Testimonials
from a patient's point of view—
"After trying the Graston Technique® for the first time, I not only achieved instant results which showed in my flexibility and in my
training, I am able to take my athletic career to the highest level competing with the best in the world. I am able to train more in depth at a higher intensity .... producing better and
faster times in the athletic world.
.
"With the World Championship this year and the Olympics right around the corner, I cannot afford to settle for mediocrity and with this technique I know that I can, and will, be a force to reckon
with. Thanks, Dr. Hyde and Dr. Platon."
—Debbie Ferguson
Two-Time Olympic Champion
Ms. Ferguson's GT care—
Debbie Ferguson was referred to our office by her track coach with a complaint of fatigue at the end of her workouts. She had no specific
area of pain but noted that she was unable to have enough strength to raise her legs up after performing other drills during her workout schedule for track and field. This elite sprint star
stated she had noticed this for quite some time and was concerned about being able to finish strong in her races: 100 meters, 200 meters and 4 X 100 relay. She served as the anchor for the 4 X
100.
Examination of Ms. Ferguson revealed the following:
— ROM lumbar spine wall — All neurological examination wnl (reflexes, muscle strength,
peripheral sensitivity) — All orthopedic tests wnl — BP/Pulse wnl — No signs of atrophy, rather the musculature was extremely
well developed and proportional bilaterally including the upper and lower extremities.
Following examination, the patient was given Graston Technique® to the lumbar spine (quadratus lumborum, erector spinae, multifidi), gluteus medius and maximus, piriformis, all bilaterally and the
left psoas. Following receipt of GT, she was advised to stretch all muscles treated and to continue this stretching routine several times daily.
Ms. Ferguson experienced immediate relief of her feeling of fatigue and was able to return to complete her entire workout without complaints. She later set the fastest time in the 100 meter
sprint — faster than she had ever done this early in the season. She subsequently received additional GT treatments (4 - 5) for maintenance purposes only, while not only continuing to train but also
to compete. Ms. Ferguson's next goal is to make the 2004 Olympic team and compete as she did in the events listed above.
—Thomas E. Hyde, DC, DACBSP
Alexander Greaux, DC
Aventura Wellness & Rehab
Miami, FL
GT and the athlete—
Soft tissue injuries are some of the most irritating injuries to deal with — for athletes and athletic trainers alike. The source of the pain
produced by these injuries can be difficult to accurately locate and effectively treat, leaving athletes hobbled and athletic trainers frustrated. Some of the standard techniques used to treat these
injuries, including transverse friction massage (TFM) and myofascial release, can cause a lot of discomfort — for the provider. A possible solution for both the athletic trainer and the athlete may
be Graston Technique®.
Graston Technique® works very well for Achilles and patellar tendinosis, significant problems for runners. In addition, GT providers are
reporting extensive use in the treatment of neck and lower back pain. Current studies testing the effectiveness of Graston Technique® will look at post-surgical lower back pain, lateral epicondylosis
and carpal tunnel syndrome.(1)
—Stephen Perle, DC, MS
Associate Professor of Clinical Sciences
University of Bridgeport College of Chiropractic
(1) The Leading Edge
Training & Conditioning, Oct., 2003
