Chiropractic therapy can be effective in helping people manage chronic pain, in part thanks to its ability to be completely customized using special techniques.
Although massage and spinal adjustments are relatively well-known chiropractic methods for providing long-lasting pain relief, another technique may not be quite as well-known, but is just as effective: Graston therapy.
Barbara Adonis, DC, and the team at Easy Reach Chiropractic are skilled practitioners of Graston therapy, using specialized tools to release tight tissue responsible for painful symptoms and reduced range of motion. Here’s how the therapy works and how it could help you finally find relief for your nagging pain and stiffness.
Graston therapy is a type of soft-tissue mobilization therapy, a treatment method that focuses on injuries and inflammation involving your muscles, ligaments, tendons, and other soft tissues. Though many types of soft-tissue mobilization use hands-on techniques, Graston therapy uses a series of special tools to promote circulation and break up scar tissue deposits.
Also called adhesions, scar tissue forms after a traumatic injury or simply as a result of overuse, strain, or repetitive use, like repeated heavy lifting or the strain from poor posture.
As part of your natural healing process, your body repairs tissue damage by laying down scar tissue. If the tissue is laid down erratically, it can form “tangles” that restrict normal movement and cause significant pain as a result.
Graston therapy was designed specifically to help gently break up adhesions, releasing tangled tissue by creating tiny areas of controlled damage that trigger improved healing in the area.
Instead of using hands to apply pressure to injured areas, Graston therapy employs special metal instruments for more even, consistent application. Over time, Graston therapy reduces the restrictions that lead to mobility issues and pain, enhancing circulation unnecessary for optimal tissue healing and recovery.
Like any chiropractic treatment, Graston therapy starts with an evaluation of your symptoms so we can make sure this is the best therapy option to help you feel better. During your evaluation, we’ll ask you to perform range-of-motion activities to help pinpoint the source of your symptoms.
Next, we apply some lotion to the treatment area to lubricate your skin, making it easier for the special instruments to do their job. We pass the instruments over the treatment area, applying firm but gentle pressure to help release muscle knots or adhesions. You might feel some mild discomfort as the tissue is manipulated, similar to the soreness you feel following a workout at the gym.
Most sessions last about 10-15 minutes, and you can have multiple areas treated in one session. Afterward, we provide complete instructions to help you maximize your benefits. You may have some redness or mild swelling along with soreness in the treatment area, effects you can easily manage with an ice pack.
Though it’s possible to experience benefits after a single treatment, many people benefit from a series of treatments to help restore normal muscle function, reduce inflammation, and improve circulation to help maintain normal movement and tissue health in the area. We can recommend an optimal number of sessions based on your individual needs and goals.
Graston therapy can be ideal for many types of chronic pain involving your joints, nerves, and muscles, including sports-related injuries in your neck or back, as well as spine-related issues, like sciatica.
If you’re struggling with chronic pain or stiffness, we have a solution that can help. Learn more by requesting your appointment online or over the phone with the team at Easy Reach Chiropractic in Lake Worth and Fort Lauderdale, Florida, today.
