Graston
Technique& IASTM Therapy
Instrument Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization
Precision stainless steel instruments detect and break down fascial restriction, scar tissue, and myofascial adhesions at their source — restoring movement, eliminating chronic pain, and accelerating recovery.
What Is the Graston Technique?
"The Graston Technique is an innovative, evidence-based form of instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization that enables clinicians to detect and effectively treat scar tissue and restrictions that affect normal function."
— Graston Technique Institute (GT Institute)The technique uses six patented stainless steel instruments with uniquely curved shapes that transmit vibration feedback when their bevelled edges glide over fibrotic or restricted tissue — revealing adhesions invisible to manual palpation. Controlled strokes then mechanically disrupt these restrictions and trigger a local inflammatory healing cascade that drives collagen remodelling.
Fibroblast Proliferation
Controlled microtrauma recruits fibroblasts — the cells that produce collagen — accelerating tissue remodelling and quality.
Scar Tissue Breakdown
Bevelled steel edges mechanically separate disorganized cross-linked collagen fibres in scar tissue, restoring normal pliability.
Inflammatory Reset
Triggers a controlled local response — re-initiating healing in chronic tissue stalled in a dysfunctional state.
Neurological Repatterning
Mechanoreceptor stimulation modulates pain pathways and restores normal sensorimotor integration throughout the myofascial chain.
What the Research Shows
What is IASTM?
IASTM — Instrument Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization — is the broader category. The Graston Technique is the original, most clinically-researched IASTM method. Other approaches (FAKTR, Gua Sha, ASTYM) use similar principles with different instrument profiles. Graston instruments carry the deepest evidence base for soft tissue mobilization in physiotherapy practice.
Why Steel Instruments?
Unlike hands, steel instruments don't compress under load — enabling precise tactile feedback through vibration. The clinician detects crepitus, speed bumps, and subtle fibrosis that manual palpation cannot find, allowing targeted treatment of deeper fascial layers not accessible otherwise.
The Science of Fascial Healing
Graston Technique exploits the body's natural tissue repair cascade — restarting stalled healing cycles in chronic soft tissue pathology through precise mechanical stimulus.
The 3-Phase Healing Response
Graston Technique deliberately initiates — or re-initiates — the body's three-phase healing response in tissue that has become chronically restricted or fibrotic.
Inflammatory Phase (Days 1–5)
Controlled microtrauma stimulates vascular dilation, bringing macrophages and growth factors to the treatment site. Stalled chronic tissue is re-activated.
Proliferative Phase (Days 5–21)
Fibroblasts synthesize new Type I collagen to replace disorganized scar matrix. Therapeutic loading during this phase orients new fibres along lines of stress.
Remodelling Phase (Weeks 3–24)
New collagen matures, cross-links appropriately, and integrates with surrounding healthy tissue — restoring tensile strength, pliability, and fascial mobility.
Key Physiological Mechanisms
Disorganized scar collagen fibres are mechanically separated and re-oriented, restoring normal anisotropic tissue structure and reducing stiffness.
Mechanical stimulation reduces local concentrations of substance P and CGRP — neuropeptides that perpetuate chronic pain and neurogenic inflammation.
Tissue mobilization significantly increases blood flow to the treatment zone, delivering oxygen and nutrients while clearing metabolic waste.
Mechanical loading reduces fascial viscosity and increases ground substance hydration — immediately improving tissue glide and joint mobility.
Novel mechanoreceptor input drives neuroplastic changes in the somatosensory cortex, restoring normal movement maps suppressed by chronic pain.
The 6 Graston Technique Instruments
Each patented GT instrument is designed for a specific anatomical region and tissue type — from broad muscle bellies to precise tendon sheaths and joint margins.
GT-1 — Chest & Lumbar
Large concave/convex curves for broad surface area treatment of the chest, lumbar spine, and large muscle groups. Ideal for thoracic mobility restrictions.
Broad CoverageGT-2 — Full Body Scanning
The most versatile instrument — used for initial tissue scanning and treatment of large surface areas including quadriceps, hamstrings, and paraspinals.
Primary ScannerGT-3 — Upper Extremity
Designed for the curved contours of the shoulder girdle, rotator cuff, and pectoral muscles. Bevelled edge targets tendon-bone junctions precisely.
