Post on 21-May-2020
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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