Graston technique is a form of manual therapy known as soft-tissue instrument-assisted mobilization. This therapy is designed to help the practitioner locate areas of restriction and attempt to break up scar tissue. There are 6 primary tools used in Graston Technique. These tools are made of stainless steel and are used to pull over the skin in order to detect areas of injury and provide needed treatment. The general goals of this therapy are to reduce the patient's pain and increase function through a combination of:
Breaking down the scar tissue and fascia restrictions usually associated with soft tissue injury
Reducing restrictions by stretching connective tissue to repair structure of the soft tissue being treated
Creating environment for the injured soft tissue conducive to healing.
Cross-friction massage involves brushing or rubbing against the direction of the scar tissue. By doing this, the practitioner re-introduces small amounts of trauma to the affected area. In some cases, this process temporarily causes inflammation in the area. However this practice increases the rate and amount of blood flow in and around the area which helps initiate and promote the healing process of the affected soft tissues.