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Stark Rehabilitation

Services - IASTM (Graston) - Florida

IASTM - (Graston)

IASTM - (Graston) - An Overview

IASTM (Instrument Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization) helps you recover from injury and lost movement and alleviates physical performance with instrument-based treatments like cupping, Hawk Grips, Graston, and Fascial Abrasion Technique (FAT). IASTM is a manual soft tissue treatment that leverages various tools to better mobilize soft tissue structures such as muscle, tendon, and ligament. The tissue structures include muscles and fascia, and the method enables inputs into your brain and nervous system.

The technique has derived from James Cyriax’s Deep Friction Massage (DFM) principles. The technique helps in pain reduction, enhances circulation, relaxes tissue, and adheres to muscles and joints. The Graston method comes within IASTM and utilizes six stainless-steel equipment to detect and treat scar tissue and stimulate movement in the injured body parts. Manual therapy treats various disorders, including low back pain, carpal tunnel syndrome, quadricep pain, tennis elbow, plantar fasciitis, cuff tears, headaches, and related issues. Irrespective of your age or ability, the physical and occupational therapists serve the patients with targeted exercises and interventions to return to an active life. Treatment therapy has been prevalent in the United States, and medical professionals often recommend the technique in conjunction with other soft tissue treatment methods. 

 

The trained clinicians effectively locate adhesions and blocks in the soft tissue through instrumental vibrations. The technique improves blood flow to the targeted body parts and quickens healing. While applying the Graston technique, a therapist uses lubricant and moves the stainless-steel instrument across the skin, targeting the damaged areas. You may experience post-treatment redness as a result of the movement across the scar tissues. The temporary redness reflects the increased blood flow and tissue warmth, aiding overall healing. The therapist uses stainless-steel instruments to point to the tissues to help boost mobility and encourage changes in your movement capability. After this, the therapist discusses home instructions and provides the patient with a list of exercises to reinforce healthy changes until the next visit. 

 

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F.A.Q.

Yes! Graston technique is a manual therapy method. It uses six stainless steel instruments in combination with a special form of massage. The equipment features round edges that scan the injuries from the outside and identify damaged tissues.

The Graston technique, along with exercises, helps break up the scar tissues or muscle knots, resulting in a high range of joint motion, a quick healing process, and pain reduction. The therapy enables the therapists to detect the scar tissue and recommend treatment.

Graston Therapy’s benefits include removing scar tissues, relieving inflammation, pain, and quick recovery. The Graston technique helps treat chronic body pain and improve soft tissue conditions. 

IASTIM (Graston) - Physiological Mechanism

IASTM carries a strong neurophysiological effect as it restores the mechanosensitive neurons, including mechanoreceptors that allow two-point discrimination and pain reception. The treatment therapy influences the vascular response to the injured soft tissue, improving the blood flow.

The inflammatory response that the pain and trauma initiate in the affected tissues gradually results in high fibroblast proliferation, maturation, collagen synthesis, and the transformation of the unorganized collagen fiber matrix with the IASTM application. The technique results in the breakdown of scar tissues, adhesions, and fascial restrictions. 

 

Fibroblast is the most vital cell in the extracellular matrix (ECM). The process encourages the repair, reconstruction, and treatment of the soft tissue. The fibroblast integrates the ECM that includes collagen, proteoglycans, and elastin with other essential substances. The matrix can detect the deformation, including torque, compression, and fluid flow while creating a mechanochemical response. Fibroblast production directly connects to the IASTM volume pressure a clinician applies.  

Graston Therapy – Practical Application 

IASTIM (Graston) technique is not painful. At the beginning of applying the Graston technique, the therapists relocate the areas of soft tissue fibrosis to make the scar tissue more receptive. The tools’ edges slowly glide over the damaged soft tissue until it touches the injured area. Then, the physical therapist rubs the tool over the adhesion to evoke movement, and the traction helps heal the soft tissue injury. The medical expert increases and decreases the pressure and speed depending on the health state; the adjustment continues throughout the treatment. After each treatment, the therapist will stretch the affected area and apply ice if you experience any soreness. Most patients who receive the Graston method treatment get two sessions every week for five weeks at a stretch. 

