As part of our commitment to our patients, clinicians at University Orthopaedic Associates are always seeking to expand their skill sets to help more people more effectively. Our director of physical therapy, Dino Pinciotti, sought out and received training in the Graston Technique—an advanced rehabilitation method—and is now a Preferred Provider.

What Is the Graston Technique?

The Graston Technique is a rehabilitation method that addresses scar tissue, fascial tissue tightness and limited range of motion in physical therapy. It is similar to massage—but much more. Instead of merely identifying and temporarily addressing muscle restrictions, the Graston Technique allows therapists to focus on one of the root causes of range of motion limitation: scar tissue.

After certain musculoskeletal injuries, the body may try to repair the damaged tissue by replacing it with scar tissue. However, this scar tissue is not as flexible as the tissue it is replacing. This can lead to muscular tightness and reduced range of motion, which can later cause muscle imbalances, pain and even new injuries.

The Graston Technique uses stainless steel instruments to break up this scar tissue. Therapists use the instruments to assess the part of the body where the restriction or tightness exists, allowing both the physical therapist and patient to feel the ropy, knotty tissue.

The physical therapist then uses the instruments to break up the scar tissue, improving pain symptoms and range of motion. The Graston Technique is usually used in concert with stretching to realign healthy tissue fibers and appropriate therapeutic exercises prescribed by the physical therapist

What Conditions Can the Graston Technique Treat?

The Graston Technique can be effective for many types of soft tissue injuries, such as:

• Achilles tendinosis and tendinitis
• Carpal tunnel syndrome
• Cervical sprains and strains
• Golfer’s elbow and tennis elbow
• Lumbar sprains and strains
• Patellofemoral disorders
• Plantar fasciitis
• Rotator cuff tendinosis and tendinitis
• Shin splints
• Trigger finger

What Are the Benefits of the Graston Technique?

Numerous high-quality studies have been performed on instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization, of which the Graston Technique is one form. Some of these benefits include:

• Improvements in flexibility
• Increased blood flow
• Myofascial release
• Pain relief
• Reduction of tissue viscosity (muscle tissue becomes less stiff)

Who Can Perform the Graston Technique?

The Graston Technique is available only to medical professionals who have undergone rigorous training and certification processes. Dino’s commitment to his patients and to staying on the cutting edge of treatment led him to pursue and complete this training. Dino truly embodies UOA’s spirit of excellence and core philosophy of constant learning and improvement.

If you have a soft tissue injury, request an appointment at UOA. Our expert doctors and other clinical staff can diagnose your injury and put you on the road to recovery.