The Graston Technique®
Full Training Journey
1
Start with
Essential Training
12 CEUs
Find:
Self-Paced Training available when you are
Virtual Training from the convenience of home
Choose A Virtual Training Date Convenient for You
In-Person Training locations near you
2
Continue your journey with
Advanced Training + GT Specialist Exam*
14 CEUs
Find:
Self-Paced Training available when you are
Virtual Training from the convenience of home
Choose A Virtual Training Date Convenient for You
In-Person Training locations near you
*Practitioners and students must complete the Essential Training prior to taking the Advanced Training and GTS Exam
CEU Eligible
Short Courses
60+ CEUs
Expand Your HorizonsGraston’s CEU Short Courses
Welcome to our Short Courses – a curated series of webinars designed to not only inform but also transform your understanding of soft tissue therapy. As we constantly evolve in the world of health and wellness, staying updated is not just an option but a necessity.
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An Integrative Approach with Complementary Therapies
Join Our Free Webinar & Earn a CEU
An Integrative Approach with Complementary Therapies
2PM: Dec2024 Webinar
Join Our Free Webinar & Earn a CEU
An Integrative Approach with Complementary Therapies
7PM: Dec2024 Webinar
December 3, 2024
Two Available Times: 2 PM & 7 PM EST
Webinar Objective
- Identify the current evidence for the effectiveness/efficacy of cupping, kinesiology taping, self-myofascial release, therapeutic exercise/neuromuscular re-education and the Graston Technique®
- Identify the indications and contraindications (relative and absolute) for the complementary therapies included in this webinar
- Demonstrate how cupping and kinesiology taping can be utilized with the Graston Technique® when treating a patient with post-radiation shoulder stiffness.
- Demonstrate how self-myofascial release can be integrated into most manual therapy sessions including those that include the Graston Technique®
- Demonstrate how therapeutic exercise and neuromuscular re-education is integrated into a session that includes the Graston Technique.
New!
For the first time in our webinar series, we’re offering the opportunity to earn CEUs! Attend this enlightening session, complete the post-webinar quiz,and submit your feedback form to qualify. Please note, the number of CEUs you can earn will depend on your state licensing board’s regulations. See More Details *
Earn Valuable CEUs
By participating in this webinar, you will not only gain valuable insights into using complemntary therapies in physical therapy but also earn CEUs to help maintain your licensure and enhance your professional qualifications.
Why Attend?Â
Enhance your clinical practice with furthering your understanding using complementary therapies. This webinar is ideal for physical therapists, chiropractors, and other healthcare professionals who are committed to staying at the forefront of their field.
Trusted By The Professionals In Their Training Programs
Our Clinical Advisors & Instructors
Graston Technique® instructors and clinical advisors are committed to providing the highest caliber of hands-on training available, based on evidence-based research and industry best practices.
Jackie Shakar
ATC, PT
Sheila Wilson
DC
Understanding the Functions of EachGraston Technique® Instrument
What are the Clinical Application of the Instruments?
Assessment and Diagnosis
Clinicians use Graston Technique instruments to palpate and identify irregularities in tissue texture and adhesions. This tactile feedback allows for precise targeting of problematic areas that are often difficult to detect with hands alone.
Instrument Techniques
Specific techniques such as sweeping, fanning, brushing, and strumming are used during treatment to stimulate specific physiologic processes in the connective tissue. Sweeping and fanning cover larger surface areas, while brushing and strumming target specific adhesions and fibrotic tissues.
Pressure and Stroke Variations
By varying pressure and stroke length direction and speed, clinicians can modulate treatment intensity to cater to the patient's specific needs and tolerance. This flexibility enhances the efficacy and comfort of the treatment.
What are the Advantages of Graston Technique Instruments
Unique Features
Graston Technique instruments are crafted from unique high-quality alloys and medical grade stainless steel, ensuring precision with unprecedented amplified feedback to your hands. Their ergonomic design allows for optimal clinician comfort and control, making them an indispensable tool in soft tissue therapy. The smooth instrument surface has been specifically designed to ensure the clinician can effectively palpate the tissue texture amplified through the instrument. Delve into a transformative experience, blending age-old healing wisdom with modern state-of-the-art craftsmanship. Embark on a journey towards unmatched clinical mastery and let every touch resonate with healing and care.
Enhanced Clinical Outcomes
Patients treated with Graston Technique report faster recovery times and higher satisfaction rates, highlighting the technique's efficacy in addressing complex musculoskeletal issues.
