Graston Technique®

The Graston technique (GT®) was originally developed by athletes for the treatment of repetitive use injuries, but has recently been shown to be affective in the treatment of many common injuries. It allows Dr. DeSanzo to find and break down scar tissue and restrictions in your soft tissue that may be the cause or significant contributor to your problem. Click HERE (http://www.grastontechnique.com/Slide_Show.html) to view a slide show of how the GT® works. GT® has been clinically proven to achieve quicker and better outcomes in treating both acute and chronic conditions.

Scar tissue results any time the body is injured and forms on our skin and in our tissues. When scar tissue forms in our muscles, ligaments, tendons or fascia (covers the muscle and separates tissues) it restricts range of motion, causes pain and changes the way our body functions. Scar tissue is also weak and prone to re-injury which causes further damage to the affected tissue.

In a recent study in the Journal of Occupational and Physical Therapy, Graston Technique was found to be a very beneficial in treating soft tissue injuries.

The study found that injured tendons treated with GT® showed:

  • Improved tendon strength by 43.1%
  • Increased tendon stiffness by 39.7%
  • Allowed 57.1% more force before tendon failure

These findings indicate that treatment with GT® results in better and faster healing of damaged soft tissues. This should result in less chance of re-injury and a faster return to activity.

Figures 1 and 2 (below) show highly magnified (electron microscope) images from this study.

figure 1

Figure 1 shows:

  • (A) A normal tendon
  • (B) An injured tendon with no treatment at 4 weeks
  • (C) An injured tendon treated with GT® at 4 weeks.

Note the difference between image B and C. The injured tendon with GT® treatment is much more uniform and is closer to the normal tendon in appearance.

figure 2

Figure 2 shows:

  • (A) Injured tendon without treatment 250 resolutions.
  • (B) Injured tendon without treatment 6500 resolution.
  • (C) Injured tendon with GT® treatment 250 resolution.
  • (D) Injured tendon with GT® treatment 6500 resolution.

Note the difference between the tendon treated with GT® and the untreated tendon. The tendon treated with GT® has healed faster and more uniformly. This results in a quicker return to activity and less chance of re-injury.

GT® has become recognized as standard protocol in several university and hospital settings, including the prestigious Texas Back Institute. GT® is also being used in industrial settings and by over 50 professional and amateur sports teams, including NFL, NBA, NHL, Major League Baseball teams. Click here to see a list of all participating sports organizations using the Technique. Historically, the Graston Technique® has resolved 87% or more of all conditions treated. It is equally effective in restoring function to acute and chronic injuries, and pre and post surgical patients. Click here for research outcomes in 17 of the most commonly treated diagnoses.

I was physically and emotionally exhausted. I had constant pain during the day and was unable to sleep. I was taking too much over the counter pain medication. Dr. DeSanzo used a combination of Graston Technique, stretching and adjustments to relieve my pain and restore my range of motion. I can enjoy walking and working in the garden again. I was seeing a podiatrist every six weeks for foot pain. I had expensive arch supports made, but they brought no long term relief.

- Marjorie H.

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