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Knee pain relief

How Do I Relieve Knee Pain? Innovative Treatments & Exercises

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You wake up one morning, and there it is again—the nagging ache in your knee. Or maybe it was with you all night, tossing and turning, you couldn’t find relief. It’s been bothering you for weeks, maybe months—years. Walking up the stairs feels like climbing a mountain. You wonder, “How do I relieve knee pain?” “How can I make this pain go away?”

You’re not alone. Knee pain affects people of all ages and walks of life. But here’s the good news: you can live pain-free without dangerous medications or invasive surgeries.

There are some effective and innovative ways you can start experiencing relief right now—and see that discomfort improve over time. Some of these methods you can do at home. For others, you’ll need to schedule an appointment. But I want you to know that you don’t have to live like this. You can reclaim your movement and enjoy the activities that may seem no longer possible because THEY HURT.

How do I relieve knee pain

Why Do Knees Hurt?

Knee pain can come from many knee pain causes:

  • Injuries from a fall, accident, or sports injury
  • Wear and tear over time
  • Lack of cartilage
  • Inflammation
  • Fluid buildup, often called “water on the knee”
  • Poor body alignment when walking or standing
  • Improper lifting or exercise form
  • Sedentary lifestyle or as I like to call it “sitting too damn much.”

As we age, these stressors and events add up. And they can be made worse by excess weight that we either carry on our bodies or lift during work, sports, home improvement projects, and daily life. we ask a lot of our knees, regardless of BMI.

According to Johns Hopkins Arthritis Center, when you walk, the force on your knees is roughly 1.5X the weight you’re carrying internally (body weight) and externally (weight belts, a small child, groceries, etc). When you run, your knees experience 4X your weight. Going upstairs is 2-3X weight. Squatting is 4-5X your body weight. And I won’t even mention jumping. This is just physics (science) and there’s no getting around it. So, a 150 lb person would be putting the force of 300-600 lbs on their knees with various activities.

No wonder knees hurt!

And this is certainly a testament to how strong and resilient knees are when we take care of them. Often, knee pain—even the kind you’ve had for a while now—can be stopped with a combination of knee pain relief exercises and innovative knee pain treatments.

You might ask, “How do I relieve knee pain after a fall?” or “What can I do to relieve some pain behind my knee?” But the first step is understanding what’s causing the pain. That tells you what you need to do next.

Schedule a knee pain assessment and get your first Knee on Trac treatment the same day if your diagnosis calls for it.

Knee pain causes

How Can I Relieve Knee Pain with Innovative Treatments?

As a chiropractor, I’m an expert in functional medicine. This primarily involves assessing how misalignments, scar tissues, etc. in your musculoskeletal system alter the way the body functions. These deviations from how the body is supposed to work may be causing your pain or making it worse.

Sometimes, trapped nerves in the spine or hips or poor circulation exacerbate the situation. Each of these can be addressed by adjusting how your body is functioning. Here are some of the innovative knee pain relief treatments I use to help clients with knee pain finally experience pain-free movement.

Because at the end of the day, I believe your body has the amazing ability to heal itself when we address the root cause of the pain and stop that irritation.

Chiropractic Adjustments

These adjustments help align your body, reducing stress on your knees. By correcting misalignments, we can change how you walk to relieve knee pain. These adjustments involve more than “cracking your back”. I am trained to see and feel vertebrae that have moved out of place or are putting stress on the cushions in your spinal column.

Through chiropractic adjustment and other chiropractic treatments, I can move these vertebrae back into place, improving your alignment from top to toe.

But this is only the beginning.

Musculoskeletal Movement Assessment & Whole Body Correction

When you come to see me, I’ll ask you to walk, lift, and perform other actions so that I can see how your body moves. You have a kinetic chain that runs down your body from your neck and down your backbone to your ankles and feet. If even one part of this chain is not functioning well, it forces other body parts to compensate, worsening wear and tear and amplifying pain.

These misalignments force some of your muscles to pull more weight than they should, while the muscles that should naturally carry that weight become weaker. This can cause the knee joint to become unstable. They’re not being properly supported. And that hurts!

Our team takes time to show you how to improve your form to not only reduce pain now but to prevent more damage to the knees, giving them a chance to heal. We want you to not only feel better fast but also avoid getting into this painful situation again by developing better movement habits that properly distribute weight.

Knee on Trac Therapy

Knee on Trac is a non-invasive therapy that gently stretches the knee joint, increasing space and reducing pain. At the same time, it helps to strengthen the muscles around the knees so they can better support the joints. You might wonder, “How do I relieve knee pain when there is no cartilage?” Knee on Trac could be the answer. By increasing the space, we can encourage cartilage expansion and new growth.

For a long time, the common knowledge in the medical community was that cartilage does not grow back. But ongoing research has shown that given the right circumstances, cartilege is very resilient. It’s even been likened to salamanders regrowing their limbs by Duke University Researchers.

