Alton Physical Therapy presents An Advanced Method to Decrease Pain and Improve Function We’ve recently added a new treatment called Graston Technique® to the health care services we provide. This remarkable procedure Dysfunction allows us to detect and treat In time, we can have a areas of “scar tissue” or adhe- build up of this fibrous sions in muscles, tendons and scar tissue, particularly ligaments that can reduce our in the muscles, tendons range of motion and cause pain. and ligaments that In the healing process, our body get a lot of use. This attempts to repair those areas can lead to pain and by creating “scar tissue,” much dysfunction because like the scar that forms on the this replacement tissue skin when you have scraped or lacks the strength and banged your knee. flexibility of healthy tissue (in some areas it may even mat down Soft Tissue and entrap a nerve). Dysfunction GT Instruments ® Graston Technique® has been The Graston Technique effective in the treatment of: allows us to better detect and treat these • carpal tunnel syndrome areas because it uses a stainless Benefits • cervical pain steel instrument that glides along The benefit of the Graston ® • de Quervain’s syndrome a patient’s muscle, tendons or Technique is not only in detection ligaments, with the right amount of restrictions or adhesions, but • epicondylosis of pressure to detect just where also in the amount of improve- • fibromyalgia the scar tissue or restrictions ment that takes place in a short • IT band syndrome are located. amount of time. • joint sprain When these knots or bands of Remember the song and words • lower back pain scar tissue are encountered, both “…the knee bone is connected to • muscle strain the clinician and the patient sense the thigh bone…”? Well, so they a restriction, almost like a speed are and so are all of the body • painful scars bump or a granular feeling. The parts connected in what is re- • plantar fasciitis instrument can then be used to ferred to as the kinetic chain. The • tendinosis “break up” this restriction or adhe- instruments allow the clinician to • post-fracture pain sion. Stretching exercises are follow that kinetic chain, effec- used to promote re-alignment of tively uncovering the cause of the • women’s health the fibers into the normal pattern problem, then treating the cause (post-mastectomy and of healthy tissue. and the area of pain or restriction. Caesarean scarring) (Continued on back) (Continued from front) The unaided hand is hard pressed GT decreases overall time of to detect and break up as much treatment, fosters faster rehabilita- scar tissue, or follow the kinetic tion/recovery, reduces need for chain, as effectively or efficiently as anti-inflammatory medication stainless steel instruments can. and resolves chronic conditions thought to be permanent. Patients usually receive two treat- ments per week for four to five weeks. If you have not experienced the Most patients have a positive response Graston Technique,® yet you within two to three treatments. have lingering discomfort or stiffness, please ask us whether Most patients are not disabled and you may be helped by this continue to perform their regular effective treatment. functions at home or work. Care Instructions and Possible Side Effects Dedication to a prescribed Soreness home exercise program is An increase in soreness and essential to the success of discomfort is not uncommon your treatment. Stretching and after the first treatment session strengthening exercises are and is most often a positive given to you in order to maintain sign that restrictions have been the release of scar tissue, released. Soreness is usually restrictions and adhesions. minimized after 48 to 72 hours Alton Physical Therapy and can be controlled with ice 1719 Clawson Bruising and stretching. Alton, IL 62002 618.462.1133 Since the involved tissue binds with normal tissue, it develops Water Intake Jersey Community Hospital a blood supply. As restrictions It is recommended that you 412 Maple Summit Road are released from healthy tissue, drink six to eight 8-oz. glasses Jerseyville, IL 62052 618.498.8480 bruising may occur, especially of water per day. Adequate in treating chronic conditions. hydration is important to promote Community Memorial Hospital Some areas of the body that proper healing. 400 N. Caldwell St. have a very rich blood supply Staunton, Il 62088 may produce more bruising. Should you have any questions 618.635.4273 Bruising can be controlled regarding your instructions, www.altonpt.com with ice. please contact your clinician..