45% of all chronic diseases treated in hospitals are related to fibrosis or scar tissue. Fibrosis occurs when the body’s tissues get damaged, sometimes due to surgery, a disease, or injury. To fill in the tear or cut, thick, healthy tissue made of collagen cells gets created. Although scar tissue is part of the body’s natural regenerative process, it can cause other health issues.
If left unmanaged, scar tissue can restrict movement, cause nerve pain, cause numbness, and lead to joint contractures. To manage scar tissue and prevent these consequences, patients are recommended to see a physical therapist for manual massage therapy. This helps to remodel the scar tissue and realign all the collagen fibres.
What is the Graston Technique?
The Graston Technique is a highly effective method of manual therapy for scar tissue. It involves using a stainless-steel instrument that is specifically designed for this purpose. When used by a registered massage therapist or physical therapist, the Graston Technique can help remodel the scar tissue in a pain-free way.
Cross fibre massage for scar tissue is a well-known, evidence-based treatment. The Graston Technique allows the practitioner to gain a better sense where there is resistance in the tissue. They can use the tool’s edges and surfaces to gently massage the tissue from different angles.
Who is the Graston Technique for?
There are numerous conditions that the Graston Technique can help with. Combined with other treatments, it can treat carpal tunnel syndrome, fibromyalgia, tennis elbow, back pain, shin splints, and more. It’s commonly used to address post-surgery scarring, especially in women post-mastectomy or post-Cesarean.
However, it’s rarely a standalone treatment. Your practitioner will also likely use manual therapy with their hands as well as other forms of treatment depending on where your scar tissue is located.
What Happens During a Session?
When you book a scar tissue massage, your appointment will be similar to any other RMT session. You will consult with the practitioner on how your body has been feeling, where it’s sore, and the status of your scar tissue. It’s important not to massage any open scars or unhealed wounds.
Then, you will remove your clothing (if you wish) and lay on the massage table. In addition to traditional manual therapy of the muscles and tissues, the practitioner will use a stainless-steel tool for the Graston Technique. They will gently run the tool across your scar tissue, assessing its tightness and restriction. Cross fibre massage (with an instrument or just the practitioner’s hands) helps break up scar tissue.
How Effective is the Graston Technique?
The Graston Technique has been proven to be effective in breaking down collagen fibres and stretching fibrous tissues. Not only does it increase blood flow to the area, but it also reduces the amount of pain you feel in the area. It can reduce recovery time from injuries and decrease the amount of treatment you need, in addition to other benefits.
You can read more about the empirical and anecdotal evidence on the effectiveness of this treatment on the Graston Technique website.
Where Can I Receive Treatment with the Graston Technique?
Wildflower Health & Wellness is proud to offer registered massage therapy treatments which incorporate the Graston Technique. Our practitioners have completed the accredited Graston Technique training and are fully licensed to provide this service.
Simply call our clinic at 905-951-7134 or book an appointment online here.
