Frequently asked questions

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Patients that have progressed beyond the acute stages of inflammation and repair are often encouraged to resume a pain-free level of activity and exercise with the modifications that are determined by their GT-trained health professional. GT is designed to be implemented with appropriate therapeutic exercises and activities to achieve an ideal outcome.

When viewed under a microscope, normal tissue can be organized in a couple of different fashions: dense, regular elongated fibers running in the same direction, such as tendons and ligaments; or dense and loose, irregular with fibers running in multiple directions. In either instance, when tissue is damaged, it will often heal in a fibrotic, haphazard manner and may appear radio-dense under diagnostic ultrasound. The tissue may show thickening, irregular organization or less precise margins as compared to non-injured tissues, which results in a restricted range of motion and, very often, pain and functional limitations.

Scar tissue limits range of motion due its negative impact on sensory motor firing rates and frequencies. Abnormal sensory inputs perpetuate a dysfunctional cycle of nervous system sensitization, pain and dysfunctional movement/motor output. GT offers a positive method of manual therapy that interrupts and breaks this cycle of pain and dysfunctional movement.

All participants of the GTS exam will receive three attempts to pass the exam. In the event that participants do not pass during their initial three attempts, the participant will be required to purchase and successfully complete the Advanced Updates & Revisions online course ($59) to receive a fourth and final attempt. Should the participant not pass the exam on the final attempt, the participant will need to wait a minimum of 30 days before restarting the procedure by repurchasing the GTS exam.

You will receive a reminder before your GTS credential expires (every 2 years), notifying you of the expiration date and providing the opportunity to retake the latest version of the Advanced Updates & Revisions online course, and the GTS credential exam.

The GTS credential is valid for two years from the last credentialing date.

The course consists of 14 modules with a maximum of 30 days to complete the training. Should you need to cancel your registration for any reason, your training fee can be transferred to another date/location of your choosing. Your transfer must be applied within 12 months of cancellation date. You may also apply your training fees towards other Graston Technique^® products within 12 months of cancellation date. Any training fees not used within 12 months of cancellation date are subject to forfeiture. GT-LLC reserves the right to alter dates, times, locations, content, and faculty to accommodate unexpected needs. GT-LLC cannot be responsible for expenses incurred by registrants if the program is cancelled or altered.

The Graston Technique^® Instructional Team is committed to providing the highest caliber of hands-on training available, based on evidence-based research and industry best practices. We’re extremely proud of the 50+ advisors and instructors that help us shape the future of Graston Technique^® therapy.

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The course consists of 12 chapters with a maximum of 30 days to complete the training. Various teaching methods will be utilized consistent with the various levels of complexity of the stated learning objectives in order to assure their attainment at course completion. Teaching methods include lecture/discussion and instructor demonstration followed by laboratory practice. During laboratory practice sessions, small ratios of instructor-to-participants are available so that participants can receive ample instructor feedback as they practice. Teaching materials used include the Advanced Training PowerPoint presentation, prepared case analyses, videos of selected Graston Technique^® therapy techniques, and the Advanced Training Manual including its handouts. Participants are assessed using an Advanced Rubric completed by the Graston Technique^® Instructor that verifies that each Advanced participant has achieved the acceptable level of Essential and Advanced learning activity performance by the completion of the Advanced course.

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The course consists of 14 modules with a maximum of 30 days to complete the training. Self-Paced Advanced Training costs $695. Please call in at 888.926.2727 for student and veteran pricing. The cost for Self-Paced Advanced Training with an instrument set is $2490. Please call in at 888.926.2727 for payment plan details. Clinicians have the opportunity to save $100 when registering for Advanced Training within the 30 days following your Essential Training date.

Advanced participants must hold a valid clinical license and must have successfully completed Essential Training. It is also recommended that participants currently be utilizing advanced orthopedic and functional testing in their clinical practices. Working knowledge of functional anatomy, human movement analysis, and the principles of regional interdependence, as they apply to injury recognition and treatment, is recommended. A review of the anatomical structures of the spine, and upper and lower extremities are most appropriate prior to attending the course. Advanced Training is multi-disciplinary and is available to, but not limited to, Certified Athletic Trainers, Acupuncturists, Physical Therapists and Assistants, Occupational Therapists and Assistants, Fitness Professionals, Massage Therapists, Doctors of Chiropractic, and Physicians. If Essential Training took place prior to January 1, 2015, clinicians must first complete the 3-hour Essential Updates and Revisions Course ($59 or free with Advanced Training registration) before proceeding to Advanced Training registration.

Graston Technique^® (GT) is a unique, evidence-based form of instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization that enables clinicians to effectively and efficiently address soft tissue lesions and fascial restrictions resulting in improved patient outcomes.GT uses specially designed stainless steel instruments with unique treatment edges and angles to deliver an effective means of manual therapy. The use of GT instruments, when combined with appropriate therapeutic exercise, leads to the restoration of pain-free movement and function. The instruments also are used diagnostically to assess the kinetic chain, in an efficient manner using the principles of regional interdependence.

Empirical and anecdotal evidence exists for the following physiological effects of GT:

• Separates and breaks down collagen cross-links, and splays and stretches connective tissue and muscle fibers
• Facilitates reflex changes in the chronic muscle holding pattern (inhibition of abnormal tone/guarding leading to pain reduction via improved sensory input)
• Alters/inhibits spinal reflex activity (facilitated segment)
• Increases the rate and amount of blood flow to and from the area (angiogenesis vs. immediate local increases in blood flow)
• Increases cellular activity in the region, including fibroblasts and mast cells
• Increases histamine response secondary to mast cell activity

The concept of cross fiber massage is not new. Graston Technique^® is grounded in the works of Dr. James Cyriax, a British orthopedic surgeon.

