Sarah Ryerson, Physical Therapist at Athletico, explains plantar fasciitis and its effects on the body. She tells us how the Graston Technique, dry needling, and other therapies can help alleviate some of the exhibited symptoms.
Interview with Natalie Graves, Mental Health Professional from Natalie Graves Athletic Counseling, about how counseling for athletes needs improvement due to the unimaginable pressures placed from fans, coaches, and themselves.
Ask the Doctor segment: Dr. Cole and Karen Malkin, Board Certified Health Coach and Environmental Toxin Specialist, answer questions from listeners about how to eat healthy and feel full, the role of stem cells and medicinal signaling cells in medicine, and how often one should workout during the week.
What is Graston??
Graston Technique??uses instruments to achieve the effects and?benefits of soft tissue mobilization. With Graston?, there are six specifically designed stainless steel instruments that a therapist uses to aid in finding an d treating soft tissue problems. It is an evidence-based method of IASTM (instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization) that is used in combination with rehabilitative exercises to improve musculoskeletal function.??
What are the Benefits of Graston??
Not only has Graston??been found to provide patients with quicker and improved outcomes, but it?also
provides patients with the opportunity to be active in their treatment, because they are able to feel abnormal tissue texture. Combined with exercise, Graston??helps break up scar tissue or muscle ?knots,? which increases range of motion of joints, helps facilitate and quicken the healing process, increases the strength of muscle fibers, and reduces pain.
At the first Graston??session, the therapist will evaluate where the patient is indicating pain, as well as the tissues above and below the affected area. The therapist will determine where the greatest restrictions are and how the patient tolerates Graston?, checking for any signs of bruising. The therapist will then prescribe exercises to be completed that will provide the maximum benefit of Graston???treatment. The length and number of sessions varies with each patient and each individual diagnosis, but Graston??has been shown to shorten the overall duration of therapy.?
When Is Graston??a Treatment Option?
Patients with the following diagnoses make excellent candidates for this type of treatment:
- Tendinopathies (all the conditions that end in -osis or -itis, such as Achilles tendinitis, medial/lateral epicondylitis and greater trochanteric bursitis)
- Fascial syndromes (such as trigger finger, plantar fasciitis, ITB syndrome)
- Ligament pain syndromes (such as ankle sprains or other types of sprains)
- Edema/swelling reduction
- Post-surgical or traumatic scars/adhesions
- Entrapment syndromes (carpal/tarsal tunnel, ulnar entrapment, thoracic outlet).
Is Graston??Right for You?
It is important to note that not all patients are candidates for Graston??intervention. However, if you feel this treatment option may be beneficial to you, contact a nearby Athletico to learn more and schedule an appointment.
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