So, let’s stop talking as if a total knee replacement is your only option to fight cartilage loss.

Download our Knee on Trac brochure to learn more about this non-invasive answer to knee pain.

Download our Knee on Trac Brochure.

Learn all about the conditions treated, benefits and contraindications.

Personalized Home Exercise Plans

Exercises strengthen the muscles around your knee, providing better support. We’ll create a plan just for you so you can work on relieving pain at home—and keep pain from coming back. We even share some of our favorite knee pain relief exercises at the end of this post. But please start slow to improve the range of motion and lessen discomfort over time. And the best thing you can do is to schedule your knee pain assessment and first Knee on Trac treatment today.

How Do I Relieve Knee Pain with a Comprehensive Treatment Plan

The above are examples of therapies that may be part of your personalized and comprehensive knee pain treatment plan, which could also include acupuncture, ultrasound therapy, Graston technique, among other treatment options.

When you come for your knee pain relief assessment, we can discuss how other therapies and treatments can support your goals and answer your question, “how do I relieve knee pain?”

Graston Technique

How Can I Relieve Knee Pain If Already Working with a Doctor?

Your health is our top priority. We collaborate with your doctors and can order imaging tests if needed. This team approach ensures you’re getting comprehensive care. If you’re currently taking pain medications with miserable side effects, we can work with the prescribing physician to reduce your dose as you start to experience knee pain relief.

How Do I Relieve Knee Pain with Home Exercises?

Exercise is a powerful tool in relieving knee pain. Strengthening the muscles around your knee provides better support and reduces stress on the joint. You might be wondering, “How do I relieve knee pain fast?” Here are some simple exercises you can try at home that can often do the trick.

1. Straight Leg Raises

How to do it:

  • Lie on your back with one leg bent and the other straight.
  • Lift the straight leg about six inches off the ground.
  • Hold for five seconds, then lower it slowly.
  • Repeat 10 times on each leg.
  • Benefits: Strengthens your quadriceps without putting stress on the knee joint.

2. Hamstring Curls

How to do it:

  • Stand behind a chair for support.
  • Lift one foot toward your buttocks, bending at the knee.
  • Hold for five seconds, then lower it.
  • Do this 10 times on each leg.
  • Benefits: Strengthens the muscles at the back of your thigh, providing better knee support.

3. Wall Squats

How to do it:

  • Stand with your back against a wall and feet shoulder-width apart.
  • Slowly bend your knees, sliding down the wall until you’re in a slight squat.
  • Hold for five seconds, then slide back up.
  • Repeat 5-10 times.
  • Benefits: Builds strength in your thighs and hips, reducing pressure on the knees.

4. Calf Raises

How to do it:

  • Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart.
  • Slowly rise up onto your toes.
  • Hold for a few seconds, then lower your heels back down.
  • Do this 10-15 times.
  • Benefits: Strengthens the calf muscles, which can improve balance and walking.

5. Step-Ups

How to do it:

  • Use a sturdy step or platform.
  • Step up with one foot, then bring the other foot up.
  • Step back down, one foot at a time.
  • Repeat 10 times on each leg.
  • Benefits: Enhances strength and coordination in your legs.

Remember: Always perform these exercises gently and avoid any movements that cause pain, especially if you have not yet been assessed by a doctor. If you’re dealing with severe issues like having no cartilage in your knee or water on your knee, it’s crucial to consult a professional before starting any exercise routine. We can help you choose the exercises that deliver the best benefits while reducing your risks of worsening knee inflammation.

How These Exercises Help

By regularly performing these exercises, you can:

  • Improve joint flexibility
  • Reduce stiffness and pain
  • Enhance muscle strength around the knee
  • Change how you walk to relieve knee pain

Personalized Exercise Plans

We understand that everyone’s situation is unique. That’s why we offer personalized home exercise plans tailored to your specific needs. Whether you’re trying to relieve pain in your knee after a fall or dealing with chronic issues, we’ll design a program that fits you.

Take the First Step Toward Knee Pain Relief

Don’t let knee pain hold you back any longer. With the right exercises and treatments, you can regain your mobility and enjoy life again. You don’t have to live with knee pain. Together, we’ll create a path to healing that’s right for you.

How can I relieve knee pain? Start by incorporating these exercises into your daily routine and reaching out to us for a personalized treatment plan.

Schedule your initial consultation and first Knee on Trac to start experiencing the joy of living pain-free.

Common Questions About Knee Pain

How can I relieve knee pain from water on my knee?

Fluid buildup can cause swelling and discomfort. Treatments like Knee on Trac and specific exercises can help reduce the fluid and alleviate pain while promoting a healthier knee.

My doctor told me I had water stuck behind my knee. How do I relieve the pain from it?

