Soft Tissue Manipulation & Graston Technique
Pain that keeps you from living your life
Soft tissue manipulation encompasses manual and instrument-assisted techniques for releasing fascial restriction, breaking down scar tissue, and restoring normal tissue mobility. Graston Technique is a clinically validated form of Instrument-Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization (IASTM) that uses specially designed stainless steel instruments to detect and treat areas of soft tissue fibrosis, chronic inflammation, and restriction. The instruments allow your provider to feel subtle changes in tissue texture — finding adhesions that hands alone cannot detect — and mobilize them precisely.
How it works
Stainless steel Graston instruments are moved across the skin with a therapeutic lubricant. The beveled edges of the instruments catch on areas of scar tissue and fascial adhesion — creating a controlled micro-inflammatory response that breaks up the restriction and initiates a healing cascade. This remodels disorganized collagen fibers back into their proper alignment, restoring tissue mobility, reducing pain, and improving range of motion. Graston is typically followed by stretching and exercise to reinforce the tissue remodeling.
Who is it for?
Chronic tendinopathy (Achilles, patellar, rotator cuff, elbow); IT band syndrome; plantar fasciitis; post-surgical scar tissue; myofascial pain; restricted range of motion; sports injuries; conditions where previous manual therapy provided only temporary relief.
Who is it not for?
Open wounds or unhealed surgical incisions; active infection; thrombophlebitis; uncontrolled hypertension; osteoporosis (in treatment area); pregnancy (certain areas); patients on significant blood thinners.
Session Time
15–30 min (typically combined with chiropractic or massage visit)
Down Time
Mild redness and possible petechiae (small red dots) for 24–48 hrs — normal and expected
Results?
Often within 3–6 sessions
Peak Results
After 8–12 sessions for chronic conditions
How long does it last?
Long-lasting when combined with corrective exercise
How many sessions?
2x/week for 4–6 weeks; then reassess
Build Your Protocol
Your body has more than one concern. Your protocol should too.
Does Graston hurt?
It can feel uncomfortable — particularly over areas with significant restriction or scar tissue. Your provider adjusts pressure based on your tolerance. Mild redness and occasionally small petechiae (red dots from capillary response) are normal. Discomfort typically decreases significantly after the first few sessions as tissue restriction resolves.
How is Graston different from regular massage?
Hands can identify and treat soft tissue restriction effectively, but instruments extend that sensitivity. The Graston instruments vibrate and catch on tissue changes that fingers cannot detect — particularly in deeper layers or areas of significant fibrosis. The controlled micro-inflammatory response also triggers a healing and remodeling cascade that standard massage does not.
How many sessions does it take to see results?
Many patients notice improved range of motion and reduced pain after 3–4 sessions. Chronic conditions with significant fibrosis typically require 8–12 sessions for full benefit. We reassess regularly and adjust the protocol based on your tissue response.