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INTRODUCTION TO THE GRASTON TECHNIQUE®

Jennifer Thorpe, MS, LAT, CSCSGraston Technique® Curriculum Instructor

Graston Technique® Therapy Certified

Welcome!

Conflict of Interest

■ I am a curriculum instructor for the Graston Technique ® and currently teach the M1 training as part of a course at Concordia University.

What is IASTM?

■ Instrument-Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization

What is the Graston Technique®? Graston Technique® Therapy

Assessment IASTM Exercise Reassessment

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Immobilization & Trauma to Connective Tissue

Benefits of Graston Technique®

■ Movement

– collagen synthesis = degradation

– Activates fibroblasts & myofibroblasts

■ Facilitates GAG production

■ Restores gliding between layers of tissue

■ Neurophysiological benefit

Proposed Physiological Mechanisms of Graston Technique Therapy®

Increased Fibroblastic

Activity

Enhanced Blood

Perfusion

Increased Stem Cells

Piezoelectric Davis’ LawAltered Neural Activity

Thompson WR, Scott A, Loghmani MT, Ward SR, Warden SJ (2016). Understanding Mechanobiology: Physical Therapists as a Force in Mechanotherapy and Musculoskeletal Regenerative Rehabilitation. Physical therapy, 96(4), 560-569.

Fibroblast Responses

Accelerated Ligament Healing Graston Technique® Therapy Applications■ Myofascial pain/restrictions

■ Tendinosis

■ Ligament injury

■ Excessive scar tissue

■ Edema (ankle sprains)

■ Plantar fasciitis

■ Epicondylitis

■ IT Band

■ Etc…

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Instruments

https://www.livewelldfw.com/graston-technique.html

Instrument Features

■ Treatment Surfaces

– Convex

– Concave

– Pointed

– Rounded

■ Treatment Edges

– Single Beveled

– Double Beveled

http://back2harmony.com/services/graston-technique/

Graston Technique® Therapy Treatment Strokes

Sweep Fan Brush

Strum J-Stroke Swivel

Scoop Framing

Myths about Graston Technique®

“Bruising is expected.”

“It is a painful treatment.”

Graston Technique® “M” Trainings

■ M1 – Basic Applications Course

– Graston Technique® therapy Provider

■ M2 – Advanced Applications

– Graston Technique® therapy Certified

■ Graston Technique® therapy Speclalist (GTS)

– Online credential exam

Graston Technique® Website

■ www.grastontechnique.com