We can work with your doctor to develop a treatment plan that addresses the fluid buildup and eases your pain. Knee on Trac may be a good place to start.

How do I relieve severe knee pain?

Severe pain requires careful attention. We’ll assess your condition and recommend therapies that target the root cause, not just the symptoms.

How do I relieve mild to moderate knee pain?

If you have not sustained a known injury, one of the most effective ways to improve knee discomfort is by gentle knee movements and strengthening the muscles around your knees. Get your knees moving, and avoid sitting for long periods. If you try this for a couple of weeks, and the knee pain persists, it’s like to schedule a knee pain assessment with Truspine chiropractor in San Francisco and consider Knee on Trac.

Graston Technique for Knee Pain

Graston Technique for Knee Pain: We Get You Moving Again!

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Graston Technique for Knee Pain

Knee pain can be a major hurdle, whether you’re an athlete, a weekend warrior, or just someone just trying to live pain-free as you go about your daily life. Luckily, Graston Technique offers a knee pain treatment that’s gaining popularity for its effectiveness as a non-surgical knee pain treatment option. But how does this technique work (you want the science!), and how often should you get it for the best results? Let’s dive into the details.

What Is Graston Technique?

Graston Technique is a form of manual therapy chiropractors perform in our offices. And you thought we only cared about backs!

This technique involves using specially designed stainless steel tools to help break down scar tissue, adhesions, and fascia restrictions. Each of these leads to tissues sticking together in abnormal ways, preventing fluid movement and causing strain and pain.

Also called Instrument assisted soft tissue mobilization (IASTM), Graston technique is often used to treat soft tissue injuries, making it an excellent choice for those suffering from knee pain. The technique can be particularly beneficial for conditions like runner’s knee, torn meniscus, knee tendonitis, and even post-surgery recovery, such as after a total knee replacement.

It’s important to mention that Graston does not involve scraping the actual kneecap with these Graston tools. That would hurt!

Rather, it works by improving the function of the muscles, tendons, ligaments, and fascia that support the knee, These tissues could include around the knee, plus thigh and calf muscles that pull on the knee, causing knee pain. Once these adhesions are broken down, tissues can re-form in more harmonious ways. Of course, this happens over several Graston sessions, targeting a small section at a time. This can improve mobility and reduce knee pain over time.

Graston Technique for Knee Pain: Does It Work?

You might be wondering, “Does Graston work for knee pain?” The short answer is yes. Graston knee therapy is effective for reducing pain, improving range of motion, and speeding up recovery. By targeting specific areas around the knee, the Graston Technique helps to:

  • Break down scar tissue
  • Improve blood flow
  • Enhance healing
  • Reduce inflammation

Whether you’re dealing with chronic knee pain or recovering from surgery, Graston for knee pain can be a game-changer.

The Compelling Evidence for Graston Technique for Knee Pain

  • Studies show Graston can relieve pain and increase range of motion better than exercise alone.
  • Another study showed a 50% improvement in knee function.
  • A meta-analysis found improvements in functional fitness, lower body muscle strength, and mobility, particularly when combined with an exercise program and chiropractic care and other interventions like Knee on Trac.
  • In a randomized controlled trial of female athletes with asymptomatic knee valgus (also called knock-knee because the knees lean inward) showed that Graston technique reduced knee valgus and improved squat form

Explore other forms of Knee Pain Treatment

Move Pain Free

Learn what it feels like to live pain free! Schedule an initial consultation with comprehensive evaluation and first treatment.

How Often Should Graston Technique Be Done?

A common question we get is: “How often should you get Graston Technique?” The frequency of treatments depends on the severity of your condition and your overall health. Generally, patients start with two sessions per week. After a few weeks, your chiropractor may reduce the frequency as your condition improves.

Here’s a general guideline:

  • Acute Injuries: 1-2 times per week
  • Chronic Conditions: 2-3 times per week for the first few weeks, then gradually taper off
  • Post-Surgery (e.g., Knee Replacement): Start with 2 times per week, then adjust based on recovery

It’s important to listen to your body. If you’re wondering, “How often can you use Graston Technique?” or “How often should Graston be done?”, know that your chiropractor will tailor the treatment to your specific needs. Over-treating is rare but can occur, so it’s crucial to follow professional guidance.

Graston Technique with Exercise

Graston is highly effective when combined a home exercise program, which the chiropractors at Truspine can help you design. We take time to show you the movements and proper exercise form.

Graston with Knee on Trac

Another useful tool is Knee on Trac. This in-office therapy uses a specialized machine to slowly bend and extend your knee while retaining perfect alignment. It trains your knee to use the correct form as it heals. At Truspine, our chiropractors take a comprehensive approach to helping you heal. This is just one technique your chiropractor may recommend with Graston (or rather than the Graston Technique) as part of your personalized treatment plan.

