Graston Technique – Q & A with Dr. Darren Pollack of Dasha Wellness, Manhattan

The Graston Technique is a method of finding and treating scar tissue that is impeding normal soft tissue function. Unlike some other techniques which rely on manual detection and treatment, the Graston Technique requires a set of patented instruments. Dr. Darren Pollack of the Dasha Wellness treatment center in Manhattan is trained in the Graston Technique and he regularly answers the following questions in patient consultations:
 

Could you explain what the Graston Technique does, exactly?

Dr. Darren Pollack: Absolutely. In short, this therapeutic technique breaks down scar tissue, stretches connective tissue, increases blood flow to and from the problem area, and increases healing activity at the cellular level.

But isn’t scar tissue just a natural aftermath of healing?

Dr. Darren Pollack: Scar tissue may be natural, but it also poses a number of problems. When scar tissue has built up around an injured area, many patients find their range of motion limited. Often, that compromised range of motion results in pain and decreased quality of life.

I hear instruments are used for this technique. Is it kind of like surgery then?

Dr. Darren Pollack: No. The Graston Technique instruments are not used for invasive purposes. Rather, their purpose is to aid the practitioner in locating the scar tissue and other restrictions in the problem areas. The stainless steel instruments are designed to “catch” in the abnormal tissue—thus alerting the clinician to the areas of restriction. Once those areas have been properly identified, Graston Technique instruments are then used to break up the scar tissue. Once broken up in this non-invasive manner, the scar tissue is simply reabsorbed by the patient’s body.

All this talk of instruments breaking up tissue sounds painful. Is it?

Dr. Darren Pollack: Honestly, the Graston Technique does involve some minor discomfort. Patients at Dasha Wellness are made as comfortable as possible by our highly trained staff. However, they may find the procedure itself to be uncomfortable—and they may also have some bruising afterwards.

So what exactly would a full Graston Technique session involve?

Dr. Darren Pollack: The treatment protocol in our Manhattan center begins with a short warm-up exercise. After the warm-up we perform the instrument-assisted Graston Technique treatment I just described. The final part of a session would involve some stretching, a set of strengthening exercises, and ice.

How often would I receive treatment if I opted for the Graston Technique?

Dr. Darren Pollack: Dasha Wellness patients receive the standard recommended protocol for this technique: two to three treatments per week over a period of two to three weeks.