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.