Scar tissue limits range of motion, and in many instances causes pain, which prevents the patient from functioning as he or she did before the injury. Graston Technique involves the use of special stainless steel instruments to identify and treat adhesions or scar tissue in soft tissue. The instruments are designed in a variety of shapes in order to allow treatment to most muscle groups, tendons, and ligaments in the body.
The Technique:
- Separates and breaks down collagen cross-links, and splays and stretches connective tissue and muscle fibers
- Increases skin temperature
- Facilitates reflex changes in the chronic muscle holding pattern
- Alters spinal reflux activity (facilitated segment)
- Increases the rate and amount of blood flow to and from the area
- Increases cellular activity in the region, including fibroblasts and mast cells
- Increases histamine response secondary to mast cell activity
In other words, it breaks down scar tissue and facilitates healing!
