The Graston Technique® is a trademarked form of instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization (IASTM). Trained clinicians use stainless-steel instruments with beveled edges to find and address areas of soft-tissue restriction, usually followed by stretching, strengthening or movement.
IASTM in a nutshell
Instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization (IASTM) is a category of manual therapy in which a practitioner uses a rigid tool, rather than only the hands, to apply pressure and strokes over muscles and connective tissue. The tools can help the practitioner feel subtle areas of restriction and apply precise pressure.
Where the Graston Technique fits
The Graston Technique® is one well-known IASTM system. It has its own set of stainless-steel instruments and a structured training and certification program for clinicians. The name is a registered trademark, so you will also see similar work described generically as IASTM or “scraping.”
What a session typically looks like
- Assessment: the practitioner looks at how you move and where you feel restricted.
- Instrument work: after applying a lotion or emollient, they glide the instrument over the area with varying pressure and angles.
- Movement: instrument work is commonly followed by stretching, strengthening or movement exercises so improved mobility is put to use.
What it feels like
Expect pressure and a scraping sensation. Over restricted areas it can feel intense. Temporary redness, tenderness or mild bruising afterward is common. It should not be sharply painful; pressure can be adjusted.
Graston Technique vs. gua sha
Both use a tool against the skin, but they come from different places. Gua sha is a traditional East Asian practice using smooth-edged tools. The Graston Technique® is a modern, trademarked IASTM system with a clinical protocol and purpose-built steel instruments.
Who should be cautious
Tell your practitioner if you take blood-thinning medication, bruise easily, have a skin condition, varicose veins in the area, or any medical condition. When in doubt, check with your healthcare provider first.
How StretchFormation uses it
At our North Hollywood wellness gym, IASTM is a supporting therapy for stubborn, chronic-feeling areas. We pair it with our alignment and strength training so newly available mobility turns into strength, stability and better posture.
General education only, not medical advice. Graston Technique® is a registered trademark of Graston Technique, LLC.