Shoulder & Rotator CuffGT-4 — Small Joints
Narrow double-bevelled design for the hands, wrists, feet, ankles, and cervical spine facet joints. High precision for dense fascial structures.
Precision WorkGT-5 — Plantar & IT Band
S-curved instrument with two working surfaces specifically designed for plantar fascia, IT band, Achilles tendon, and calcaneal enthesopathy.
Lower ExtremityGT-6 — Knee & Elbow
Concave surface wraps the curves of the patellar tendon, medial/lateral epicondyle, and cubital tunnel — ideal for epicondylitis and tendinopathy.
EnthesopathyGraston Technique vs. Other Soft Tissue Methods
How does Graston / IASTM compare to massage therapy, foam rolling, and other physiotherapy soft tissue techniques in terms of mechanism, evidence, and clinical outcomes?
| Feature | Graston / IASTM | Manual Massage | Foam Rolling | Dry Needling |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tissue Depth | Deep fascia & tendon | Superficial–mid | Superficial | Deep trigger point |
| Scar Tissue | Direct mechanical breakdown | Indirect softening | None | None |
| Restriction Detection | Vibration feedback (precise) | Palpation only | None | Twitch response |
| Collagen Remodelling | Direct fibroblast recruitment | Indirect | None | Neurochemical reset |
| Evidence Level | Level B (APTA) | Level C | Expert opinion | Level A (neck/shoulder) |
| Practitioner Req. | Graston-certified physio | RMT or physio | Self-applied | Post-grad certified physio |
| Best For | Chronic soft tissue, scar, tendinopathy | Muscle relaxation, general stiffness | Warm-up, DOMS | Myofascial trigger points |
Conditions Treated with Graston Technique & IASTM
Graston Technique is effective across a broad range of musculoskeletal, sports, and chronic soft tissue conditions. All patients receive a comprehensive assessment before IASTM is initiated.
Lower Extremity
- Plantar fasciitis
- Achilles tendinopathy
- IT band syndrome
- Shin splints (medial tibial stress)
- Patellar tendinopathy (jumper's knee)
- Hamstring strains & scarring
- Hip flexor tightness & hip pain
- Gluteal tendinopathy
- Chronic ankle sprain
- Morton's neuroma
Upper Extremity & Spine
- Tennis elbow (lateral epicondylitis)
- Golfer's elbow (medial epicondylitis)
- Rotator cuff tendinopathy
- Frozen shoulder (adhesive capsulitis)
- Carpal tunnel syndrome
- De Quervain's tenosynovitis
- Neck pain & cervicogenic headaches
- Thoracic stiffness & rib restrictions
- Back pain & lumbar fascial restriction
- Trigger finger
Post-Surgical & Chronic
- Post-surgical scar tissue & adhesions
- Caesarean section scar mobilization
- Post-sprain ligament scarring
- Sports injuries & overuse syndromes
- Chronic tendinosis
- Myofascial pain syndrome
- Fibromyalgia soft tissue pain
- Post-fracture tissue restriction
- Post-cancer scar tissue
- Repetitive strain injuries (RSI)
Signs & Symptoms Graston Technique May Help
Graston Technique is most effective when soft tissue restriction, fascial adhesion, or scar tissue is contributing to your pain or limited movement.
Scar Tissue & Adhesions
- Palpable thickening or knot under skin
- Stiffness at surgical or injury site
- Tightness unresponsive to stretching
- Pulling sensation with movement
Tendon Pain & Tendinopathy
- Pain at tendon insertion or mid-body
- Morning stiffness improving with movement
- Swelling or thickening along tendon
- Pain with loading activities (stairs, running)
Sports & Overuse Injuries
- Recurring strains in the same muscle
- Performance-limiting tissue tightness
- Post-competition stiffness
- Slow recovery between training sessions
Restricted Range of Motion
- Reduced joint mobility after injury
- Fascial tightness limiting end-range
- Capsular stiffness (frozen shoulder)
- Asymmetric movement patterns
Chronic, Unresolved Pain
- Pain persisting 3+ months after injury
- No improvement with rest or massage alone
- Recurring pain at a previously injured site
- Pain with specific loading activities
Post-Surgical Recovery
- Restricted movement after surgery
- Visible or palpable scar tethering
- Pain or sensitivity at incision site
- Reduced function 6+ weeks post-op
Important: Graston Technique is contraindicated over open wounds, acute fractures, active infection, compromised vascularity, blood-clotting disorders, or areas with peripheral vascular disease. Your RCP Health physiotherapist screens for all contraindications before treatment begins.
