At the clinic, we've used Graston Technique for muscle and tendon injuries, but the recent research suggests that it may be useful for increasing the recovery time from ligament injuries as well. It is generally accepted that ligaments repair through repetitive scar formation rather than true regeneration. This can lead to mechanical weakness in the ligament and may be one reason that re-injury is so common in patients with previous ligament injury.
A study published this summer in the Journal of Orthopaedic & Sports Physical Therapy (1) examined instrument assisted cross friction massage (Graston) in an experimentally induced ligament injury in rats.
Four weeks after the injury, the treated ligaments were 43.1% stronger and 39.7%
Stiffer, able to absorb 57.1% more energy before they failed than the non-treated ligaments.
Twelve weeks after injury the differences between treated and untreated ligaments were minimal in terms of strength; however the treated ligaments were 15.4% stiffer.
Although an animal study, this study does support the theoretical basis of using early cross friction massage to speed repair after ligament injury. Although the differences in strength even out over time, lasting increases in stiffness could confer additional protection to the joint itself.
1. Lohgmani MT, Warden SJ. (2009)“Instrument-assisted cross-fiber massage accelerates knee ligament healing”. Journal of Orthopaedic & Sports Physical Therapy. 39(7): 506-514.
