Graston is a form of instrument assisted soft tissue mobilization also known as IASTM. The Graston technique uses a particular set of instruments along with a certain progression of strokes and application. Often called scraping as a general term, there are several different methods or theories behind it. Graston is the technique we use here at Sports Medicine Solutions.

Graston can be used to help mobilize soft tissue and scar tissue using several different techniques. The idea is that we are scraping along the surface of the skin separating the layers of tissue (fascia, muscle, skin, etc). This will lead to better overall extensibility of the tissue allowing for improved exercises and stretches afterwards.

Myth: People think that Graston should be painful and will most likely leave bruising or petechiae (red dots from burst capillaries).

Fact: The pain during treatment should never get above a 4/10 on the pain scale and any discoloration should be minimal except for slight reddening of the skin during treatment.