Many people search for answers when dealing with chronic pain, sports injuries, or muscle tightness, wondering, “What is the Graston Technique, and does it work?” If you’re struggling with muscle tension, scar tissue buildup, or post-injury stiffness, the Graston Technique may be a highly effective treatment option.
At Unity Chiropractic Wellness, located in Midtown Manhattan near Grand Central Terminal and Murray Hill, we integrate soft tissue therapies like Graston with chiropractic care to help patients recover faster, reduce pain, and improve mobility. This post explores how the Graston Technique works, its benefits, and how it compares to other soft tissue treatments like myofascial release and Active Release Therapy (ART).
What Is the Graston Technique?
The Graston Technique (GT) is a specialized form of instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization (IASTM) that uses stainless steel tools to break down scar tissue, fascial restrictions, and adhesions in muscles and connective tissues.
How It Works:
• A chiropractor or therapist glides metal instruments over affected areas to detect tightness, knots, and scar tissue.
• The tools apply controlled pressure to break down adhesions and improve blood circulation in the tissue.
• This stimulates tissue remodeling and healing, reducing pain, stiffness, and mobility restrictions.
Many patients report feeling relief after just a few sessions, as the technique enhances tissue flexibility, reduces muscle tension, and speeds up recovery.
What Conditions Can the Graston Technique Treat?
GT is highly effective for chronic pain conditions, athletic injuries, and post-surgical recovery. It can help with:
1. Sports Injuries and Overuse Conditions
Athletes often suffer from muscle strains, tendinitis, and repetitive motion injuries. GT is commonly used for:
✅ Tennis elbow (lateral epicondylitis)
✅ Golfer’s elbow (medial epicondylitis)
✅ Runner’s knee (patellar tendinitis)
✅ Achilles tendinitis and plantar fasciitis
By breaking down scar tissue and restoring flexibility, GT helps athletes recover faster and prevent future injuries.
2. Chronic Pain and Muscle Stiffness
Many patients with long-term pain conditions find relief through GT, including those with:
✅ Fibromyalgia
✅ Myofascial pain syndrome
✅ Chronic neck and back pain
✅ Shoulder impingement and rotator cuff injuries
GT helps reduce chronic inflammation and improve movement, making it an effective option for pain management without medication.
3. Post-Surgical Recovery and Scar Tissue Management
After surgery, excessive scar tissue formation can cause tightness and limited range of motion. GT helps:
✅ Break down post-surgical adhesions
✅ Improve mobility in stiff joints and muscles
✅ Restore flexibility after orthopedic procedures
Patients recovering from surgeries like ACL repair, rotator cuff surgery, or spinal procedures often benefit from Graston therapy as part of their rehabilitation plan.
4. Carpal Tunnel Syndrome and Nerve Entrapment Conditions
GT can also be helpful for nerve-related conditions where tight fascia compresses nerves, such as:
✅ Carpal tunnel syndrome
✅ Thoracic outlet syndrome
✅ Sciatic nerve pain
By loosening tight connective tissues, GT can help relieve pressure on nerves and reduce numbness, tingling, and weakness.
What to Expect During a Graston Technique Session
If you’ve never tried GT before, you may wonder, “Does the Graston Technique hurt?” While it is a firm pressure technique, most patients describe the sensation as a deep tissue massage rather than pain.
A Typical GT Session Includes:
✅ A warm-up phase (to relax soft tissues)
✅ Application of stainless steel tools to locate and treat restrictions
✅ Controlled scraping or stroking movements to break down adhesions
✅ Stretching and movement exercises to reinforce mobility improvements
Some mild redness or temporary bruising may occur as blood flow increases, but this is normal and part of the healing process.
Graston Technique vs. Other Soft Tissue Treatments
Many people ask, “How does the Graston Technique compare to myofascial release or ART?” While all these methods address soft tissue dysfunction, they work in different ways.
Graston vs. Myofascial Release
• Graston: Uses tools to break down adhesions
• Myofascial Release (MFR): Uses hands-on pressure to stretch and release fascial tightness
Best for: Breaking up scar tissue faster and enhancing blood circulation
Graston vs. Active Release Therapy (ART)
• Graston: Targets scar tissue and fascial adhesions
• ART: Uses precise muscle movements and pressure to free trapped nerves and tight muscles
Best for: Treating post-surgical scars and chronic inflammation more efficiently
At Unity Chiropractic Wellness in Midtown Manhattan, we offer a combination of Graston, myofascial release, and chiropractic adjustments to provide comprehensive soft tissue care.
How Chiropractic Care and the Graston Technique Work Together
Pairing GT with chiropractic adjustments can improve:
• Spinal alignment and muscle function
• Injury recovery and scar tissue breakdown
• Flexibility and pain relief
Many of our patients in Murray Hill and Grand Central Terminal see faster results when GT is combined with:
✅ Chiropractic adjustments to restore joint function
✅ Corrective exercises to improve movement patterns
✅ Postural therapy to prevent future injuries
Who Should Avoid the Graston Technique?
While GT is safe for most people, it may not be recommended if you have:
• Blood clotting disorders or are on blood thinners
• Open wounds, infections, or skin conditions
• Severe osteoporosis or fragile bones
If you have concerns, our team at Unity Chiropractic Wellness in Midtown East can assess whether Graston therapy is right for you.
Final Thoughts: Is the Graston Technique Right for You?
The Graston Technique is a powerful tool for reducing pain, improving mobility, and breaking down scar tissue. Whether you’re an athlete recovering from an injury, dealing with chronic pain, or recovering from surgery, Graston therapy can help accelerate healing and restore function.
At Unity Chiropractic Wellness, we specialize in customized Graston therapy and chiropractic care to help patients in Midtown Manhattan, Murray Hill, and near Grand Central Terminal achieve long-lasting relief.
If you’re ready to experience the benefits of the Graston Technique, schedule an appointment today! Let us help you get back to pain-free movement and better mobility.