Historically, the Graston Technique^® has had positive outcomes in 75-90 percent of all conditions treated. It is equally effective in restoring function to acute and chronic injuries, pre- and post-surgical patients and maintaining optimal range of motion.

GT training is multi-disciplinary and is available to the following licensed professionals:

• Acupuncturists
• Canadian Massage Therapists
• Certified Hand Therapists
• Certified/Licensed Athletic Trainers
• Chiropractors
• Dentists
• Medical Physicians
• Occupational Therapists
• Occupational Therapist Assistants
• Osteopaths
• Physical Therapists/Physiotherapists
• Physical Therapist Assistants
• Podiatrists
• Students (In the final year of one of the above programs)
• U.S. Massage Therapists (see below)
• Veterinarians

Only clinicians who have been trained in the Graston Technique^® Basic course are qualified to obtain the Graston Technique^® instruments and apply the technique to treat patients. The course is offered either on-site or at trainings offered throughout the year at a variety of locations.

GT-trained clinicians use GT instruments to effectively and efficiently address soft tissue lesions and fascial restrictions while treating acute and chronic conditions, including:

• Achilles Tendinitis/osis (ankle pain)
• Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (wrist pain)
• Cervicothoracic Sprain/Strain (neck pain)
• Fibromyalgia
• Lateral Epicondylitis/osis (tennis elbow)
• Lumbosacral Sprain/Strain (back pain)
• Medial Epicondylitis/osis (golfer’s elbow)
• Myofascial Pain Syndromes
• Patellofemoral Disorders (knee pain)
• Plantar Fasciitis/osis (foot pain)
• Post surgeries such as joint replacements, RTC repairs (once post-surgical protocol allows for soft tissue
• mobilization/manual therapy)
• Rotator Cuff Tendinitis/osis (shoulder pain)
• Scar Tissue/post-surgical scars (once completely closed)
• Patients demonstrating central and/or peripheral sensitization (only used in light stroking/brushing mode to desensitize)
• Shin Splints
• Trigger Finger
• Women’s Health (post-mastectomy and Caesarean scarring)

Graston Technique^® can be used to treat any movement system dysfunction that has been determined to have a soft tissue component.

The training and instrument costs can be found by entering through the Clinician portal off the home page, to Training & Education, and then Training Fees. The Essential is $650. The Advanced is $695. The full set of 6 instruments costs $2395.

Graston Technique now offers an in-house Deferred Payment Plan on purchases over $1500. Use our payment calculator during checkout to determine your downpayment amount and the duration to calculate your monthly payment. Prefer to talk to a human being? Call us today at 888-926-2727.

You are not required to purchase instruments to benefit from GT Training because GT supplies the instruments for the Essential and Advanced in-person, hybrid, and live online training events. Instruments are included with our Essential Self-Paced Training package. However, Graston Technique is designed to work best with Graston Technique Instruments – and if you would like to become a GT Provider after the training you need instruments for that certification. We offer flexible financing plans as well as an instrument reservation program that ensures you’ll be able to take instruments home with you after your training.

Eligible Clinicians

GT training is multi-disciplinary and is available to the following professionals:

• Acupuncturists
• Canadian Massage Therapists
• Certified Hand Therapists
• Certified/Licensed Athletic Trainers
• Certified Personal Trainers
• Chiropractors
• Cross Fit Trainers
• Dentists
• Medical Physicians
• Occupational Therapists
• Occupational Therapist Assistants
• Osteopaths
• Physical Therapists/Physiotherapists
• Physical Therapist Assistants
• Podiatrists
• Students (In the final year of one of the above programs)
• Strength and Conditioning Specialists (CSCS)
• U.S. Massage Therapists (see below)
• Veterinarians

U.S. Massage Therapist Requirements

With the guidance of some of the top advisors in the field of massage therapy, we have found the appropriate balance of education and experience that will allow massage therapists to be successful in the application of Graston Technique^® therapy.

• Current massage therapy license or certification
• Pass exam or be certified in MBLEx, NCBTMB, NCETMB, NCETM, or NESL
  • or work in an office with a licensed PT, DC, or ATC
  • 750 clinical hours of education with 250 hands-on hours of experience.

If you are still a student, when you create your online account, you will indicate you are a ‘student’ and provide your expected graduation date. As a ‘student’, you will automatically see a reduction in training costs at checkout. If you do not see any applied discount, contact our Customer Success Team at 1-888-926-2727. If you have already graduated and want to take advantage of our extended/post-graduation student discount (available for up to 12 months post-graduation), please call our Customer Success Team to discuss and obtain a promo code.

Yes, Graston Technique, LLC is proud to offer military personnel a 20% discount off both training and instrument purchase.

If you need to cancel your registration for any reason, you can obtain a full refund of your training fees within 72 hours of your purchase. No refunds are given after 72 hours of purchase.

After 72 hours, your training fees can be transferred to a virtual training class or a future in-person training class of your choosing that falls within 12 months of the original cancellation date.

You may also apply your training fees towards other Graston Technique® products within 12 months of original cancellation date.

Any training fees that are not used within 12 months of the original cancellation date are subject to forfeiture.

Self-paced programs that have been started and Graston products that have been opened will not be refunded.