Physical therapists combine the application with motion and strengthening programs to reconstruct the tissues. IASTM in step-by-step process, 

  • 1.Examination
  • 2.Warming up the body through jogging, elliptical machines, stationary bikes, etc.
  • 3.IASTM – performed at a 30-60 degrees angle for 1-2 minutes 
  • 4.Repetitive stretching 
  • 5.Strengthening with load exercise at high repetitions6.10-20 minutes of cryotherapy 

IASTM and the Graston technique

are top-notch rehabilitation techniques for individuals of all ages with different skill levels to treat the areas within the muscle, tendon, and scar tissue. The technique has become an effective therapeutic technique to treat various muscle and tendon injuries, though aggressive soft tissue techniques on open wounds or damaged tissues might not be the best option.

Adhesions and scar tissue can affect tissues and skin when you get injuries. Scar tissue and adhesions might bend to fascia and cause a condition known as a fascial constraint. Even the slightest wear and tear of everyday life can cause muscle fibers to have irregular adhesions. The technique allows the separation of muscle fibers, reducing pain and functional mobility. Strained hamstrings, shin splints, and meniscus tears can cause adhesion.

The treatment stimulates healing and improves fluid flow in and around the pain area. The clinical staff considers all the treatment options and recommends the best therapy for you, depending on your suffering and symptoms. Patients expect functional improvement after one to four sessions. Patients with several symptoms like chronic pain, muscle spasms, or scar tissue might benefit from this therapy.

1.Improved cellular activity boosts good health
2.Enhanced rate of blood flow quickens the healing process
3.Ability to perform everyday chores
4.Reduction in inflammation
5.Pain relief and a better quality of life

When to Use IASTM (Graston)?

  • Medical and Lateral Epicondylitis
  • Acute Ankle Sprains/Chronic Ankle Sprains
  • Chronic Joint Swelling due to Strains
  • Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
  • Tibialis Posterior Tendinitis
  • Rotator Cuff Tendinitis
  • Patellar Tendinitis (Runners Knee)
  • Achilles Tendinitis/ Plantar Fasciitis
  • Post-Surgical and Traumatic Scars
  • Musculoskeletal Imbalances
  • Myofascial Pain and Restrictions
  • DeQuervain’s Syndrome
  • Ligament Sprains/ Muscle Sprains
  • Golfers Elbow/Tennis Elbow
  • Neck Pain/ Back Pain/Hip Pain
  • Trigger Finger/Fibromyalgia

Find Relief from the Professionals

Graston therapy becomes extremely effective after three or more visits. The technique includes rehab exercises and is part of an extensive treatment plan. It is most important to sterilize the instruments before using them on other patients to prevent the transfer of infections. Stark Rehabilitation offers the best IASTM (Graston) therapy services to treat soft tissue structures. The medical experts with years of experience and expertise are dedicated to healing you and getting you back on your feet pain-free.

Founder

Kristin Hallberg

Kristin Hallberg is a Florida board and Swedish health authority certified Physical Therapist. She earned her Physical Therapy license from Uppsala University, Sweden, in 2013. After moving to Florida she also earned her Florida board license in 2016. Kristin has a particular interest in orthopedic and sports medicine. She has 10 years experience of treating a variety of injuries and post surgery recovery for low back, knees, shoulders, neck, hips, and feet.

Previously, Kristin was a track and field athlete and continued with coaching at Uppsala Track and Field High school when injuries stopped her fromcontinuing to pursuit her own journey. During this time she also sought out new experiences and pursuit taking skydiving license and open water diving certificate. She enjoys the outdoors and grew upskiing and hiking. Seeking new adventures has always been a part of her life and relates to the importancefor people to stay active with the lifestyle that makes them happy.

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