Benefits of Graston Technique & IASTM
When performed by a Graston-certified physiotherapist, IASTM delivers a range of evidence-supported clinical benefits beyond what manual therapy alone can achieve.
Direct Scar Tissue Remodelling
Graston instruments mechanically break down fibrotic collagen directly — achieving tissue changes that hands cannot replicate at depth.
Faster Recovery Timeline
Clinical studies show patients receiving Graston require 2–3 fewer sessions on average than those receiving conventional soft tissue care for equivalent outcomes.
Precision Restriction Detection
Vibration feedback through steel instruments detects subtle tissue restrictions invisible to palpation — ensuring no area of restriction is missed.
Restored Range of Motion
Releasing fascial adhesions decompresses joints and myofascial chains — restoring full functional range in shoulders, hips, ankles, and spine.
Enhanced Muscle Function
Clearing fascial restriction allows muscles to contract and lengthen through full range — improving strength, endurance, and neuromuscular coordination.
Athletic Performance
Elite athletes use Graston to maintain tissue quality, prevent adhesion formation, and optimize fascial mobility for peak performance year-round.
How RCP Health Delivers Graston Technique
Every patient receives a comprehensive assessment before IASTM begins. Graston Technique at RCP Health is always integrated within a complete rehabilitation plan — never used in isolation.
Full Physiotherapy Assessment
Complete MSK evaluation including posture, movement patterns, range of motion, and soft tissue palpation. We identify the source of restriction — not just the location of pain.
Tissue Scanning with GT Instruments
Using GT-2 and condition-specific instruments, the physiotherapist scans target tissue at low pressure — the instrument's vibration feedback maps areas of fibrosis, adhesion, and restriction with precision unavailable to manual palpation.
IASTM Treatment
Targeted strokes using instrument-specific angles and pressures break down identified restrictions. Controlled microtrauma is intentional — patients may feel a "gritty" or warm sensation. Sessions last 30–45 minutes including all components.
Therapeutic Loading Exercise
Immediately post-IASTM, while new collagen is in a plastic state, we apply progressive loading through the treated tissue — orienting new fibres along functional lines of stress for optimal tissue quality.
Manual Therapy Integration
Post-IASTM tissue is optimally receptive to joint mobilization and manipulation — we sequence these to maximize the combined therapeutic effect within the same session.
Home Programme & Progress Tracking
Each patient leaves with a specific home exercise programme. We reassess objectively every 2–3 sessions using validated outcome measures and set clear, measurable discharge criteria.
Graston-Certified Practitioners
All RCP Health physiotherapists who perform IASTM hold formal Graston Technique certification from the GT Institute — beyond basic IASTM training.
WSIB & MVA Coverage
Graston Technique is included in WSIB and Motor Vehicle Accident (MVA) treatment plans where clinically indicated, with no out-of-pocket cost to eligible patients.
Integrated, Not Isolated
We never use Graston Technique alone. Every IASTM session is part of a comprehensive plan with exercise, education, and defined discharge goals.
Graston Technique & MSK Pain — by the Numbers
Backed by decades of clinical research and adopted by professional sports teams and elite athletes worldwide.
People Affected by MSK Conditions
Musculoskeletal disorders — the primary indication for Graston Technique — are the world's second leading cause of disability and the top reason for physiotherapy visits.
World Health Organization (WHO), 2021Patient Satisfaction Rate
Clinical data from the Graston Technique Institute shows 75% of patients treated with GT rate their outcomes as good or excellent compared to prior treatments.
GT Institute Clinical Data, 2020Return to Prior Activity Level
Studies of Graston Technique for chronic tendinopathy show 89% of patients return to their prior level of sport or physical activity within the treatment period.
