How does the Graston Technique® help with back pain?

If you have back pain and reduced mobility in your spine, a chiropractic method called the Graston Technique® may be able to help. It uses specialized tools to break down scar tissue and restrictions in your connective tissue that have resulted from trauma.

By using the Graston Technique, Jason Ablett, DC, at Pinnacle Health Chiropractic in Kirkland, Washington, is able to rearrange the soft tissue structures in your back with different massage methods. This treatment can help your back heal and therefore reduce your back pain.

In addition to breaking up scar tissue, the Graston Technique may also have a neurologic benefit. The stroking and massage therapy can activate specific nerve fibers and sense organs to invoke an inflammatory response and prompt healing.

In addition to helping relieve back pain, the Graston Technique can address other soft-tissue problems, including Achilles tendinosis, neck sprains and strains, rotator cuff tendinosis, and plantar fasciitis.

How does the therapy work?

The Graston Technique involves applying massage, pressure, and stroking methods with specialized tools. The thin, metal, handheld tools are convex and concave with rounded edges. The tools are applied in a targeted manner on areas of your back that are in pain or have scar tissue.

Dr. Ablett rubs the tools against your scar tissue in movements that are similar to a massage. You may experience some increased inflammation as a result, but your body will respond by increasing blood flow to the area and by sending in more nutrients. This will help promote your body’s internal healing mechanisms.

Because your body is interconnected, the Graston Technique involves treating your whole body. So even if you’re coming in for back pain, you may receive treatment to your hamstrings, shoulders, hip flexors, abdomen, and other related muscle groups.

What should I expect from the therapy?

Graston Technique treatments for lower back pain generally consist of 1-10 visits over the course of multiple weeks. You may feel benefits after just one session, but most patients feel major relief from their issues after 4-5 sessions. And yet others feel optimal results after getting the full series of treatments. As this is a chiropractic treatment, it’s all natural. There are no medications or surgical procedures involved.

Following a session, you may be mildly sore or bruised for a day or two. Immediately after a session, you can apply ice to the treatment areas for 15-20 minutes to relieve any pain. Dr. Ablett will provide a customized plan for your particular issue.

We here at Pinnacle Health Chiropractic want to help men and women live healthy lives. This includes freedom from back pain. If you want to see it the Graston Technique can help you, book an appointment online or over the phone with Pinnacle Health Chiropractic today.