C. by calling (516) 679-2225 today.