Download the Knee on Trac Brochure!

Graston Technique for Specific Knee Conditions

Graston Technique is versatile, making it suitable for various knee-related issues. Here’s how it can help:

  • Torn Meniscus: Graston Technique for torn meniscus injuries helps break down scar tissue and promotes healing, reducing pain and improving knee function.
  • Knee Tendonitis: Graston Technique for knee tendonitis targets inflammation and adhesions in the tendons, offering relief and preventing further damage.
  • Runner’s Knee: For those with runner’s knee, Graston can help to alleviate the discomfort by addressing muscle imbalances and scar tissue that contribute to the condition.
  • Total Knee Replacement: Post-surgery, Graston Technique for total knee replacement recovery can aid in reducing scar tissue formation, improving range of motion, and speeding up the rehabilitation process.

The Bottom Line: Should You Try Graston Technique for Knee Pain?

If knee pain is holding you back, Graston knee therapy might be the solution you’ve been looking for. With its proven effectiveness in treating various knee conditions, from knee tendonitis to post-surgery recovery, it’s a versatile and powerful tool in the fight against pain. Every day, our Truspine patients are returning to the activities they love with our support.

Remember, the key to success with Graston Technique for knees is consistency. Follow your chiropractor’s recommendations on how often to do Graston Technique, and you’ll be well on your way to healthier, pain-free knees.

So, if you’re tired of knee pain slowing you down, it might be time to ask your chiropractor about incorporating Graston Technique into your treatment plan. After all, healthier knees mean a happier, more active you.

 To get on your way to a pain-free life, schedule an initial consultation, including a comprehensive evaluation and first treatment.

Muscle Scar Tissue Removal

Graston Technique for Muscle Scar Tissue Removal

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Muscle Scar Tissue Removal

You’re tired of battling the limitations that muscle scar tissue imposes on your life: the throbbing, annoyance, limited range of motion, and hindered sports performance. You look forward to the freedom to move without pain and stiffness. You dream of a life unencumbered by scar tissue restrictions on your muscles. We share your dream!

The Graston Technique for scar tissue at Truspine Chiropractic can unlock the doors to the future of healing and revitalization you’re seeking! In the post, you’ll explore this cutting-edge therapy and how it can help you bid farewell to muscle scarring and welcome a new era of mobility and vitality!

What Is Muscle Scar Tissue & Why It Happens?

Muscle tear scar tissue, also called adhesions, are clumps of dead fibrous tissue that form in the muscles, of course, but can also happen in the other tissues of the musculoskeletal system: fascia, ligaments, joints, and tendons. This scar tissue feels tight and restricts fluid movement. Because it lacks blood flow, it can also reduce blood flow and hinder messages sent through the nervous system, slowing response times. Over time, this leads to more cellular death, growing the adhesion.

You may feel pain, swelling, tissue tightness, redness, and inability to move as fast or fluidly as you usually would—directly impacting performance in sports and daily activities. You may even feel a muscle scar tissue lump through the skin.

Don’t let scar tissue muscle knots steal your performance and mobility. Schedule an initial consultation, including a comprehensive muscle scar tissue evaluation and first treatment.

Muscle Tear Scar Tissue Is a Natural Part of Healing

As an active person, you probably already know that to grow muscle, you must push it slightly past its limits. This causes micro-tears in the tissue that heal, developing the muscle. Scarring is a natural part of this healing process. If the body stopped here, your muscles would become more scar than muscle. So, there’s a next step.

The Body Replaces Scar Tissue Muscle Knots with New Muscle

In the ideal situation, the body replaces the scar tissue with healthy new muscle strands. This typically takes 24 hours. But after an intense workout (or day on the job), it may take up to 3 days. That’s why professional athletes and fitness influencers have leg and arm days to let those muscles heal. If the muscle is re-injured during the healing process, some scar tissue remains each time rather than being replaced.

Muscle Adhesions Can Happen to Anyone

“Permanent” scarring can happen to anyone. But it’s common in performance athletes, those who keep a regular training schedule, and people who perform repetitive manual tasks, such as working on an assembly line. Muscle scar tissue after surgery is also common. Scar tissue muscle knots occur post-surgery because the body is overwhelmed with trying to heal many tissues simultaneously.

The Graston Technique for muscle scar tissue effectively reclaims past performance and functions at your best.

The Graston Technique works on the fascia tissue between your heel and the foot’s ball, too. Find out more about Graston Technique Plantar Fasciitis.

How the Graston Technique for Muscle Scar Tissue Works

At Truspine Chiropractic of San Francisco, we firmly believe in offering our clients the most advanced and effective treatments available. Graston Technique is one such therapy! It’s meticulously designed to target scar tissue in muscle and promote efficient muscle scar tissue removal. Ultimately, you’re giving the muscle a second chance to heal properly this time.