Eligibility for Use
Only clinicians that have completed the Graston Technique® Essential Training are eligible to purchase the Graston Technique® instruments and utilize the technique for patient care.
What are Graston Technique Instruments?
Graston Technique instruments are precision-engineered with unique alloys and medical grade stainless steel. Each instrument is made with a different high density material specifically shaped to address various parts of the body effectively, ensuring comprehensive treatment coverage producing maximum patient outcomes. With these instruments clinicians can detect and treat soft tissue fibrosis and chronic inflammation. Crafted with unparalleled expertise and precision, these instruments are the epitome of tactile excellence and therapeutic efficacy. Graston Technique instruments have been designed to amplify feedback to the clinicians hands on tissue texture, generating resonance, allowing the clinician to identify areas of soft-tissue dysfunction
Why do Clinicians Use Graston Technique?
Precision and Effectiveness
Graston Technique instruments allow clinicians to precisely locate and treat soft tissue issues, leading to more effective and targeted therapy. This precision helps in the faster resolution of chronic and acute injuries.
Versatility in Treating Various Conditions
The technique is highly versatile, making it suitable for treating a wide range of conditions, including tendinopathies, myofascial pain syndrome, and post-surgical fibrosis. This versatility makes it a valuable tool in the arsenal of any clinician.
Enhancing Athletic Performance
By reducing pain and improving mobility, Graston Technique helps athletes recover faster and maintain peak performance levels. This has made it a popular choice among professional and amateur athletes alike.
What are the Benefits for Clinicians?
Non-invasive Treatment
Graston Technique is a non-invasive alternative to more invasive procedures like injections or surgery, providing a safer option for patients.
Versatile Application
The technique can be applied to various conditions affecting muscles, tendons, ligaments, and fascia, making it a comprehensive tool for clinicians.
Efficient and Effective
Graston Technique often produces noticeable results in a relatively short timeframe, enhancing patient satisfaction and recovery rates.
Patient Engagement
The technique actively involves patients in their recovery process, promoting better compliance and outcomes.
Evidence-Based
A growing body of research supports the efficacy of Graston Technique in managing pain, improving range of motion, and enhancing tissue function.
How Do the Instruments Work?
Mechanism of Action
Graston Technique utilizes a specific protocol of instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization (IASTM) combined with exercise to detect and treat adhesions, scar tissue, and fascial restrictions. The instruments detect and amplify soft tissue restrictions, facilitating precise localization and treatment of problematic areas.
Biomechanical Effects
These instruments apply controlled microtrauma to the affected soft tissue, stimulating a local inflammatory response. This promotes the healing cascade, enhancing tissue regeneration and remodeling. The process involves fibroblast activation and collagen reorganization, essential for effective tissue repair.
GT 1
Application: The GT1 instrument is expertly designed for evaluating and treating soft tissue restrictions over larger surface areas. It excels in treating specific soft tissue restrictions with its specialized knobs.
Description: The GT1 features a single bevel, concave treatment edge with two convex knobs. This unique design ensures precise treatment and effective scanning of larger muscle groups.
Key Features:
- Application: Perfect for large muscle groups, scanning, and treatment.
- Grips: Engineered for comfortable two-handed use, providing optimal control during treatment.
- Strokes: Versatile in its application, the GT1 supports sweeping, fanning, swiveling, and scooping strokes.
The GT1 instrument embodies the Graston Technique's commitment to quality and efficacy, offering clinicians a reliable tool for enhancing patient outcomes through superior soft tissue therapy.
GT 2
Application: The GT2 instrument is expertly crafted for evaluating and treating convex-shaped soft tissue with its curved treatment surface. It excels in treating specific soft tissue restrictions with its specialized knobs.
Treatment Areas: Ideal for use on the biceps, triceps, wrist flexors and extensors, elbow, patella, and heel.
Description: The GT2 features one single and one double-bevel edge, along with two convex knobs. This versatile design ensures precise treatment and effective scanning of smaller muscle groups.
Key Features:
- Application: Perfect for small muscle groups, scanning, and treatment.
- Grips: Engineered for comfortable one or two-handed use, providing optimal control during treatment.
Strokes: Versatile in its application, the GT2 supports sweeping, fanning, swiveling, and scooping strokes.
GT 3
Application: The GT3 instrument is meticulously designed for localizing and treating specific (smaller) soft tissue restrictions with precision.
Treatment Areas: Perfect for precise lesion localization.
