Graston

The Graston Technique® is an advanced form of instrument-assisted soft tissue therapy designed to detect and treat areas of scar tissue, fascial restrictions, and soft tissue dysfunction. Using specially designed stainless steel instruments, practitioners can gently glide over the skin to locate areas of restriction and apply targeted treatment to help release them.

Graston Technique® Calgary

Soft tissue injuries and repetitive strain can cause scar tissue and adhesions to develop within muscles, tendons, and fascia. These restrictions may limit movement, reduce flexibility, and contribute to ongoing pain or discomfort. Graston Technique® Calgary treatments use specialized instruments to precisely detect and treat these restricted areas. The tools allow practitioners to apply controlled pressure that helps break down scar tissue while promoting improved blood flow and tissue healing.

By addressing soft tissue restrictions directly, the Graston Technique® can help restore normal movement patterns and support faster recovery from injury. At Riverside Sports Therapy, our practitioners assess how your body moves and identify areas where soft tissue restrictions may be affecting mobility or causing pain. Treatment is then tailored to your specific condition and recovery goals.

Benefits of Graston Technique®

Reduced muscle and tendon pain
Improved range of motion and flexibility
Breakdown of scar tissue and adhesions
Faster recovery from soft tissue injuries
Improved circulation and tissue healing
Better mobility and movement patterns
Reduced risk of recurring injuries

Learn More About Our Team

Conditions the Graston Technique® May Help With

Graston therapy may be beneficial for a variety of soft tissue conditions, including:

Plantar fasciitis
Achilles tendonitis
Tennis elbow and golfer’s elbow
Carpal tunnel syndrome
Shoulder pain and rotator cuff injuries
Knee pain or ligament strain
Shin splints
IT band syndrome
Scar tissue from previous injuries
Chronic muscle tightness or fascial restrictions

our services

Other Treatment Services

Chiropractic

Restore alignment, relieve pain, and improve mobility. Chiropractic care focuses on precise spinal adjustments, hands-on techniques, and corrective movement to support proper function.

Learn More

Physiotherapy

Restore movement, reduce pain, and rebuild strength. Physiotherapy uses customized exercise programs, hands-on techniques, and structured rehabilitation.

Learn More

Osteopathy

Using gentle, hands-on techniques, osteopathy improves mobility, relieves tension, and supports the body’s natural healing process by addressing structural imbalances.

Learn More

Athletic Therapy

Designed to prevent, assess, and rehabilitate sports and activity-related injuries, this service helps individuals return to peak performance safely and efficiently.

Learn More

Massage Therapy

Hands-on treatment designed to reduce muscle tension, improve circulation, and promote relaxation while supporting injury recovery.

Learn More

Active Release Therapy

Through precise movements and tension-release techniques, this therapy method targets tight muscles, scar tissue, and nerve entrapments.

Learn More

View More Services

5.0
“Dr. Dick is amazing. He is knowledgeable, professional and takes excellent care of his patients. Both of our kids see him for multiple sports injury recovery and general maintenance.

I would highly recommend Riverside Sports Therapy to families, athletes, and anyone who wants to stay active and feeling fresh (like a daisy)!“
Dylan Oosterveld

Graston Technique® FAQs

The Graston Technique® is a form of instrument-assisted soft tissue therapy that uses specialized stainless steel tools to detect and treat areas of scar tissue, fascial restriction, and muscle tightness. Graston Technique® Calgary treatments help break down adhesions and stimulate healing within soft tissues, improving mobility and reducing pain.

The Graston Technique® originated in the United States in the early 1990s. It was developed by David Graston, a competitive water skier who was recovering from a serious knee injury. After undergoing multiple surgeries, he experienced limited progress with traditional rehabilitation methods and began experimenting with stainless steel instruments to treat his own scar tissue and soft-tissue restrictions.

Graston found that using these specially designed tools helped break down scar tissue and improve mobility more effectively than some manual techniques alone. As the method evolved, he partnered with clinicians and researchers at Ball State University to refine the technique and develop a formal training program for healthcare professionals.

Today, the Graston Technique® is widely used by chiropractors, physiotherapists, athletic therapists, and other rehabilitation practitioners to treat soft tissue injuries, scar tissue, and movement restrictions. It has become one of the most recognized forms of instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization (IASTM) used in sports medicine and rehabilitation clinics around the world.

During a Graston Technique® Calgary session, your practitioner will glide specialized instruments over the skin to identify areas of restriction in the soft tissues. Once these areas are located, the practitioner applies controlled pressure using the instruments to help break down scar tissue and stimulate improved circulation. Treatment may be followed by stretching or rehabilitation exercises to support recovery.

Graston therapy may feel slightly uncomfortable in areas where scar tissue or tissue restrictions are present. Some patients notice a mild scraping or pressure sensation during treatment. Any discomfort is typically brief, and most patients find that their mobility improves after the session.

The number of sessions depends on the severity of your condition, how long the issue has been present, and how your body responds to treatment. Some patients notice improvement after a few sessions, while others with chronic soft tissue restrictions may benefit from additional treatments as part of a structured recovery plan.

Book An Appointment

At Riverside Sports Therapy, we help patients recover from injuries, improve mobility, and return to the activities they enjoy. If you’re experiencing chronic muscle tension, scar tissue restrictions, or limited movement, Graston Technique® Calgary treatments or at our Cochrane location may help restore normal function and reduce discomfort.