NE Minneapolis

2112 Broadway Street NE,
Suite 195, Minneapolis, MN 55413

Coon Rapids

8770 Springbrook Dr. NW,
Suite 106, Coon Rapids, MN 55433
a

The Graston Technique for Chronic Pain

by | Feb 5, 2025 | Treatment Techniques

Physiotherapist correcting joint pain of male patient with IASTM tool, Instrument assisted soft tissue mobilization technique for soft tissue treatment.

If you’re experiencing muscular pain, understanding the different treatment options available is crucial for your healing journey. Two common approaches are the Graston Technique and deep-tissue massage. While both aim to alleviate muscular pain, they differ in their methods and applications. 

This article focuses on the Graston Technique, detailing what it is, its benefits, how it’s utilized in physical therapy, and its specific applications in managing chronic pain.

What is the Graston Technique?

The Graston Technique is a specialized form of manual therapy that employs specially designed, stainless steel instruments to mobilize soft tissue. It’s often described as a type of deep-tissue massage, but instead of using hands, the practitioner uses a set of hand-held tools. 

The experience can be relaxing for the patient, but it can cause some discomfort when we find a spot that needs work. Despite the pain, it still has the benefit of providing significant relief afterwards. Think of it as a targeted approach to addressing specific soft tissue issues like knots, scar tissue, or other restrictions within muscles, tendons, and ligaments.

How Does the Graston Technique Work?

The Graston Technique helps identify these restrictions more effectively than with hands alone. The technique introduces controlled microtrauma to the affected area, which triggers a localized inflammatory response and increased blood flow. This, in turn, promotes healing and tissue regeneration.

The primary benefit of the Graston Technique is pain reduction. Many patients experience immediate pain relief after just one session. Over a series of treatments, it can also improve mobility and provide long-term pain reduction. It’s commonly used to address conditions involving soft tissue dysfunction, such as muscle strains and sprains, tendonitis, scar tissue restrictions, fascial adhesions, and chronic pain conditions.

How is the Graston Technique Used in Physical Therapy?

Therapist using graston technique on a patient's knee

Physical therapists often incorporate the Graston Technique into a comprehensive treatment plan. They are trained to understand when and how to use it for optimal patient outcomes. While it can be a powerful tool on its own, it is most effective when combined with other therapies, such as exercise, stretching, and manual therapy. 

One of the reasons the Graston Technique is favored by physical therapists is the enhanced feedback it provides. The tools allow for more precise identification of adhesions and knots compared to using hands alone. This can lead to more targeted and effective treatment. Some patients experience faster results with the Graston Technique.

Compared to traditional deep-tissue massage, you can instantiate a quicker healing time. While deep-tissue massage can be beneficial for relaxation and stress relief, the Graston Technique is often preferred when the primary goal is pain relief and scar tissue treatment. It can even be modified for patients who bruise easily or require gentler pressure.

Deep Tissue Massage vs the Graston Technique 

Both popular treatments for musculoskeletal pain, but they differ significantly in their approach. Deep tissue massage is a manual therapy that uses slow, deliberate strokes to reach deeper layers of muscle and fascia. It aims to release chronic muscle tension, improve posture, and reduce pain. 

The Graston Technique, on the other hand, is a patented method of instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization (IASTM). That means the specially designed stainless steel instruments mentioned earlier.

While both techniques can be used to treat a variety of conditions, deep tissue massage is often preferred for general muscle soreness and tension, while the Graston Technique is more targeted towards specific areas of scar tissue or adhesion. 

The Graston Technique is effective for treating chronic conditions

Particularly ones that have not responded to other forms of treatment. However, it is important to note that the Graston Technique can be more uncomfortable than deep tissue massage, and some patients may experience bruising or soreness after treatment.

Ultimately, the best treatment for you will depend on your individual needs and preferences. If you are unsure which technique is right for you, it is always best to consult with a qualified healthcare professional. Try our free discovery visit, and we can assess your condition and recommend the most appropriate course of treatment.

physical therapist using the graston technique on the shoulder to help with chronic pain

The Graston Technique and Chronic Pain

The Graston Technique offers a unique approach to managing chronic pain by addressing the underlying soft tissue dysfunction that often contributes to persistent discomfort. Chronic pain can stem from various sources, leading to the formation of scar tissue, adhesions, and restrictions within muscles, tendons, and ligaments. 

This restricted tissue can limit your range of motion, cause pain, and even affect nerve function, perpetuating the cycle of chronic pain. The Graston Technique’s specialized instruments allow clinicians to precisely identify and treat these problematic areas. By breaking down scar tissue and adhesions, the technique helps restore normal tissue mobility and function, which can significantly reduce pain. 

The Controlled Microtrauma Induced by the Graston Technique 

It stimulates a localized inflammatory response, triggering the body’s natural healing mechanisms. It also promotes the remodeling of damaged tissue and the formation of healthier, more flexible tissue. This process can improve blood flow to the affected area, delivering essential nutrients and removing metabolic waste products that contribute to pain. 

Furthermore, the Graston Technique can help address trigger points. Hypersensitive spots in muscles that can cause referred pain. By releasing these trigger points, the technique can alleviate pain not only at the trigger point site but also in other areas of the body. 

