The Graston Technique

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Graston instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization (GITSM) is a tool used by therapist and chiropractors to help break up the scar tissue and replace it with fibroblast allowing for faster recoveries (Black 2010). A series of heat, GISTM, then strength and flexibility training are required (Black 2010). Numerous studies have been conducted, by certified therapist qualified in GISTM, to examine the styles and recovery periods after an injury. After going through the treatment, patients are measured by their range of motion (ROM) to see if the treatments were effective or not (Black 2010). ROM can vary depending on the region of the body that is being treated, but the overall goal of GISTM is to allow a person to get back to their regular routines they had before their injury. A study conducted by Logan College of Chiropractic shows that plantar fasciitis (foot) can be treated by GISTM on the first day of treatment (Daniels and Morrell 2012). Another study by Duke University shows that GISTM can be effective for patients after surgery that had an injury in the Patellar tendon (knee) (Black 2010). After several treatments, GISTM can, also, be used to treat a compression fracture in the lumbar (back) (Papa 2012). Each study shows the method of GISTM, the patient’s recovery period along with the methods of recovery.
Plantar fasciitis is caused from muscles and ligaments that alter the calcaneous (the big bone on hill of foot) (Daniels and Morrell 2012). The alteration of these muscles and ligaments will inflict pain and discomfort on the patient, and if not treated will cause failure of ligaments, bones, and muscles. The patient was tested with a simple squat technique that showed his heels were coming off the ground (Daniels and M...

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...). This patient, after treatment, had complete ROM and was able to get back to daily activities (Papa 2012). GISTM has shown to work on all types of injuries whether the patient had surgery or not. GISTM is becoming a well-known tool in the clinical world and is a reason for faster recovery periods (Black 2010).

Works Cited

Black D. 2010. Treatment of knee arthrofibrosis and quadriceps insufficiency after patellar tendon repair: a case report including use of the graston technique. International journal of therapeutic massage and bodywork. Volume 3, Issue 2:14-21

Daniels C, Morrell A. 2012. Chiropractic management of pediatric plantar fasciitis: a case report. Journal of chiropractic medicine. Volume 11, Issue 1:58-63,

Papa J. 2012. Conservative management of a lumbar compression fracture in an osteoporotic patient: a case report. J. Can. Chiropr. Assoc:29-39

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