We incorporate Graston Technique into our treatment protocols at Advanced Chiropractic and Wellness Center the Offices of Dr. Richard Schwartz DC for many musculoskeletal conditions such as neck, arm, and hand pain. Conditions such as carpal tunnel syndrome, whiplash, and plantar fasciitis also respond favorably to Graston Technique. A technique used by Physical Therapists, Chiropractors, and DO

Here is an excerpt from the Graston website explaining Graston Technique:

Graston Technique^® is an innovative, patented form of instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization that enables clinicians to effectively break down scar tissue and fascial restrictions. The technique utilizes specially designed stainless steel instruments to specifically detect and effectively treat areas exhibiting soft tissue fibrosis(scar tissue) or chronic inflammation.

Originally developed by athletes, Graston Technique^® is an interdisciplinary treatment used by more than 10,000 clinicians worldwide—including physical and occupational therapists, hand therapists, chiropractors, and athletic trainers.

GT is utilized at some 930 outpatient facilities and industrial on-sites, by more than 165 professional and amateur sports organizations, and is part of the curriculum at 48 respected colleges and universities.

Six stainless steel instruments form the cornerstone of Graston Technique^® The curvilinear edge of the patented Graston Technique^® Instruments combines with their concave/convex shapes to mold the instruments to various contours of the body. This design allows for ease of treatment, minimal stress to the clinician’s hands and maximum tissue penetration.

The Graston Technique^® Instruments, much like a tuning fork, resonate in the clinician’s hands allowing the clinician to isolate adhesions and restrictions, and treat them very precisely. Since the metal surface of the instruments does not compress as do the fat pads of the finger, deeper restrictions can be accessed and treated. When explaining the properties of the instruments, we often use the analogy of a stethoscope. Just as a stethoscope amplifies what the human ear can hear, so do the instruments increase significantly what the human hands can feel.

The superficial fascia is a soft connective tissue located just below the skin. It wraps and connects the muscles, bones, nerves and blood vessels of the body. Together, muscle and fascia make up what is called the myofascia system.

For various reasons, including disuse, not enough stretching, or injuries, the fascia and the underlying muscle tissue can become stuck together. This is called an adhesion, and it results in restricted muscle movement along with pain, soreness and reduced flexibility or range of motion.

Myofascial release is a body work technique that uses gentle, sustained pressure on the soft tissues while applying traction to the fascia. This technique results in softening and lengthening (release) of the fascia, as well as the breaking down of scar tissue or adhesions between skin, muscles and bones.