As a physical therapist [2] and director of outpatient musculoskeletal services at Good Shepherd, I am always pleased when we can offer our patients a new treatment that can help them recover from a painful condition or injury. We’ve recently introduced our patients to the Graston Technique®, a form of manual soft tissue therapy involving the use of stainless steel instruments contoured to the body. The therapist uses the instruments to apply pressure to the affected area, breaking down scar tissue and promoting the healing process.

At first glance, the instruments can appear intimidating – they range from a few inches long to more than a foot – and patients may worry that the treatment will be painful. But our patients find the level of pressure we apply to be quite tolerable – the instruments are just an extension of the strength of the therapist, not a replacement. In the hands of a skilled therapist, the treatment helps to relieve pain and promote healing. In Allentown, Good Shepherd has specially trained Graston Technique® therapists who have completed the two levels of training to be certified in the use of the instruments.

The treatment can be used to treat a variety of conditions, including plantar fasciitis, Achilles tendinitis [3], fibromyalgia [4], tennis elbow [5], and neck, shoulder, back or knee pain [6]. As with all physical therapy [7], for optimal recovery, the treatment is combined with patient education, other appropriate therapies, exercise and stretching. Patients are instructed to follow through at home with exercises and other recommendations provided to them to achieve long-term healing.

If you suffer from muscle or tendon pain from a recent or long-standing injury, you may also find success with this treatment. Graston Technique® specialists report that positive outcomes have been achieved in 75 to 90 percent of all conditions treated.

To schedule an appointment, call Good Shepherd at 610-776-3100 and choose option 1.