Graston Technique in Summerland
I use smooth stainless steel tools to work on stiff, sore muscles and tendons, as part of your chiropractic visit.
What is Graston Technique?
It's a form of instrument-assisted soft tissue therapy. The steel tools are shaped to follow the curve of a forearm, a calf or the back of an ankle, and they glide over the skin above muscles and tendons. They let me feel for spots that are tight or thickened.
It's often part of care for tendon pain, tennis and golfer's elbow, heel and Achilles pain, repetitive strain and stiffness after an injury. It's never the whole plan. I use it alongside adjustments, exercises and hands-on work.
Your visit, start to finish
Take a seat in the waiting room, and I'll meet you at your appointment time.
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I assess first
I check how the area moves and tell you whether Graston fits.
If it doesn't, I'll say so and we use something else.
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I warm up and glide
I warm up the area, then glide the tool over it in short strokes at different angles.
You'll feel firm pressure. Tell me how it feels and I'll ease off or stop.
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We finish with stretching
I follow with stretching to finish the visit.
Afterwards your skin may look red or feel tender. I'll tell you what's normal.
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Exercises for home
I email you a few stretches and exercises for between visits.
Text me if anything feels worse rather than better.
Where I may use Graston
I may use it as one part of care for problems in the soft tissues: the muscles, tendons and the tissue around them. Not sure yours is on the list? Text me and ask.
Tennis and golfer's elbow
Tender, tight forearm muscles where they attach near the elbow.
Read more FootHeel and arch pain
A sore heel or arch, often alongside tight calves.
Read more Ankle and calfAchilles and calf tightness
Common in runners, hikers and anyone on their feet all day.
Read more NeckNeck and upper back
Tight muscles across the tops of the shoulders and the upper back.
Read more BackLow back muscles
Muscles along the spine that feel stiff or guarded.
Read moreRepetitive strain
Forearms, wrists and shoulders that ache from the same task day after day, at a desk, in the orchard or on the tools.
Is Graston right for me?
Most people with a stiff or tender muscle or tendon can have it. A few things mean I'd rather know first.
Often a good fit
- a muscle or tendon feels stiff, tight or tender to press
- you're also willing to do a few exercises at home
- you're comfortable with firm pressure, which I adjust as we go
- you'd like hands-on care alongside the rest of your plan
Tell me first
- you bruise easily or take blood thinners
- you have a rash, broken skin or a skin condition in the area
- you have varicose veins in the area
- you've had a recent fracture, surgery or a blood clot there
- the area is hot, red and swollen
None of these stop you booking. If one applies, I'll choose a different approach for that area.
After your visit
Most of what you'll notice is mild and settles on its own. Here's what's normal, and the one thing that isn't.
See a doctor that day if a calf becomes swollen, warm and painful. Call 9-1-1 if you also feel short of breath or have chest pain.
Some redness is normal
The skin can look pink or feel tender for a little while, and a few people bruise.
Keep moving
Normal, gentle activity that day is fine, and usually feels better than keeping still.
Do your stretches
The exercises I email you are what keep the area moving between visits.
Text me
If it's sorer than you expected or a mark doesn't fade. I'm often with patients, so I may not reply right away.
Your Graston Technique questions
Stiffness that hasn't eased is worth an assessment
I'll assess the area and tell you whether Graston makes sense for you. Book a Wednesday appointment online, or text or email me for help finding a time.