We use specialized tools, including the Graston Tool for Scar Tissue, for gentle yet powerful soft tissue mobilization.

Many want to know Is Graston Technique Dangerous? Find out.

The Graston Tool for Muscle Scar Tissue Removal

Graston Technique Shoulder

At the heart of the Graston Technique lies a set of uniquely designed stainless steel instruments. In the skilled hands of your Truspine chiropractor, these tools are carefully glided across your skin in precise motions to break down scar tissue muscle adhesions.

With rounded edges and varying shapes and sizes, our Graston tools are tailored to suit different areas of your body, ensuring the most effective treatment. Because of this unique design, the Graston technique can manipulate muscle tissue deep under the surface while remaining a non-invasive musclar fibrosis treatment.

Personalized Treatment Plans

Whether you’re dealing with old scars from a car accident, sports injuries, or surgery…or you have newly formed scar tissue, each situation and person is unique. For this reason, Graston Technique is very versatile and adaptable. You need a personalized treatment plan to get the best results. Rest assured that the therapy plan at Truspine Chiropractic aligns with your body’s specific requirements at different stages of healing.

Graston Technique is most effective within a comprehensive and personalized treatment plan, which may include:

  • Chiropractic Adjustment to realign the spine and musculoskeletal structures that may have become weakened and misaligned from too many scar tissues
  • Neuropathy treatment is the scar tissue has led to nerve damage
  • Sports Medicine to address other issues that may be impacting sports performance. We share strategies and techniques to reduce future scar tissue formation and help you stay at peak performance.

Don’t let scar tissue muscle knots steal your performance and mobility. To get to the root cause of pain and discomfort, schedule an initial consultation, including a comprehensive muscle scar tissue evaluation and first treatment.

The Holistic Benefits of the Graston Technique at Truspine Chiropractic

Choosing the Graston Technique at Truspine Chiropractic means embracing holistic benefits and contributing to your overall well-being. After just a few treatments, most will experience these benefits:

  1. Improved Circulation: Our Graston Technique enhances blood flow, oxygenation, and nutrient delivery to the affected areas, accelerating healing and nourishing muscle tissues for efficient muscular fibrosis removal through your lymphatic system and replacement by healthy muscle tissue.
  2. Reduced Pain and Discomfort: You’ll likely feel sore for a couple of days after a session, similar to an intense workout. But as the muscle begins to heal, you’ll notice pain you may have experienced before is reduced or gone.
  3. Enhanced Mobility: With scar tissue in muscle diminishing, your range of motion improves, allowing you to move more quickly and fluidly. If you’re a performance athlete, you can expect to maximize your performance potential through
  1. Non-Invasive Approach: At Truspine Chiropractic, we prioritize your comfort. Our Graston Technique is a non-invasive procedure that promotes healing without incisions or downtime. It is important to allow the muscle to heal for a couple of days, but you can otherwise perform normal daily activities.

To get to the root cause of pain and discomfort, schedule an initial consultation, including a comprehensive muscle scar tissue evaluation and first treatment.

The Graston Technique in Action at Truspine Chiropractic: What to Expect

Assessment by Your Truspine Chiropractor

At Truspine Chiropractic, our priority is your well-being. Our experienced chiropractor begins by conducting a thorough assessment of your scarring. Through palpation (touch) and observation, we identify the extent and location of the scar tissue in the muscle, tailoring a personalized treatment plan to suit your unique needs.

We can also order an MRI or CT so that you can see for yourself the presence and extent of scar tissue. Just ask! Imaging can also help us understand the extent of muscle scarring.

Your assessment appointment includes your first treatment session. We want to start you on your journey to relief from day 1. This sets us apart from other providers of therapeutic services like Graston Technique.

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Targeted Treatment by Your Truspine Chiropractor

With precision and expertise, your Truspine Chiropractor commences the Graston Technique session. We can target several areas during one session, and we target each area for about 30 to 60 seconds before moving to a different area. However, if this is your first Graston Session, you may have multiple adhesions in a small area.

By skillfully gliding the specialized Graston tools over the affected areas, we gently break down scar tissue on muscle. The controlled pressure applied during the process stimulates blood flow, promoting natural healing and reducing muscle scarring as the muscle begins to regenerate this time.

A Path to Recovery with Your Truspine Chiropractor

At TruSpine Chiropractic, we view your journey to recovery as a partnership. With each Graston Technique session, you’ll witness the scar tissue in muscle becoming less rigid and more pliable. As adhesions break down, your range of motion improves, and discomfort dissipates. Any muscular fibrosis pain you may currently have diminishes as the muscle heals. Our use of the Graston Technique for muscle scar tissue not only treats existing issues but also prevents future injuries by enhancing flexibility, overall muscle function, and blood flow.

Embrace the Future of Healing with the Graston Technique at Truspine Chiropractic!

