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Graston Technique

Dr. Horwitz is fully certified in Graston Technique

"Graston Technique® is an advanced form of myofascial release. Soft-tissue dysfunction, which includes scar tissue, adhesions and restrictions, results in pain, weakness and functional limitation for the patient. Graston Technique® uses patented stainless steel instruments, which are contoured to complement the body's shapes and curves.... The instruments are designed to facilitate a clinician's hands, not replace them."

"The Graston Technique® was inspired when a tool and die maker sustained a knee injury during a waterskiing accident. Three ligaments were ruptured, requiring extensive surgical repair. The resultant scar tissue caused unresolvable range of motion limitations and strength deficits preventing full rehabilitation.... Through research, as well as treating hundreds of clients, the Graston Technique was developed as an effective rehabilitation program for a wide variety of diagnoses. It is important to understand that the Graston Technique® is only one part of the total therapy program. It is not meant to be used alone, but to be used as a component of an overall treatment program."

"The Graston Instruments, much like a tuning fork, resonate in the clinician’s hands allowing the clinician to isolate adhesions and restrictions, and precisely treat them. When explaining the properties of the instruments, we often use the analogy of a stethoscope. For, just as a stethoscope amplifies that can be heard by the human ear, so do the instruments increase significantly the information which can be detected by the human hands."

"The Graston Instruments, while enhancing the clinician’s ability to detect fascial adhesions and restrictions, have been clinically proven to achieve quicker and better outcomes in treating both acute and chronic conditions." Graston Technique is being used by more than 35 professional and amateur sports organizations. It is used by the New England Patriots, winners of the 2004 and 2005 Superbowls. In addition, Graston Technique® is being taught at four colleges, including Indiana University, where it is part of the graduate kinesiology course curriculum for athletic trainers.

The following is a list of conditions which are responsive to Graston Technique®:

Medial Epicondylitis
Lateral Epicondylitis
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Neck and Back Pain
Plantar Fasciitis
Rotator Cuff Tendinitis
Patellar Tendinitis
Tibialis Posterior Tendinitis
Heel Pain
DeQuervain's Syndrome
Post-Surgical and Traumatic Scars
Myofascial Pain and Restrictions
Chronic and Acute Sprains/Strains
Non-acute Bursitis
RSD (Feflex Sympathetic Dystrophy)
IT Band Syndrome
Wrist Tendinitis
Reduced ROM Due to Scar Tissue
Achilles Tendinitis

Absolute Contraindications for the Graston Technique®:

Open Wound- Unhealed Sutre Site/Sutures
Unhealed Fractures
Thrombophlebitis
Uncontrolled Hypertension
Kidney Dysfunction
Patient Intolerance/Non-compliance/Hypersensitivity
Hematoma
Osteomyslitis
Myositis Ossificans

Relative Contraindications for the Graston Technique®

Anti-Coagulant Medications
Cancer
Varicose Veins
Burn Scars
Acute Inflammatory Conditions (e.g. Synovitis)
Inflammatory Condition Secondary to Infection
Rheumatoid Arthritis
Pregnancy (consider inherent ligament laxity)
Osteoporsis

The following is a list of research studies and case reports performed utilizing the Graston Instruments.

Clinical Studies

Rat Tendon Morphologic and Functional Changes Resulting from Soft Tissue Mobilization: Science and Sports Exercise. Vol. 29 No. 3 1997. Pp 313-319.

Traditional Physical Therapy vs. Graston Augmented Soft Tissue Mobilization in treatment of lateral epicondylitis: Journal of the American College of Sports Medicine.Vol. 27 No. 5 1995. Rotator Cuff Tendinosis: DC Tracts. Vol. 14 No.1 2002. Pp 3-6.

The Effects of the Graston Technique on Electrodiagnostic Testing, Objective clinical Measures and Subjective Measurements on individuals diagnosed with Carpal Tunnel Syndrome: Midwest Automotive Manufacturing Facility.

Case Reports

Instrument-assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization for the treatment of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, Laura K. Sweney, MS, PT.

The Use of Instrument assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization for the Treatment of Plantar Fasciitis, Mike Ploski, MS, PT, ATC, OCS.

The Use of Instrument assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization for the Treatment of Low Back Injury, Terry Carey, MS, PT, MTC.

See The GRASTON TECHNIQUE® Website for more information.

Reprinted in part or whole with the permission of TherapyCare Resources, Inc. Licensee of the Graston Technique®. Any reproduction of this, other than for personal reference, is not granted without the permission of TCR. Graston Technique® is a registered trademark and the copy is protected by copyright.