Graston Plantar Techniques

Plantar fasciitis is a painful condition that causes heel pain due to inflammation of the soft tissue that connects the toes to the heel. The pain cab be chronic and interfere with normal activities. It is difficult to treat because the sufferer usually needs to walk or stand on a daily basis, inhibiting the plantar fasciitis healing process--it can take up to a year. The Graston technique is one method of treatment for plantar fasciitis that can speed recovery time.

Background

• The Graston technique was originally formulated by an athlete who was plagued by a slow-healing soft tissue injury. Because he had a machinist background, he believed that applying metal instruments to the injured area would speed up the process. In 1994, medical research began on the technique. Because of the success of the research, there are now more than 6,500 clinicians around the world who have incorporated the Graston technique into their treatment options for plantar fasciitis.

Technique Basics

• It is a good idea to seek professional medical assistance in order to have the Graston technique applied to your plantar fasciitis because it requires application training while employing the use of special patented stainless steel instruments.

Process

• A clinician who has been properly trained in the technique will move the metal instruments over the injured area in a succinct and deliberate way. During this process, the clinician is able to feel the lumpy area of the soft-tissue. The lumpy areas are essentially scar tissue or adhesions. The clinician breaks up these lumpy areas. The process is repeated over several weeks, with treatment often being performed twice a week. Over time, the plantar fasciitis can often be healed at a more rapid pace using the Graston technique over traditional methods.

  While you are undergoing treatment with the Graston technique, you can continue on with normal activities. There may be side effects such as bruising or swelling, but these usually are mild. You will need to perform stretching exercises and icing immediately after each treatment.

Prevention

• Overuse of the foot that involves repetitive tearing and stretching can be one of the causes of the inflammation and pain of plantar fasciitis, according to the Mayo Clinic. Additionally, as one ages, the plantar fascia becomes less pliable and offers fewer shock-absorbing benefits. As a result, the plantar fascia becomes more susceptible to injury.

  Simple things you can do to minimize the risk of plantar fasciitis include maintaining a healthy weight, wearing good quality supportive shoes and not overdoing activities that may injure your plantar fascia, such as standing for long periods of time, extending running and jumping.