Simple Technology Aids in Pain Relief

Simple Technology Aids In Pain Relief

            A 55-year-old man notices he isn’t getting the distance he wants on his golf swing because his low back is stiff.  A 33-year-old runner has to cut her run short because of a pulled hamstring that doesn’t seem to heal.  An avid, league tennis player has to finish her match serving underhand because her shoulder hurts when she serves.  What do all these injuries have in common?  Scar tissue.
            When a person is injured, the body lays down scar tissue in order to protect the injured area.  Scar tissue adhesions can occur from microtrauma, like a repetitive motion injury such as a golf or tennis swing, or from macrotrauma, such as a pulled muscle or blunt trauma from falling or in contact sports.  The scar tissue limits range of motion, and in many instances causes pain, which prevents the patient from functioning as he or she did before the injury.
            When viewed under a microscope, normal tissue can take a couple of different fashions: dense, regular elongated fibers running in the same direction, such as tendons and ligaments; or dense, irregular and loose with fibers running in multiple directions. In either instance, when tissue is damaged, it will heal in a haphazard pattern, resulting in scaring, restricted range of motion and, very often, pain.  The scar tissue explains why many injuries feel “different” even after weeks of apparent healing.
            A new soft-tissue instrument incorporates the ancient Chinese art of Gua Sha, cross-friction massage, and modern technology into a soft-tissue treatment that has been getting world-renowned attention.  These instruments are part of the Graston Technique which has been utilized by more than 50 major professional and amateur sports organizations. Trainers and clinicians at these organizations are treating elite athletes every day and counting on the Graston Technique to get them injury free, allowing them to compete at the highest level.
            The Graston Technique instruments are used to enhance the clinician's ability to detect adhesions, scar tissue and restrictions in the affected areas. Skilled clinicians use the stainless steel instruments to comb over and "catch" on fibrotic tissue, which immediately identifies the areas of restriction. Once the tissue has been identified, the instruments are used to break up the scar tissue so that it can be absorbed by the body.  Patients usually receive two treatments per week over 4-5 weeks; however, most patients have a positive response by the 3rd or 4th treatment.
            Historically, the Graston Technique has resolved 87% or more of all conditions treated. It is equally effective in restoring function to acute and chronic injuries as well as assisting in post-surgical recovery.  Graston has had amazing results with conditions as diverse as tennis elbow and sprain/strains to plantar fasciitis and fibromyalgia.  For more information, contact Dr. Brandon Nevel at Silver Surf Sports Chiropractic & Rehab. at 561-746-4242 or at www.SilverSurfSportsChiro.com.