If there is one exciting treatment that we would recommend to many patients at Kent Chiro-Med Wellness Clinic, it would be Graston Technique®. You could compare this unique form of therapy to a “deeper” and “more intense” form of manual therapy, except we’re using specific instruments (instead of our hands) to mobilize muscles and connective tissue. Graston Technique® can be particularly useful for patients who suffer from chronic tightness in their body and lack of flexibility in their joints as a result of repetitive strain/sprain or a particular trauma. This treatment works well for those who are looking for sports physiotherapy in Ottawa / sports chiropractor.
Patients who have the following conditions should not receive Graston Technique®:
Because Graston Technique® is pro-inflammatory, stimulates cell growth, and improves blood circulation, the last thing you want to do is introduce these outcomes in someone who has any form of pathology or injury that affects hormones, blood circulation, or the skin. Our practitioners have many years of experience and are well-trained to ensure the safe and appropriate use of Graston Technique®.
Graston Technique® works on both cellular and tissue levels. The practitioner approaches the affected area by identifying the location of painful muscle knots and restrictions with her hands. Once located, she will choose the appropriate Graston® tool and begin swiping the instrument over these knots. The swipe is described as a “deep, calculated stretch” applied in the direction of the muscle fibers. The practitioner may or may not move a particular joint during the swipe to gradually stretch the affected tissue even more. Progressively, the swipe will become deeper, depending on the patient’s tolerance and tissue thickness. Many of our patients report better mobility, less tightness, improved local circulation, and restored functionality. Graston Technique® is one of those treatments we love to use at Kent Chiro-Med Wellness Clinic because it demonstrates incredible results for patients almost instantaneously after the treatment.
At Kent Chiro-Med Wellness Clinic Ottawa, we offer a comprehensive approach to wellness that includes physiotherapy and chiropractic services. Our clinic, conveniently located near you, specializes in the Graston Technique, a cutting-edge instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization method. This technique is designed to address adhesions and scar tissue with the help of a stainless steel instrument, providing effective relief for soft tissue fibrosis and improved range of motion. By focusing on tendons, ligaments, and fascia, our Graston Technique treatments aim to break down adhesions and promote overall musculoskeletal health, ensuring you experience optimal comfort and well-being. Our therapist uses stainless steel tools to perform muscle mobilization.
If you look up Graston Technique® on the internet, you are most likely going to come across pictures and videos of patients with redness and bruising on their backs. Our patients who have experienced this technique will tell you that, surprisingly, it looks worse than it feels. When the body is in a dormant state (> six months post-trauma or injury), it fails to recover, leading to a stagnant plateau of healing. At this time, the patient’s condition is not going to improve anymore. As a result of that, chronic pain and major functional limitations persist. Therefore, the goal of Graston Technique® is to re-introduce appropriate recovery to a dormant and chronically injured muscle tissue. One way to do that is to break down tight scar tissue that surrounds the muscle and prevents it from relaxing. During the treatment, signs of redness, warmth, bruising, small red dots, and itchiness over the treated areas can be evidenced and are signs of good “controlled” inflammation. With “controlled” inflammation, you are recruiting healing cells to the affected muscle and stimulating them to grow again and do their job. It is possible to apply different levels of pressure on the body, depending on the patient’s comfort level. We always start with light pressure to allow tissue desensitization. When a tissue is desensitized, the patient gets used to the pressure. At that moment, your practitioner can apply more force and depth to the tissue.
You can expect bruising and redness after receiving Graston Technique®. You do not have to worry about it. These are temporary symptoms that will dissipate slowly over the next few days and are part of the normal process of recovery. Should you feel sore after treatment, you can always apply ice on the treated area (above a wet towel to protect the skin from ice burn) for 20 minutes. Avoid any strenuous activities such as heavy weightlifting at the gym or carrying heavy items.
Our treatments are done in private rooms and not in open spaces.
What time works best for you?
Weekdays
Saturday
Sunday
9 AM – 6 PM
9 AM – 3 PM
Closed
Our treatments are done in private rooms and not open spaces.
What time works best for you?
Monday – Thursday
Friday
Saturday
Sunday
9 AM – 6 PM
9 AM – 3 PM
8 AM – 3 PM
Closed
