Graston Technique is a form of instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization used by healthcare providers to break down scar tissue and fascial restrictions in muscles, tendons. And ligaments. Graston Technique involves specialized stainless-steel tools to detect and treat areas of soft tissue fibrosis or chronic inflammation, helping restore range of motion and reduce pain.
Category
Soft tissue therapy
Used for
Scar tissue, tendonitis, muscle tightness, chronic pain
Common confusion
Often mistaken for regular massage or dry needling
Also called
Graston Therapy, Instrument-Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization (IASTM)
Often discussed with
Work Injury Treatment, Auto Accident Injury Doctor

Graston Technique helps with soft tissue injuries. It treats areas that hurt or won't move well.
Related glossary terms: Myofascial Release, Soft Tissue Therapy, Trigger Point Therapy.
Doctors and therapists use metal tools. These tools find and treat problem spots. They look for scar tissue or swelling.
Scar tissue can limit movement. It can also cause pain. The tools help break it up.
This method creates small injuries. These injuries help the body heal. Healing reduces pain over time.
This method comes from old therapy ways. But it uses tools to be more exact. Hands can't do the same job.
The tools press and stroke the skin. They work on small areas. This helps with problems like tennis elbow.
Tennis elbow comes from strain. So does plantar fasciitis. The tools help break up scar tissue.
It may hurt a little at first. But most people handle it well. It aims to help you move better.
First, the provider warms up the area. They may use light exercise or heat. Then they use the metal tools.
The tools scan the skin. They find spots that are tight or scarred. Then the provider treats those spots.
They press the tool on the skin. This creates small injuries. These injuries help break up scar tissue.
Blood flows to the area. This helps it heal. It also reduces swelling.
The tools come in different shapes. Each shape fits a body part. Big tools work on muscles.
Small tools work on tendons. Tendons connect muscles to bones. Ligaments connect bones to bones.
The provider may add stretches. They may also add exercises. These help the treatment work better.
You might get bruises or soreness. This goes away in a few days. It's part of healing.
Studies show this method helps. It works for many muscle and bone problems. It helps with pain and movement.
It works for Achilles tendonitis. It also works for carpal tunnel. Low back pain can improve too.
This is not the only treatment. It works best with other methods. These may include chiropractic care.
Physical therapy may be added too. Other treatments can help as well.

Graston Technique helps without surgery. It treats injuries that don't get better. It helps with scar tissue.
Scar tissue can cause pain. It can also limit movement. This happens after injuries or strain.
The tools break up scar tissue. This helps you move better. Pain goes down too.
You can go back to daily tasks. Sports become easier too.
Athletes get hurt often. They can miss weeks or months. This method helps them heal faster.
It treats the real problem. It's not just for injuries. It can also keep you from getting hurt.
This keeps tissues healthy. It lowers injury risk. It's good for healing and staying fit.
This method helps with long-term injuries. It works when rest and ice don't help. It treats scar tissue.
Tendonitis is one problem it helps. Tennis elbow is tendonitis. So is golfer's elbow.
Achilles tendonitis is another. Scar tissue causes pain. It also causes stiffness.
It helps with muscle strains. It also helps with sprains. Sprains happen to ligaments.
Surgery can leave scar tissue. This method helps break it up. Movement gets better.
It helps if you can't move well. It helps with lasting pain. It also helps with injuries that keep coming back.
Runners get iliotibial band syndrome. Office workers get carpal tunnel. This method can help both.
It works when other treatments fail. Stretching may not help. Massage may not help either.
Not everyone can use this method. The provider will check first. They will see if it's right for you.
In Hendersonville, TN, providers use this method. They help with car accidents. They help with work injuries too.
Sports injuries get treated as well. It helps without surgery. It works when soft tissue is hurt.
Myofascial release uses hands or foam rollers to stretch and release tight fascia. While Graston Technique uses metal tools to break down scar tissue.
Dry needling involves inserting thin needles into trigger points to relieve pain, whereas Graston Technique uses tools to scrape and mobilize soft tissues.
Deep tissue massage uses hands to apply pressure and release tension. While Graston Technique uses instruments for more targeted treatment of fibrosis.
Graston Technique is most effective when integrated into a broader rehabilitation plan. While the tools can break down scar tissue, combining the technique with stretching, strengthening. And other therapies ensures long-term improvements in function and pain relief.
A runner with chronic Achilles tendonitis visits a chiropractor in Hendersonville, TN. After evaluating the injury, the provider uses Graston Technique to break down scar tissue in the tendon. The runner follows up with stretching exercises and gradually returns to running with less pain and improved mobility.
Myofascial Release is a hands-on therapy that gently stretches and loosens the fascia, the thin layer of connective tissue surrounding muscles, bones. And organs. This technique helps reduce pain, improve movement. And restore function by releasing tight or restricted areas caused by injury, stress. Or poor posture. It's often used alongside chiropractic care to enhance recovery and flexibility.
Soft Tissue Therapy is a hands-on treatment that targets muscles, tendons, ligaments. And fascia to reduce pain, improve mobility. And speed recovery from injuries. Soft Tissue Therapy techniques include massage, stretching. And pressure to break up scar tissue, ease tension.
Trigger Point Therapy is a manual treatment technique that targets tight knots in muscles, called trigger points, which cause pain and restrict movement. Therapists apply focused pressure to these points to release tension, improve blood flow. And relieve referred pain in other areas of the body. This therapy is often used to treat muscle stiffness, headaches.
Physical Rehabilitation is a medically supervised process that helps individuals regain movement, strength. And function after injury, surgery. Or illness. Physical Rehabilitation uses exercises, stretches, manual therapy. And education to reduce pain, restore mobility. And prevent future problems. It's tailored to each person’s condition and goals, often involving a team of healthcare providers.
Muscle Strain is an injury that occurs when muscle fibers stretch too far or tear due to overuse, sudden force. Or improper movement. Muscle Strain often causes pain, swelling. And limited movement in the affected area. It commonly affects muscles in the back, neck, shoulders. And legs, especially during physical activity or heavy lifting.
Advanced Injury Care Clinic
Contact Advanced Injury Care Clinic for practical guidance on Graston Technique and related chiropractor work in Hendersonville.