Marty Chiropractic & Wellness

Graston – Instrument Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization

Lakeville Chiropractor Dr. Joshua Marty at Marty Chiropractic & Wellness is Graston Technique Trained. In this article, he explains Graston Technique and different conditions Graston can treat.

At Marty Chiropractic & Wellness, we often get questions about specific conditions like Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, Plantar Fasciitis, and Tennis Elbow and how chiropractors treat those conditions. Chiropractic treatment can help alleviate the pain, stiffness, and overall discomfort associated with the inflammation of soft tissue structures. Utilitzing a chiropractic adjustment can stimulate mechanoreceptors in the muscles, causing them to relax. We also use electrical muscle stim, heat, ice, ultrasound to work on the soft tissues. However, sometimes more direct stimili can have improved outcomes on soft tissue. This is where Instrument Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization (IASTM), Cupping, and myofascial release techniques really shine.

Dr. Josh is trained in Graston Technique and studied under an ART certified doctor for a full year. He utilizes this expertise to accurately identify the structures that are creating the symptoms and treats accordingly. But why use these techniques at all? Because the more specific the movement of myofacial care, the better the results.

Patients often ask if IASTM or myofascial release is more effective, and that is a difficult question to answer. There have not been many studies to determine if utilizing an instrument is more effective than using your hands. However, there have been studies on performing soft tissue mobilization in different ways to create more efficient results. One such study determined that utilizing a static stretch when performing IASTM created significantly improved results in individuals with Plantar Fasciitis when compared to the control group ( DOI: 10.15621/ijphy/2014/v1i3/53462). These results have prompted the idea of utilizing active motion while mobilizing the soft tissue. These techniques are especially effective for conditions such as Plantar Fasciitis, Tennis Elbow, Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, Frozen Shoulder (Adhesive Capsulitis), and many more!

Dr. Josh often utilizes soft tissue mobilization in addition to chiropractic adjustments. He has experienced first-hand the difference that mobilizing involved tissues can have for the relief of conditions like headaches, back-pain, and general aches throughout the spinal area as well as extremities. If you suffer with chronic pain that doesn’t seem to resolve, soft tissue mobilization techniques may be right for you! Call (612) 440-5776 or book an appointment online and get the help you deserve!

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