Graston Technique®-trained clinicians use GT instruments to effectively and efficiently address soft tissue lesions and fascial restrictions while treating acute and chronic conditions. GT treatments will not be appropriate for all conditions but can be highly beneficial for many. Here’s a brief list of a few conditions treated with GT. · Achilles Tendinitis/osis (ankle pain) · Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (wrist pain) · Cervicothoracic Sprain/Strain (neck pain/whiplash) · Fibromyalgia · Iliotibial Band Syndrome (ITB) · Women's Health (post-mastectomy C-Section scarring) · Lateral Epicondylitis/osis (tennis elbow) · Lumbosacral Sprain/Strain (back pain) · Medial Epicondylitis/osis (golfer's elbow) · Myofascial Pain Syndromes · Patellofemoral Disorders (knee pain) · Plantar Fasciitis/osis (foot pain) · Rotator Cuff Tendinitis/osis (shoulder pain) · Scar Tissue/post-surgical scars (once completely closed) · Shin Splints · Trigger Finger

Megan Shofkom, PTA Ÿ Karen Eaton, PTA STPT of Binghamton now offers a new therapy treatment using the Graston Technique®. The Graston Technique®, also known as Instrument Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization, or IASTM for short, employs manual treatment using 6 highly specialized stainless steel GT instruments. IASTM may be helpful for treating tendons and fascia tissues inflamed from injuries due to overuse, sprains, nerve entrapments and even to reduce restrictions caused by surgical scars. Some more commonly known injuries treated by IASTM are tennis elbow, ankle sprains, carpal tunnel, Achilles pain, iliotibial band syndrome (ITB) and plantar fasciitis. IASTM may be appropriate and effective for other conditions, too. IASTM has been proven to increase the production of cells, also known as fibroblasts producing the make up of the collagen in the connective tissues. This increase in activity helps facilitate the healing of injured tissues. The cells respond to the pressure applied from the IASTM instruments and help to increase blood flow to the areas accelerating the healing process. IASTM can help reduce pain to the affected area, increase range of motion and improve the patient’s recovery time. 📷 The Graston Technique® trained therapist first determines if IASTM is appropriate for the patient’s condition. Then, before IASTM is used on the tissues, the therapist will warm up the tissues of the treatment areas by either active patient exercise as in riding a bicycle, or passively with heat, massage and stretching. The therapist generally spends a few minutes working on the affected area in various ways. Depending on the stage of injury, the patient may be sitting at rest or the therapist may put the area on stretch or even work on the patient while they do exercise. After each treatment with IASTM, the patient will perform a series of exercises specific to their diagnosis and functional limitations. IASTM, used in conjunction with other manual techniques, can be effective in reducing the patient’s pain and accelerating the patient’s healing. If you have questions regarding the Graston Technique® and its appropriateness for you contact Pat Foley, PT, at our office located at 17 Charles St, Binghamton NY at (607)-771-8181.

Each year STPT of Binghamton collaborates with SUNY Broome Physical Therapist Assistant Program professional staff to present a seminar to second year PTA students. The seminar gives the SUNY Broome seniors insight to professional careers as physical therapist assistants from experienced professionals. These sessions prove valuable to students nearing completion of their academic requirements as they prepare to begin professional careers. In February, Pat Foley, PT, Megan Shofkom, PTA, and Karen Eaton, PTA, of STPT of Binghamton presented a seminar highlighting specialty programs including treatments for women's health, osteoporosis and pelvic floor biofeedback therapies to the students. They explained treatment techniques and protocols and quizzed the students along the way. 📷 Most years the students attend this seminar in the STPT of Binghamton clinic located at 17 Charles Street in Binghamton. Students have an opportunity to meet with professional staff, tour the clinic and hear from professionals who are treating patients every day. This year to ensure the safety of all participants during the COVID-19 pandemic, the seminar was presented as a webinar via ZOOM and a webcam. Pat, Megan and Karen described various conditions, hands-on procedures and some of the daily challenges they face. The students answered many questions posed by the presenters and asked a few, too. Special thanks to the dedicated staff at the SUNY Broome Physical Therapy Department and to the team at STPT of Binghamton for making this year’s seminar a success despite the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic. Best of luck to the SUNY Broome students as they complete their course work and final exams.