What Is the Graston Technique? A Patient's Guide

If you've been referred for "Graston" or seen it listed among our services and wondered what it actually involves, here's a plain-language guide.

The short version

The Graston Technique® is a form of instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization (IASTM). Specially designed stainless steel instruments are used to detect and treat areas of scar tissue, fascial restriction, and chronic inflammation: the kind of tissue changes that don't always respond well to manual pressure alone.

What it's used for

We use Graston most often for chronic tendon issues (like tennis elbow or Achilles tendinopathy), post-surgical or post-injury scar tissue, and muscle tightness that's resistant to typical stretching or massage. It's frequently paired with therapeutic exercise rather than used on its own.

What a session feels like

Your therapist uses the instruments along the affected area with light-to-moderate pressure, working to break up restricted tissue and improve blood flow to the area. Most patients describe it as an intense but tolerable "scraping" sensation: not painful, but noticeable. Mild redness or bruising in the treated area is common and typically resolves within a few days.

Is it right for you?

Graston isn't the right fit for every condition. Acute inflammation, certain skin conditions, or fragile tissue may rule it out. Your therapist will decide whether it belongs in your plan of care based on your evaluation, and will always combine it with the rest of your treatment plan rather than using it as a standalone fix.

Certified providers matter

Graston requires specific certification to perform correctly and safely. Dr. Foram Patel is a Certified Graston Technique® Provider, which means the technique is applied according to the method's evidence-based protocols, not improvised.