Soft tissue research question

Nurses General Nursing

Published

Im currently researching soft tissue therapy and I came across the Graston Technique that started in '94. I am curious to know is this technique inspired by a tool the Romans, as well as other cultures used called a Strigil? I understand that this tool was mostly used for cleaning off dirt and oils, but did it not essentially provide the same results that the Graston technique provides? Thank you in advance for your input!

Esme12, ASN, BSN, RN

1 Article; 20,908 Posts

Specializes in Critical Care, ED, Cath lab, CTPAC,Trauma.

:confused:What???

Hortonjj

3 Posts

Was the Graston Technique inspired by the Strigil tool?

Woodenpug, BSN

734 Posts

Specializes in MPCU.

Thank you for starting this thread. I would have never known about this. But, simply put, it appears to be yet another "snake oil" treatment. Still, I want to stay subscribed to this thread. It could offer something interesting. First read flag though, is Strigil. Something used before effective soap was invented, somehow inspires a tool to help break down collagen and scar tissue? Stretching a bit far to try and lend some legitimacy.

It keeps changing, is it still true that you ice soft tissue injuries in the first 24 hours then use heat?

Esme12, ASN, BSN, RN

1 Article; 20,908 Posts

Specializes in Critical Care, ED, Cath lab, CTPAC,Trauma.

a brief history of massage tools and techniques

gua sha: originated in china over 3,000 years ago and still in widespread use. edged instruments made of horn or stone are used to give a deep stroking action on the skin, leading to raised wheal (petechiae) on resolution, underlying muscular tension is reduced with consequent improvements in movement. well studied by nielsen (2008) "more study is necessary to elucidate mechanisms associated with its therapeutic effect"

roman / egyptian massage tools. the "strigil" was an essential part of daily healthcare

18th century european: admiral henry`s (1887) well developed collection of massage tools were probably representative of others of the period

pacific islands: contemporary explorers noted pacific islanders using lomi massage tools. their techniques included the intriguing description of bone washing: "cleansing the skin of the bone (periosteum) causing release of memory and corresponding physical and emotional pain"

2011_02_graston.jpggraston technique: developed in usa in 80`s, as a x- friction protocol using a set of six stainless steel tools over myotendinous tissues. research (davidson et al 1997, gehlsen 1999) shows the benefits appear to stem from disruption of scar tissue within the tendons and connective tissues, and the subsequent inflammatory response (as in prolotherapy, cyriax)

astym: (assisted soft tissue mobilisation) a variation of graston (above) using a variety of precision edged acrylic tools. well researched.

grafton-hall technique (sastm) another instrument assisted technique developed by david grafton. sound assisted soft tissue mobilisation tools are made of a plastic compound which resonates during use.

neuromuscular technique (nmt) utilises "t "bars with variable shaped tips to reach deep into soft tissues and break up fibrosis and treat trigger points.

jacknobblers etc: many variable pressure aids and rollers to give easier, deeper pressure into soft tissues

http://www.warrenhammer.com/storage/j-bodywork-movement-therapies.pdf

the eponymous grafton technique® grastontechnique.com[/url]) is a modality empire-a commercialized, trademarked therapy technique-with roughly 6000 practitioners world-wide, almost all of them chiropractors. grafton is an expensive and painful massage technique that employs mean-looking "curvilinear"1 steel tools to apply scraping pressure and achieve "maximum tissue penetration." although not always painful, it often is. it is a classic example of a hurts-so-bad-it-must-be-good therapy.

however, i think it is unlikely that the results of such testing will be positive. meanwhile, a vague and unsubstantiated theory is simply not adequate justification for such a severe approach to tissue-especially tissue that's hurting to begin with.

http://saveyourself.ca/articles/reality-checks/graston-technique.php

i am not sure how this applies to nursing or why we would know anything about this. i have never seen this method utilized in a clinical setting. what is exactly are you asking? you aren't selling these tools are you?

although historically, in asian cultures a type of scraping or rubbing therapies like cupping or coining can be seen at facilities the serve these populations as a form of scrapping therapy.

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