You’re on the path to swift recovery with Graston Technique at Truspine Chiropractic! Our skilled practitioners and advanced tools are here to support your journey towards freedom from muscle scarring. Embrace this innovative therapy and unlock the power of healing with Truspine Chiropractic!

You can trust us to bring you the best in chiropractic care, and together, we’ll pave the way to a healthier, more vibrant you. Don’t let scar tissue muscle knots steal your performance and mobility. To get to the root cause of pain and discomfort, schedule an initial consultation, including a comprehensive muscular fibrosis evaluation and first treatment.

Articles Worth Checking Out:

Frequently Asked Questions About Muscle Tear Scar Tissue

Why do scar tissue muscle knots happen?

The human body produces scar tissue to patch damaged tissue immediately. It then replaces this rough tissue with new, healthier tissue. But this doesn’t always happen if the muscle is re-damaged during the 1-3 days this takes to happen.

Can you get rid of scar tissue in muscles?

The Graston Technique is a non-invasive way to effectively target and break up scar tissue for muscle scar tissue removal through the body’s natural detoxification processes.

Can you get rid of scar tissue in muscles?

The Graston Technique is a non-invasive way to effectively target and break up scar tissue for muscle scar tissue removal through the body’s natural detoxification processes.

To get to the root cause of pain and discomfort, schedule an initial consultation, including a comprehensive muscle scar tissue evaluation and first treatment.

Graston Technique For Plantar Fasciitis

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Graston Technique Plantar Fasciitis Youtube

Are you an athlete? Do you enjoy playing sports? Hiking? Jogging? Or have a standing and walking-intensive job? Then you probably know about the common foot pain called plantar fasciitis and an increasingly popular way to fix it, called Graston Technique for plantar fasciitis.

The Graston Technique is a cutting-edge, non-invasive treatment for soft-tissue injuries that can stop plantar fasciitis pain in as little as a week. It reduces inflammation and helps the foot restore proper function. It has been praised by star athletes and is gaining traction outside the world of sports.

Read more

Is Graston Technique Dangerous?

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Is Graston Technique Dangerous?
Is Graston Technique Dangerous?

Is Graston Technique dangerous? That’s an understandable question. After all, Graston Technique instruments look a bit like modern torture devices. And you’ve heard that one of the goals is to break up (damage) tissues under the skin’s surface.

Common side effects include bruising, tenderness, and mild swelling. That doesn’t sound good!

But when you take a closer look at why Graston side effects occur, it becomes clearer that this non-invasive manual therapy may not be as scary as it seems.

What Is Graston Technique Used For?

This non-invasive method involves the use of specialized tools on the skin to disrupt the pain cycle and reduce scar tissue formation. This is also known as the soft-tissue instrument-assisted mobilization method (ISTM) and less technically as “muscle-scraping”.

The primary goal of the technique is to break down tissues in a specific part of the body so that they can re-form properly. The method will specifically target two types of tissues:

  1. Scar tissues (called adhesions) – These are found in the muscles, ligaments, and tendons
  2. Fascia restrictions – Fascia (plural: Fasciae) is a connective tissue that holds organs, blood vessels, nerves, and even muscles in place. They usually are very flexible. But repetitive, intense stress can cause problems. 

First, it identifies irregularities in soft tissues in a problem area—like the foot or shoulder. These irregularities include scar tissues as well as tight and rigid soft tissues. Once identified, we precisely target the abnormalities to improve function using tools to “scrape” the muscle and soft tissues (without breaking the skin).

Once “scraped“, the body restores the tissues—but more thoroughly. This eliminates the symptoms for which you sought the treatment.

Graston technique falls into the category of functional medicine (functional treatment). This treatment focuses on the root cause of pain and other symptoms—which is often mechanical.

When your soft and hard structures aren’t working together, this dysfunction causes pain, lack of mobility, and other symptoms.

Breaking down, scraping muscles? This technique does sound harmful.

But is Graston technique dangerous or just helping the body along? That’s what we need to find out.

As it turns out, breaking down tissues to “build it better” is a natural function of your body.

How Muscles and Tissues Heal Themselves

Several restorative functions kick into action when muscle tissues are damaged (which happens when you work out). Within about five hours, your body places a temporary “cap” over the damaged fibers to protect them and prevent excess calcium from entering the torn tissue.

Then a specialized muscle cell called the “nuclei” travels to the damaged area to jumpstart the generation of new protein strands to repair the damage. Your body uses these protein strands to repair the muscle.

Under normal circumstances, this repair happens fast. It only takes approximately 24 hours.

However, ignoring injuries, not alternating muscle groups in the gym, or having a physically demanding job can interrupt the proper healing and the development of fibrous scar tissue.

This scar tissue not only prevents further healing once in place. It interferes with your body’s mechanics. Every other soft tissue now has to work around the injury.

