Graston Technique® in Gastonia, NC

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Break Down Scar Tissue. Restore Movement. Move the Way Your Body Was Designed To.

Soft tissue injuries, repetitive stress, and past trauma can cause scar tissue and fascial restrictions that limit movement and create pain.

At Primal Chiropractic & Fitness, we use Graston Technique®, a specialized form of Instrument-Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization (IASTM), to help restore normal tissue function and movement. The technique uses precisely designed stainless steel instruments that glide across the skin to detect and treat areas of soft tissue restriction, helping improve mobility, reduce pain, and support the body’s healing process.

When these restrictions are addressed, the body can move more efficiently and recover more effectively.

What Is Graston Technique®?

Graston Technique® is a specialized soft tissue therapy used by chiropractors, physical therapists, and sports medicine professionals to identify and treat scar tissue and fascial adhesions in muscles, tendons, and ligaments.

The treatment involves using specially designed stainless steel instruments to gently glide across the skin and locate areas of tissue restriction.

These instruments allow clinicians to:

• detect soft tissue dysfunction beneath the skin

• break down scar tissue and adhesions

• improve tissue mobility

• promote circulation and healing

By restoring proper tissue movement, the body can return to more efficient, pain-free movement patterns.

How the Graston Technique Works

During treatment, the instruments are moved across the skin over the affected area using controlled pressure and specific strokes.

This process helps:

• identify damaged or restricted tissue

• stimulate circulation to the area

• break down scar tissue and fascial restrictions

• encourage tissue remodeling and healing The controlled stimulation of the tissue promotes increased blood flow and improved mobility in the treated area.

Many patients notice improved movement and reduced tension shortly after treatment.

Conditions Commonly Treated With Graston Technique®

Graston Technique is commonly used to support recovery from many soft tissue conditions, including:

• neck and back pain

• shoulder pain or rotator cuff injuries

• tennis elbow and golfer’s elbow

• wrist or hand pain

• hip and knee pain

• plantar fasciitis

• Achilles tendon pain

• muscle strains

• scar tissue from injuries or surgery

• sports injuries and repetitive strain injuries

These conditions often involve restricted soft tissue that limits movement and creates stress on the body.

Signs You May Benefit From Graston Therapy

Graston Technique may be helpful if you experience:

• persistent muscle tightness or stiffness

• chronic tendon irritation

• scar tissue from previous injuries

• limited mobility in muscles or joints

• recurring sports injuries

• pain during movement or exercise

• soft tissue restrictions after surgery

Addressing these restrictions can help restore normal tissue movement and improve overall function.

What to Expect During a Graston Treatment

Your visit at Primal Chiropractic & Fitness typically includes:

• evaluation of the affected muscles and movement patterns

• identification of soft tissue restrictions

• application of lubricant to the skin

• controlled treatment with stainless steel instruments

• movement or strengthening exercises when appropriate

You may notice temporary redness or warmth in the treated area, which occurs as circulation increases and tissue begins to respond to treatment.

The Primal Approach to Soft Tissue Recovery

At Primal Chiropractic & Fitness, our goal is not simply to treat symptoms but to restore the body’s ability to adapt, move, and recover naturally.

Soft tissue restrictions often develop from:

• repetitive movement
• injuries or trauma
• poor posture
• chronic stress on the body
• previous surgeries or scar tissue

By combining Graston Technique®, chiropractic adjustments, and functional movement, we help individuals restore proper movement patterns and build long-term resilience.

Graston Technique® FAQ


Does Graston Technique hurt?

Most patients describe the treatment as a deep tissue sensation rather than pain. Some mild tenderness may occur in restricted areas, but the intensity can be adjusted to your comfort level.

How many treatments will I need?
The number of sessions varies depending on the condition and how your body responds to treatment. Many patients begin to notice improvements within several treatments.

Can Graston help sports injuries?

Yes. The Graston Technique was originally developed to help athletes recover from soft tissue injuries and movement restrictions, and it is widely used in sports medicine today.

Will there be bruising after treatment?
Some patients experience mild redness or minor bruising after treatment. This is temporary and occurs as circulation increases and the tissue responds to treatment.

Schedule a Graston Technique Treatment

If you are dealing with muscle tightness, chronic tendon irritation, or lingering soft tissue injuries, Graston Technique therapy may help restore mobility and accelerate recovery.

Our team at Primal Chiropractic & Fitness in Gastonia is here to help you move better, recover faster, and perform at your best.

Call today or schedule your appointment to get started.