The Benefits Of Graston Technique For Athletes
Graston Technique is an innovative and patented form of instrument-assisted therapy originally designed by athletes, for athletes. It makes use of a standardized, set of stainless steel instruments to provide feedback to your practitioner during treatment and enable them to identify and break down scar tissue and fascial restrictions by imposing controlled microtrauma to the area and stimulating the body’s natural healing process.
How Is It Performed?
Your chiropractor will use the stainless steel Graston instruments to comb over the treatment area. As the instrument runs over fibrotic tissue, subtle vibrations will alert your practitioner to the presence of restrictions, scarring, or adhesions. By manipulating the tools, your chiropractor will work to break up fibrous areas and release restrictions. This process also improves blood flow to the treatment area, increases cellular activity, and stretches connective tissues.
What Can Be Expected From A Treatment?
For optimal recovery, patients generally receive 2 treatments per week for 4-5 weeks. Most patients notice an improvement after their third or fourth treatment. A typical treatment session will include a practitioner-led warm-up exercise, Graston Technique treatment, followed with stretching and strengthening exercises and ice therapy. It is not uncommon to experience some discomfort during and after Graston Technique treatment and some slight swelling and bruising after. Most patients describe the feeling as similar to post-workout aches. This is completely normal and indicative of the natural healing process taking place in your injured tissues.
Does Graston Technique Work For Athletes?
Graston Technique is approved to treat any dysfunction in the movement systems of the body due to soft tissue impairments. Typical athletic injuries are muscle pulls and tears, tendon and ligament strains, contusions, sprains, and overextensions. The soft-tissue mobilization therapy of Graston Technique will break up scar tissue, decrease swelling, release restricted tissues, stretch connective tissues, and increase blood flow to promote healing.
Faster Recovery And Enhanced Performance For Athletes With Graston Technique
Only licensed practitioners of this technique are authorized to purchase and use the Graston instruments and perform the Graston Protocol. Dr. Shephard is a trained and certified practitioner of Graston Technique and uses this evidence-based therapy to treat pain and injury for Calgary area athletes. This instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization therapy (IASTM) is ideal to help athletes recover from sports injury and return to the activity they love faster and with measurable results. If you are suffering with an acute or chronic sport injury contact Dr. Shephard and the team at Shephard Health for a complimentary consultation now.
Dr. Shephard is one of Calgary’s Top 3 Rated Chiropractors. He and the team at Shephard Health use a variety of treatment modalities to relieve pain, restore movement and mobility, and achieve overall health and wellness at our NW Calgary clinic in Kensington. The Shephard Health team has over 20 years of experience in services ranging from Chiropractic Care and Spinal Decompression Therapy to Active Release Technique and Sports Injury Rehabilitation. We offer a no-obligation, complimentary consultation to assure you that we are the right team to help you achieve your goals for complete wellness and pain-free living. Call us at 1-403-543-7499 to book your appointment.
FAQ
Q: What other conditions can Graston Technique be used to treat?
A: Graston Technique can be used to treat a variety of acute and chronic soft tissue conditions including:
- Back, neck, and shoulder pain
- Wrist and hand pain such as trigger finger, injury, or Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
- Foot, heel, and ankle pain
- Tennis elbow and golfer’s elbow
- Fibromyalgia
- Scar tissue
- Hamstring injuries, hip pain, and knee pain
Q: Is bruising normal after a treatment with Graston Technique?
A: Minor bruising and swelling can occur after a Graston treatment. This is normal and part of the healing process.
Q: Is Graston Technique covered by my insurance?
A: Shephard Health does offer direct billing to most extended health plans. Graston Technique may be covered by extended insurance available through some policies. We recommend contacting your extended insurance company to confirm the details of your policy. Please note that we do not bill secondary insurance companies on your behalf, but we would be happy to assist you with your individual insurance forms.