Burke et al., JOSPT, 2019Fewer Sessions Than Conventional Care
Controlled trials comparing Graston to conventional soft tissue treatment find patients require 2–3 fewer sessions to reach equivalent functional outcomes.
Hammer & Pfefer, JMMT, 2005Annual MSK Healthcare Cost in Canada
MSK conditions cost the Canadian healthcare system over $213 billion annually in direct and indirect costs — making early evidence-based intervention critical.
Arthritis Alliance of Canada, 2022Professional Sports Teams Using GT
Over 500 professional sports clubs and 42 of 50 US state high-performance athletic programs incorporate Graston Technique into their recovery protocols.
GT Institute, 2023What RCP Health Assesses Before Treatment
Our physiotherapists use validated tools to confirm IASTM candidacy, map tissue restriction, and track objective progress across sessions.
Tissue Texture Abnormality (TTA) Mapping
Systematic GT instrument scanning to map crepitus, fibrosis, and restriction across target muscle, tendon, and fascial layers before and after treatment.
Range of Motion Measurement
Goniometric measurement of active and passive joint ROM — establishes a precise baseline and tracks improvement at every reassessment point.
Numeric Pain Rating Scale (NRS)
Validated 0–10 pain scale tracked at every session alongside functional outcome scores (PSFS, DASH, LEFS) for objective, measurable progress monitoring.
Functional Movement Screening
Full-body movement assessment identifies compensatory patterns driven by soft tissue restriction — guiding targeted exercise prescription alongside IASTM treatment.
Palpation & Tissue Quality Assessment
Manual and instrument-based palpation differentiates acute tissue (contraindication) from chronic restricted tissue (IASTM-appropriate) before treatment commences.
Neurovascular Screening
Screening of circulation, sensation, and neurological status to rule out contraindications including peripheral vascular disease, neuropathy, and compromised healing.
Graston Technique in Oakville, Burlington & Mississauga
RCP Health is located at Suite 304, 700 Dorval Drive, Oakville — easily accessible from Burlington, Mississauga, and the Greater Hamilton area.
Graston Technique Oakville
Our clinic at 700 Dorval Drive, Oakville is Oakville's leading provider of Graston Technique IASTM. Minutes from Oakville Place Mall, Sheridan College, and downtown Oakville, serving Glen Abbey, Bronte, Palermo, and Clearview.
📍 Suite 304, 700 Dorval DrGraston Technique Burlington
Burlington patients reach RCP Health in ~20 minutes via the QEW East. We serve patients near Joseph Brant Hospital, Aldershot, Millcroft, Appleby, and the Brant Hills corridor seeking certified Graston Technique physiotherapy.
🚗 ~20 min via QEW EastGraston Technique Mississauga
Mississauga residents near Square One, Port Credit, and Lakeview are ~25 minutes via QEW West. Hamilton patients seeking Graston Technique find RCP Health a convenient alternative with shorter wait times and certified expertise.
🚗 ~25 min via QEW WestDirections to RCP Health Oakville
Suite 304, 700 Dorval Drive, Oakville, ON L6K 3V3
Oakville Place Mall
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- Head south on Trafalgar Rd
- Turn right on Speers Rd
- Turn left on Dorval Dr
- 700 Dorval Dr on right — Suite 304
Joseph Brant Hospital, Burlington
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- Head east on North Shore Blvd to QEW East
- Take QEW East toward Oakville
- Exit Dorval Drive North
- 700 Dorval Dr — Suite 304
Square One, Mississauga
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- Take Hurontario St south to QEW West
- Follow QEW West toward Oakville
- Exit Dorval Drive North
- 700 Dorval Dr — Suite 304
Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know before your first Graston Technique session at RCP Health Oakville.
What is the Graston Technique and how does it work?
Does Graston Technique hurt? What should I expect?
How many Graston Technique sessions will I need?
Is Graston Technique the same as deep tissue massage?
Is Graston Technique covered by insurance in Ontario?
Can I have Graston Technique alongside other physiotherapy?
Ready to Resolve the Source of Your Pain?
RCP Health's Graston-certified physiotherapists bring precision IASTM expertise to every treatment. Serving Oakville, Burlington, Mississauga, and Hamilton.
Suite 304, 700 Dorval Drive, Oakville · 1.888.332.7372 · Book Online