Our lymph system is responsible for clearing out wastes, bacteria, and other fluids that are traveling through our bodies. Scar tissue may often show thickening, irregular organization or less precise margins as compared to non-injured tissues. This results in a restricted range of motion and, very often, pain and functional limitations. Scar tissue limits the range of motion due to its negative impact on the muscle, nerves, and vessels. The Graston Technique offers a positive method of manual therapy that interrupts and breaks this cycle of fluid back up, pain, and dysfunctional movement.
As the fluid builds up in the tissues, the body begins to make itself sick. The lymphatic system is the garbage cleaners of the body. When the fluid is not properly eliminated through the skin, stool, or urine, it will lead to an increase in inflammation and eventually a disease.
Graston Technique Therapy is an evidence-based form of instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization (IASTM) that allows for precise detection and treatment of fascial restriction as well as muscle and tendon dysfunction. Following the kinetic chain, Graston Technique Therapy Providers can target and specifically treat affected tissues often resolving issues once thought to be permanent, utilizing specifically designed instruments.
Using Graston Technique tools is a great way to move fluid out of tissues so that healing can take place. The nice thing about the Graston Technique is that it can be used on almost any tissues to both breakup scar tissue and move the fluid out of an area without much force to a patient. This therapy is also handled very well by patients. Being able to speed up healing is a result patients see when we apply the Graston Technique to tissues.
-Dr. Brian Opp