Graston Technique for Olympians

When at the Olympic Training Center last summer I was introduced to a technique that has great results for soft tissue injuries like tendonopathies, strains and myofascial adhesions. I set out to learn this technique and since implementing this technique into our practice this year, we have seen excellent results. Unlike massage, Graston® Technique Graston® Technique uses stainless steel instruments to break down fascia and help re-align the muscle fibers.

The Graston® Technique, originally developed by athletes, is changing the way clinicians view treatment of acute and chronic soft tissue injuries.

Graston® Technique is an innovative, patented form of instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization that enables clinicians to effectively break down scar tissue and fascial restrictions. This technique utilizes specially designed stainless steel instruments to specifically detect and effectively treat areas exhibiting soft tissue fibrosis or chronic inflammation.

The curvilinear edge of the patented Graston® Technique Instruments combined with their concave/convex shapes molds nicely to the various contours of the body. This design allows for ease of treatment, minimal stress to the clinician's hands and maximum tissue penetration.

The Graston® Technique protocol induces micro trauma to the area, which increases the amount of cells that are associated with wound healing. The damaged tissue is replaced with new tissue. Ice is then applied to reduce the pain and exercise is implemented to increase function and range of motion.


Dr. Joel Dekanich is Clinic Director at VIMG and practices out of the Edwards Location. You can contact the Edwards office at 970-926-4600

For more information on Graston® Technique research click here.
For frequently asked questions about Graston® Technique click here.

Dr. Mark's Applied Physiology article is now available in free full text version

The Journal of Applied Physiology Nutrition and Metabolism has made the article "Reliability of electromyographic and force measures during prone isometric back extension in subjects with and without low back pain" available in a free full text format. Check it out here!

PGA Tour

This past June I had the opportunity to work my first PGA Tour event in Milwaukee, WI. Formerly known as the GMO (Greater Milwaukee Open), the US Bank Championships have been a Tour stop for many years and just so happened to coincide with the British Open where Tom Watson had his ‘almost’ amazing finish. Many people want to know what the medical staff does at the PGA Tour and here is a quick answer. At each PGA event there are two double wide trailers available for players to have treatment, rehabilitation and therapy before and after a player’s round. Many players use the staff to get stretched out before a round and/or get an adjustment or therapy if needed on a particular issue they might be having. Some is based solely on prevention while others have true injuries that need attention. The staff is comprised of two excellent physical therapists and one chiropractor as each event and they work in concert to what the players needs may be. These ‘moving clinics and gym’ have all state of the art equipment for treatment and therapy. What is probably most unique is that players have such a wide range of athleticism, fitness and body types yet are all the best golfers in the world!

A typical day is from as early as 5:30 am to about 7:00 pm and about half the field (80 players) was treated for various needs and conditions throughout the week. All in all it was a great week (in my home state) and I look forward to working more events in the future with such talented staff and players.

Joel