Manual Therapy consists of a wide variety of tools that can be used to aid in the healing process. The Graston tools are some of the more popular sets of tools to use. The Graston technique is very successful due to its ability to interfere with the pain cycle and invade the scar tissue. The technique begins by using a cross-friction massage, which involves brushing or rubbing against the grain of the scar tissue, the physician introduces small amounts of trauma to the affected area. In most cases, this process temporarily causes inflammation in the area. This type of inflammation is crucial for the healing process as it will increase the rate and amount of blood flow around the area.

The Graston technique is a very effective technique that will promote healing and recovery to the area of need. The technique will also stimulate the damaged collagen fibers in the muscle bodies and allow them to regrow and redistribute in the correct pattern. In turn, this will optimize flexibility, range of motion, and increase the recruitment of muscles. Examples of injuries that could be treated with the Graston technique include hip pain, car accidents, ankle pain, injury recovery, carpal tunnel, fibromyalgia, golfers, or tennis elbow. The ultimate goal is decrease pain and edema while increasing the patient’s range of motion of the affected area.