That results in strain, pain, and other symptoms.

It may sound like the last thing you need to do is “re-injure the injury”. But when done correctly, not only is Graston not dangerous. It eliminates the scar tissue, giving your body a “re-do”. This time it can get it right.

Keep reading: Graston Technique for Pain Relief

Download Our Graston Technique Brochure.

Learn all about the conditions treated, benefits and contraindications.

Is It Safer than Conventional Medicine Alternatives?

When comparing it to Western Medicine, is Graston technique dangerous, more dangerous, or less?

First, conventional medical professionals like physical therapists and osteopaths often use this technique with patients. So, it can be complementary to conventional medicine.

It’s generally respected and trusted and medical professionals.

Additionally, because the technique is non-invasive, it’s inherently safer than other methods a doctor might use to treat pain, such as surgery or potentially-addictive pain killers.

Does It Work?

It’s one thing to answer: is Graston Technique dangerous? But what does that matter if we can’t answer the question: Is the Graston Technique effective? So, does Graston Technique work?

It is shown to be clinically and anecdotally effective and is currently undergoing clinical trials for plantar fasciitis and arthroscopic cuff repair. A meta-analysis, which is a look and consideration of well-down studies, found that the technique is, “noninvasive and yet effective with the right kind of therapeutic approach” and that the difference between the study groups and control groups represented “clinically significant improvement” The researchers concluded that it worked best when combined with a holistic treatment plan, including nutrition, home and guided exercise, and other therapeutic methods.

In its current form, it has been trusted since the mid-90s by sports medicine professionals and chiropractors alike as a non-medication therapeutic technique to promote faster and more effective healing of conditions like:

  • Achilles Tendonitis (inflammation of the Achilles tendon connecting the calf muscles to heel bone)
  • Carpal Tunnel (nerve pinching in the narrow nerve ridge between wrist and hand
  • Adhesive Capsulitis (shoulder stiffness/pain)
  • IT Band Syndrome (Type of tendon irritation in knee and hip)
  • Lumbar Strain (Low Back Strain)
  • Plantar Fasciitis
  • Shin Splints
  • Golfer’s or Tennis Elbow

This does not prove that the technique will be effective on everyone. However, a professional can assess your unique situation to see if you may benefit from the method.

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When Might It Be Dangerous to Have This Therapy?

You should not have Graston done on you if you have these conditions because it could be dangerous or make the condition worse:

  • Deep vein thrombosis
  • An infection
  • Unhealed or poorly healed fracture
  • Tumor
  • Unhealed wound
  • Taking blood thinner
  • Cancer in treatment area or that has progressed to the lymphatic system
  • Uncontrolled high blood pressure
  • Kidney disorders

If you’re pregnant, you should avoid having the technique performed on your spine, pelvis, or abdomen.

Is Graston Technique Painful?

Is Graston technique painful? Everyone experiences discomfort and pain differently. But the consensus is that the treatment is not painful. People generally describe minor discomfort.

After a session, it’s normal to feel soreness like when you have a significant bruise. But this only lasts a few days.

You should let us know if you experience “pain” during the technique. We can adjust the method or may need to perform other testing like x-rays or MRI to make sure something more serious isn’t causing the pain.

Is Graston Technique Dangerous?

So, can Graston technique cause damage? By definition, yes.

The instruments damage the soft tissues underneath without breaking the skin to break up adhesions and promote healing. This is part of a normal healing process and does not cause long-term damage. Any side effects will subside within a few days of a session, and expect notable improvement within a few weeks.

But is Graston technique dangerous? No. Now for most people. Graston can be a vital part of healing if you have a sudden or over-use injury.

To learn more about Graston Technique, keep reading: Graston Technique for Pain Relief.

To get to the root cause of pain and discomfort, schedule an initial consultation, including a comprehensive evaluation and first treatment.

Graston-technique-for-plantar-fasciitis

Graston Technique for Pain Relief – Age group, Benefits, and Side effects

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Whether you love sports or heavy exercise in the gym, injuries are common in such things. Hence, it is very important that you maintain and take the necessary steps to prevent any injury. It can happen due to wrong posture or intense workout. Graston Technique is extremely helpful in pain relief.

Graston Technique is used for various conditions. Many people know that the Graston technique is used for giving relief from sharp pains like plantar fasciitis. In this blog, you will know everything about the Graston Technique and how it is effective.

What is Graston Technique?

Graston Technique is basically a manual therapy. It is a technique of assistant mobilization and most of the clinics can do this therapy. It uses steel instruments for various body parts. Mainly, this technique is helpful for scar tissues. Hence, physical therapists use various advanced techniques and tools to scan the injured part and treat them.

Moreover, the process is simple, but it can become complex. It is because of the inflammatory response in the joints and soft tissues. As the scar tissues break, the body disposes of them naturally. To explain it simply, the crisscross fiber breaks down, and aligned fiber appears.