Description: The GT3 features a single bevel, convex treatment edge, making it ideal for targeting specific soft tissue issues.
Key Features:
- Application: Specific localization and treatment of smaller areas.
- Grips: Designed for one or two-handed use, ensuring precise control.
- Strokes: Supports brushing, strumming, and J-strokes for effective treatment.
GT 4
Application: The GT4 instrument is specifically designed for evaluating and treating concave-shaped soft tissue and providing focal treatment of convex-shaped soft tissue.
Treatment Areas: Suitable for use on various areas of the body.
Description: The GT4 features a single bevel, convex edge, facilitating comprehensive scanning and treatment.
Key Features:
- Application: Effective for scanning and treating both concave and convex soft tissues.
- Grips: Can be used with one or two hands, offering versatility and control.
- Strokes: Supports sweeping and fanning strokes for thorough treatment.
GT 5
Application: The GT5 instrument is ideal for evaluating and treating convex-shaped tissue and specifically designed for treating intercostal areas.
Treatment Areas: Best suited for the cervical spine, deltoid, gastrocnemius, adductors, and intercostals.
Description: The GT5 features a single bevel, concave design originally developed for the intercostal region, ensuring effective treatment of specific areas.
Key Features:
- Application: Perfect for scanning and treating convex tissue and intercostal areas.
- Grips: Designed for comfortable one or two-handed use.
- Strokes: Supports sweeping, fanning, swiveling, and scooping strokes.
GT 6
Application: The GT6 instrument is specifically designed for evaluating and treating carpal tunnel, digits, and specific localized soft tissue restrictions with its treatment tip or hook.
Treatment Areas: Ideal for use on the digits, interossei, and Achilles.
Description: The GT6 features one single and one double bevel convex edge, along with a treatment tip and a knob/hook for precise treatment.
Key Features:
- Application: Perfect for smaller regions and precise localization.
- Grips: Can be used with one or two hands, providing versatility in treatment.
- Strokes: Supports sweeping, scooping, brushing, strumming, and J-strokes for comprehensive treatment.
Your Path from Enrollment to Certification
Graston Technique Essential Training
Enrollment and Registration
- What Happens: You’ve taken the first step by registering for the Essential Graston Technique training. Whether self-paced, virtual, or in-person, this course is designed to introduce you to the foundational principles and applications of the Graston Technique.
- Next Steps: Check your confirmation email for important details, including login credentials (if online), course schedule, and any required materials.
Pre-Course Preparation
What Happens: Before your training starts, you’ll gain access to preparatory materials such as an overview of the Graston Technique therapy algorithm, potential contraindications, and basic instrument handling tips.
Next Steps: Review these resources to familiarize yourself with key concepts and prepare questions for your instructor.
Course Kickoff
What Happens: The training commences with live sessions tailored to your chosen format:
- Live Virtual Training: Participate in multiple group video teleconference sessions hosted by a Graston Technique® instructor.
- In-Person Training: Attend a full-day, hands-on session at a designated location, such as the Olympus Orthopedic and Wellness Center in Indianapolis, IN.
Next Steps: Engage actively in these sessions, participate in discussions, and complete any assigned exercises or quizzes to reinforce your understanding.
Hands-On Training
What Happens: Gain practical experience with Graston Technique® instruments:
- In-Person Training: Engage in supervised, hands-on practice sessions to master instrument handling and treatment techniques.
- Live Virtual Training: Follow along with detailed video demonstrations and practice independently, with opportunities for feedback during live sessions.
Next Steps: Focus on refining your technique, understanding instrument applications, and effectively integrating the therapy into your practice.
Course Completion
What Happens: Upon fulfilling all course requirements, including participation in live sessions and completion of assessments, you conclude the training.
Next Steps: Submit any remaining evaluations or feedback forms as instructed to finalize your participation.
Course Completion
What Happens: Congratulations on completing your training! By now, you’ve acquired the essential skills and knowledge to integrate the Graston Technique into your practice.
Next Steps: Submit any required assessments, including quizzes or feedback forms, to finalize your participation.
Receive Certification
What Happens: Once you’ve submitted any required forms or documents, you’ll receive your official certification, recognizing you as a certified Graston Technique® provider.
Next Steps: You’ll receive an email containing all the necessary information to submit to your state licensing board for CEU review and approval.
Final Step
Congratulations on earning your certification! You’ve taken a significant step in mastering the Graston Technique®. Now, are you ready to elevate your skills even further? Explore our Advanced Training and continue your journey toward clinical excellence!