Fascia and Scarring

Fascia is a dense type of connective tissue that surrounds muscles, tendons, ligaments, bones and organs. It provides support and protection for the tissues and organs.

Acute or repetitive micro-trauma can cause the formation of scar tissue and adhesions. Scar tissue fibers are denser than and not as flexible as normal tissue fibers. Scar tissue within the muscles can lead to tiny, fibrous “knots” that can painful. Adhesions are a specific type of scar tissue that cause the fascia to adhere to the muscles, tendons or ligaments. The adhesions can restrict the range of motion in the affected area causing pain during movement.

The Graston Technique®

Some health care providers use soft tissue manipulation to release/break up scar tissue and to relieve pain and restore function. One particular form of soft tissue manipulation is the Graston Technique®.

The cornerstone of the Graston Technique is a set of stainless steel instruments with smooth edges and various curves and contours. These instruments are used to find the cause of musculoskeletal pain, and to treat the source of the problem. Each of the instruments is designed to be used on specific areas of the body.

To locate the source of the pain, a therapist glides the edge of one of the Graston instruments over the skin. When the instrument moves over an area of scar tissue, the knotted or denser area of fibers act like a “speed bump” under the skin. The extra resistance creates reverberations that can be felt through the instrument to the therapist’s hand. Craig Newman, D.C., a Chiropractic Sports Physician in Tampa FL, says patients report also feeling a rope-like or gritty sensation when the instrument passes over scar tissue.

Once the target area is identified, other instruments are used to treat the problem. Pressing down and gliding an instrument across the skin pulls on and breaks up the scar tissue fibers. The treatment also creates a minor amount of trauma, which increases blood flow to the area, pumps up fibroblasts and hopefully, promotes healing. After a therapy session, patients may experience temporary bruising and soreness. Patients must follow an exercise and stretching program to improve and maintain flexibility and improve strength.

Newman says a single Graston treatment session takes about five to ten minutes. Most patients need 8 to 10 treatments, but often begin seeing an improvement in symptoms after about the third or fourth session. The treatments are usually not covered by insurance. In his practice, Newman charges about $45 to $60 a session.

The Graston Technique is only provided by trained practitioners. To locate the nearest provider, go to http://www.grastontechnique.com.