Graston Therapy Now Available at Harris Chiropractic
I first learned about the Graston Technique while in chiropractic school. It was one of the elective classes I could take, and it immediately stood out from the traditional adjusting courses. It was hands-on, focused on muscles, ligaments, and tendons rather than just the spine, and it offered a whole new way to approach healing.
When I started practicing, I quickly discovered that the Graston instruments were expensive, like most specialized medical tools, so I had to put that goal on hold while I focused on building my business, my clinic, and my patient base.
Now, I’m excited to bring Graston Therapy to my patients at Harris Chiropractic here in Westminster, Colorado.
What Is the Graston Technique?
The Graston Technique was developed in the mid-1990s by athlete David Graston, who was struggling to recover from a serious knee injury. Traditional therapy wasn’t giving him the results he needed, so he began experimenting with tools and techniques to break down scar tissue and restore mobility. His innovation became one of the most effective soft-tissue treatments used today.
According to grastontechnique.com, “Graston Technique® is a specialized form of Instrument-Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization (IASTM) used by chiropractors, physical therapists, and other clinicians to treat soft tissue injuries.”
These precision stainless-steel instruments are designed to detect and treat areas of restriction, break down scar tissue, and stimulate collagen production. The result is improved healing, reduced pain, and better long-term mobility.
How I Use Graston Therapy in My Clinic
When a patient comes in for care, I start with a movement and biomechanical assessment to see what’s restricted, what’s painful, and how the body is compensating. After an injury, the body often “turns off” a muscle or area to protect it while it heals. The problem is that it doesn’t always turn back on properly once the tissue has recovered.
Scar tissue forms in a criss-cross pattern for strength but not for flexibility. Over time, this leads to stiffness, reduced range of motion, and chronic discomfort.
During a Graston session, I use the instruments to “strip” out those adhesions and allow the muscle, tendon, or ligament to realign properly. This process improves flexibility and function while re-stimulating the body’s natural healing response.
Many patients benefit from combining Graston with other supportive therapies like ultrasound or laser therapy to enhance recovery.
A typical Graston session lasts about 5–10 minutes, and most patients see improvement over 6–8 visits, depending on the severity and chronicity of their condition.
Benefits of Graston Therapy
Faster Recovery: Graston therapy promotes circulation and tissue remodeling, helping patients heal faster than with traditional therapy alone.
Better Range of Motion: By restoring normal tissue length and elasticity, patients often notice improved movement and reduced stiffness.
Chronic Pain Relief: This treatment is especially effective for long-standing conditions such as fibromyalgia, tendinitis, and repetitive strain injuries.
Fewer Medications and Procedures: Because Graston helps address the underlying cause of soft-tissue dysfunction, patients often find they can reduce reliance on pain medication or avoid more invasive procedures.
Conditions That Respond Well to Graston Therapy
I’ve had the privilege of helping patients with a wide variety of issues using this technique, including:
• Plantar fasciitis
• Achilles tendinopathy
• Knee and hamstring strains
• Shoulder impingement and rotator cuff injuries
• Chronic tightness or stiffness
• Post-surgical scar tissue
If you or someone you know is struggling with pain, stiffness, or limited motion, Graston Therapy may be exactly what you need to recover and move better.
You can always reach out to Harris Chiropractic to schedule a consultation or simply ask questions – because a conversation is always free, and healing often starts there.