Whether you are chronic sports junky, crossfit participant, recreational or professional athlete, dancer, or even an extreme runner, it is important to understand that physical activity does increase the risk of injury. Regardless of your preference of physical activity, it is even more important to always practice exercise safety techniques and always provide care and attention to a physical injury as soon as it occurs.

For individuals who experience a joint or muscle injury, the Graston Technique is a popular method that not only helps restoration, but also assists with reducing physical pain and improving motion restriction. This rehabilitation technique provided by a licensed physical therapist can achieve the best results leading individuals back to their original 100% fitness level.

As a licensed physical therapist, the Graston Technique is one of my go-to therapy treatments for many acute and chronic soft tissue and joint injuries. Not only does this method restore physical function and alleviate pain, it does so in minimal recovery time. This technique was originally developed by athletes years ago and has since been patented and used widely among licensed physical & occupational therapy professionals worldwide.

What exactly is the Graston Technique?

It is an innovative system of instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization that breaks down scar tissue and fascial restrictions. As a certified Graston Technique specialist, I help my patients utilize specially designed stainless steel instruments to specifically detect and effectively treat areas exhibiting soft tissue fibrosis or chronic inflammation. The stainless steel tools used in this method are shaped to fit the contour of the body. With these advanced tools, a physical therapist can simply scan the injured area and assist clinicians to locate and then treat the injury. Even though the process seems simple, it is much more complex as it stimulates a local inflammatory response in the soft tissue or joint, which leads to remodeling and repair of the affected soft tissue structures. Best of all, this is a non-invasive method that repairs the injury and relieves the discomfort and irritation that is typically associated with a muscle or tissue injury.

Thanks to this innovative technique, my patients at Donner Physical Therapy and Sports Rehab and XL Physical Therapy and Sports Rehab have been able to achieve optimal benefits within a minimal number of treatment sessions. Not only does this physical therapy method reduce the time needed to rehabilitate from an injury, it reduces the overall cost as well.

If you have experienced a muscle or joint injury that you think may go away on its own, don’t be naive and consider the Graston Technique as an avenue towards your recovery. If you do in fact have a muscle tissue injury and live in the South Florida area, reach out to me via email and let me help you on your road to recovery! Visit www.MariaPontillo.com to learn more about my physical therapy services or email me at [email protected]. Check out a list of the most common typs of injuries that the Gratson Technique can assist with.

Most Common injuries that can benefit from the Graston Technique:

* Muscle Pulls
* Rotator Cuff Tendinitis (shoulder)
* Trigger Points
* Patellofemoral Disorders (knee pain)
* Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (wrist pain)
* Plantar Fasciitis (foot and arch pain)
* Cervical Strain/Sprain (neck pain)
* Lumbar Sprain/Strain (low back pain)
* Muscle Spasms
* Achilles Tendinitis (ankle pain)
* Tendinitis
* Later Epicondylitis (tennis elbow)
* Muscle Strains
* Medial Epicondylitis (golfers elbow)
* Shin Splints