In this way, the joints start moving in a better way and give smooth function flow. Another best fact about the Graston technique is that it is non-invasive as well as safe. Thus, this technique can help to heal the injury fast compared to other techniques.

Graston Technique for pain relief

What are the different conditions the Graston technique is used for treating?

Mostly, people think of the Graston technique for treating soft tissue. But it is also significant for various other conditions. It can treat inflammatory conditions related to arthritis. These are the other different types of conditions in which the Graston technique is useful.

  • Tennis elbow
  • Golfer’s Elbow
  • Plantar Fasciitis
  • Tendonitis and others

Safe or Not: Quick Facts

As said, professionals with proper licenses can only perform the Graston Technique. Therefore, it is safe and you can opt for it. Nowadays, many practitioners are using the Graston Technique for pain relief as it is one of the safest and most effective ways to heal fast.

Side Effects You Should Know

Talking about side effects, there are not many adverse effects of the Graston technique. You may experience some side effects such as bruising on the treated area. But it only lasts for a few hours. It is because of the breaking up of scar tissues and the capillaries. Have a look at the following list:

  • Pain and Discomfort after getting the Graston massage
  • Bruising in the area of treatment
  • Release of Spontaneous connective tissue, which happens when the scar tissues release from the healthy tissue

From the above information, you can understand that these side effects are common. Also, it is important for re-stimulating your healing cycle. It is not possible to eliminate or prevent the bruises after the therapy. Moreover, if you face any other issues, you should call your therapist.

To get to the root cause of pain and discomfort, schedule an initial consultation, including a comprehensive evaluation and first Graston treatment.

Muscle Scraping and Graston Technique

Many people compare the Graston technique with muscle scraping. Even some providers also call it muscle scraping. But, muscle scraping is intense as compared to the Graston technique. They use various tools which are mainly made of stainless steel and are of different shapes. Thus, the practitioner knows which tool to use with appropriate pressure.

Graston Technique Neck
Graston Technique San Francisco

Is there any downtime for the Graston Technique?

Moreover, there is not much downtime for the Graston technique. But, it largely depends on the injury type the person is suffering from. There is no doubt that there will be a recovery period if you have an acute injury.

For that, it is best to warm the patient’s body before starting the therapy. It can also include moving the patient around to get a better flow.

Is it possible to do the Graston technique at home?

There are several tutorials available online for doing the Graston technique at home. But patients should take advice from the experts for doing this. It is simple; the experts know the pressure points and techniques.

On the other hand, it can be really problematic if you hit the wrong part with inappropriate pressure. Therefore, it is strongly recommended that you should always visit your chiropractor for better results.

As you research Graston, you may also find these resources helpful:

Preferred Age Group for doing Graston technique for Men, Women, and Children

Another crucial fact about the Graston technique is that anyone with injuries can avail of this technique. The prominent reason is that it mainly focuses on the injury. The practitioner thoroughly checks the patient to understand the intensity. Then, they start their therapy to treat injuries to soft tissues.

Graston technique for treating plantar fasciitis

The Graston technique can be used for a variety of conditions. Many patients know that this technique is used for treating plantar fasciitis. It is a sharp pain that occurs at the bottom of your foot. Anyone with age 20+ can experience such pain.

This technique involves using a metallic tool that helps get into your foot muscles. It has been observed that the Graston technique speeds up the recovery process. So, if you are too suffering from plantar fasciitis, you must opt for the Graston technique.

How Often You should do the Graston technique?

The Graston technique can be done once a week. Sometimes, your therapist can also recommend twice a week. Therefore, it depends on the intensity of the injury. Hence, it is better to opt for the best therapist and get the best results. You can see the results just after 3-4 sessions.

Is the Graston technique the right option?

Additionally, the results can differ from one place to another. It is better to consult your expert to give you a brief idea. Graston technique can really help you gain comfort and release pain from the affected area. So, are you looking for the best chiropractor in your area? We are located in San Francisco. Please give us a visit and our team will let you know everything about the Graston technique and will answer all your queries related to it. You can undergo treatment in our clinic to get relief from pain.

Conclusion:

Graston Technique is an evidence-based treatment that when combined with rehabilitative exercise, can cater to better results. Some patients may notice an improvement by the end of the first or second week. Correct treatment through this technique can give you a pain-free life.

To get to the root cause of pain and discomfort, schedule an initial consultation, including a comprehensive evaluation and first Graston treatment.

Graston Therapy Can Stop Pain

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The Graston Technique utilizes effective instruments that chiropractors use to help break up myofascial adhesions. Using stainless steel instruments, trained professionals can perform what is essentially a highly targeted and intense deep tissue therapy.

This new, controlled inflammation, helps to increase blood flow and promote the healing process.

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