Issue 47.09
After knee surgery and multiple rounds of physical therapy, one patient once said she felt like the Bionic Woman that had been left in the rain to rust. Doctors told her progress had plateaued and that her knee would likely not gain any more range of motion. She opted for a treatment called the Graston Technique, a form of soft-tissue mobilization which detects and breaks up scar tissue that impedes normal function of muscles, fascia, tendons, and ligaments. After just four weeks of treatment, her knee range of motion improved drastically. She was amazed at how much she improved in such a short time. If you feel stiff and robotic, the Graston Technique may be just what you need.
A lot of soft-tissue problems occur within the fascia, the web of connective tissue that supports our muscles. If you suffer an injury, the fascia tends to attempt to stabilize the area by binding to the muscles like poorly applied wallpaper, complete with air bubbles and clumsy adhesions. This scar tissue is a problem because it limits range of motion, and in many instances causes pain, which prevents the patient from functioning as he or she did before the injury.
The Graston Technique is a type of cross-fiber massage — a noninvasive, drug-free procedure that uses ultra precise stainless-steel instruments to break up restrictive scar tissue. These instruments can be far more effective than a clinician’s hands alone because they are able to concentrate force while giving excellent feedback to both the clinician and the patient. By guiding healing with stretching and strengthening, the practitioner rebuilds the soft tissue into healthy, linear tissue that can function the way it is supposed to.
The Graston technique has been clinically proven to achieve quicker and better outcomes in treating both acute and chronic conditions: neck pain, back pain, carpal tunnel syndrome, plantar fasciitis, tennis elbow, golfer’s elbow, rotator cuff tendonitis, knee pain, fibromyalgia, post surgical scarring, and shin splints. If you are suffering from chronic soft-tissue issues and would like to improve the way you move, this treatment could be just for you.
Advanced Spine & Rehab is an integrated chiropractic clinic specializing in treating senior patients with conservative therapy. These doctors practice in a professional, gentle, and pressure-free atmosphere. Call us if you have any questions at 435-656-3266 or visit our website for more info – www.StGeorgePainRelief.com. You can also visit www.GrastonTechnique.com for more information.