Beyond the immediate effects of the Graston Technique 

Chronic pain often leads to altered movement patterns and muscle imbalances. As the Graston Technique helps restore proper tissue function, it can also facilitate the retraining of these movement patterns. This can involve working with a physical therapist to strengthen weakened muscles, improve flexibility, and correct postural issues. 

By addressing both the soft tissue dysfunction and the associated neuromuscular imbalances, the Graston Technique can contribute to long-term pain relief and improved functional capacity.

The Graston Technique is not a one-size-fits-all solution 

It is typically most effective when integrated into a comprehensive pain management plan. A qualified healthcare professional like the ones at our physical therapy clinics in Minneapolis, can assess your specific condition and determine if the Graston Technique is an appropriate treatment option for your chronic pain. 

We can also develop a personalized treatment plan to address your individual needs and help you achieve your pain management goals.

Dr. Kevin Spahr

Related Posts

Follow Us

Download Your Free Reports

Tell us where it hurts and we’ll send you our best advice and top tips in one special report…

It’s free! just click below and find the one that works best for you…

back pain and stiffness guide

Back Pain

knee pain and stiffness guide

Knee Pain

neck and shoulder pain guide

Neck Pain

Ankle and Foot Pain Guide

Ankle/Foot Pain

Hip Pain and Stiffness Guide

Hip Pain

See What Our Patients Are Saying

Read our reviews from other people like you who came to see the physical therapy team – and left much healthier and happier.
Excellent
PRO Therapy
Based on 324 reviews
Mark N.
I've had PT in many locations from many different providers. ProTherapy is the most upbeat group of EXPERT DPTs that will motivate, guide, and support you as you regain strength, flexibility or wherever you may be on your journey to greater health. And they are FUN!!
ProTherapy has been a great partner for me through back and knee rehab along with pre- and post- hip replacement care. ProTherapy rocks!

Dr. Lily is my PT hero! It's hard to say goodbye after so many issues addressed. But time to head out on my own knowing that ProTherapy will be there for me should I need them again.

Thanks again to my ProTherapy PT family!
Darlyne J
Thank you, Pro Therapy, for excellent service and guidance for my left hip injuries. What a difference I am experiencing after dry needling, the targeted exercises, and lately the fantastic Stem Wave therapy. Special shout-out to Dr. Lilly.
Emma H.
PRO Therapy is the absolute BEST. I had shoulder pain/arm tingling/arm numbness in my left arm and was able to make everything go away within 4 weeks! The staff is incredibly friendly. I worked with Dr. Lily, who was PHENOMINAL. She was very caring and attentive to my questions and concerns. If I ever need physical therapy help again, I will be going back! Highly recommend!
Jacob H.
I worked with Dr Kelvyn on my ankle and he was excellent. Very attentive and good at changing/adding exercises as needed. He went above and beyond by adjusting my exercises to my desired activities. Extremely positive experience overall.
Alessia C.
I worked with Dr. Lily from January to July following a bad car accident and I can't recommend her enough!! From day one, she was incredibly friendly, supportive, and truly listened to what I was going through. She customized a workout and recovery plan that evolved with me every step of the way, making sure it suited my needs and progress.

She also introduced me to cupping and dry needling, both of which were completely new to me, and was extremely patient and reassuring, especially knowing I was nervous about needles. Thanks to her care and dedication, I’ve seen some improvement in my back, neck, and legs.

If you’re looking for someone who’s highly skilled, compassionate, and genuinely committed to helping you heal, Dr. Lily is the one to see! 🙂 Thank you!!
MaryAnn S
I have been a client of PRO Therapy since 2019 and each time I have received the best of care from the doctors I have seen. Every team member here cares about the individual and the best approach to healing. I try to deal with my pain issues with out drugs as much as possible and the care I receive from the therapists at PRO Therapy is the best. I highly recommend their services. Most recently I injured my right shoulder and arm from pulling weeds and waited too long to address the pain and limitations I was experiencing. The Stemwave non-invasive medical treatment that I have received in the past 3 weeks along with PT from one of the doctors has brought tremendous relief and is allowing me to get back to normal day to day activities. If you are looking for a clinic that treats you with respect and care as well as addressing your pain issues, don’t go any where else, PRO Therapy is your place!
Lindsay G.
My experience with Pro Therapy, and Dr. Lily Anderson was awesome. I had let my injury get to the point where it was disruptive not only to my training but daily life. Dr. Lily helped me set goals for each week, and I started to see improvement weekly! Now I have the tools and knowledge to maintain my recovery. So grateful for Dr. Lily and Pro Therapy.
Makenna S.
Dr. Lily was incredibly helpful in diagnosing and treating my knee pain! She was always so receptive to my feedback and incredibly accommodating to wherever I was at in my rehab journey. Her exercises and guidance have me pain-free after just a couple months, cannot recommend highly enough!
Sam H.
Lovely PTs! Easy to talk to professionals who know what they are doing and how to best help you. Scheduling appointments are very simple and they always send a reminder text the day before your appointment. Highly recommend!
N
Outstanding experience working with Dr Salfer and the Pro Therapy team. Helped me overcome a longstanding injury that blocked me from running. Am back to regular 5Ks for the first time in almost a decade and feel fantastic! Dr Salfer is great at what she does and is super patient to answer questions and provide instructions on how to do exercises. Front desk team also couldn’t be nicer. Thank you!