IASTM (Graston) Therapy in Orlando, FL

Graston Therapy in Orlando, FL is an instrument-assisted soft tissue therapy that uses specialized stainless-steel tools to break up scar tissue, fascial adhesions, and chronic muscle tension. At Orlando Spine and Wellness Center, Graston is combined with chiropractic adjustments and exercise rehabilitation to relieve pain, restore mobility, and speed recovery from overuse injuries. Schedule your consultation today.

What Is the Graston Therapy?

The Graston Therapy is an evidence-based form of instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization (IASTM) that uses specialized stainless-steel instruments to locate and treat scar tissue, fascial adhesions, and chronic muscle tension. Developed in the early 1990s by David Graston in collaboration with Ball Memorial Hospital and Ball State University, the therapy has since become a trusted tool for chiropractors, physical therapists, and athletic trainers nationwide.

Old injuries, repetitive strain, and even poor posture can leave behind scar tissue and fascial restrictions that stretching alone will not resolve. Graston Therapy is often recommended for patients who have tried other treatments without lasting results and still experience stiffness, knee pain, or chronic discomfort.

What Is the Graston Therapy?

The Graston Therapy is an evidence-based form of instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization (IASTM) that uses specialized stainless-steel instruments to locate and treat scar tissue, fascial adhesions, and chronic muscle tension. Developed in the early 1990s by David Graston in collaboration with Ball Memorial Hospital and Ball State University, the therapy has since become a trusted tool for chiropractors, physical therapists, and athletic trainers nationwide.

Old injuries, repetitive strain, and even poor posture can leave behind scar tissue and fascial restrictions that stretching alone will not resolve. Graston Therapy is often recommended for patients who have tried other treatments without lasting results and still experience stiffness, knee pain, or chronic discomfort.

How Does the Graston Therapy Work?

During treatment, your provider glides a contoured stainless-steel instrument across the skin to detect and break up adhesions and scar tissue. This process creates controlled microtrauma in the affected tissue, which stimulates the body's natural healing response and increases blood flow to the area. Chronic inflammation plays a role in many soft tissue conditions — when tissue stays inflamed for extended periods, the body lays down extra collagen in patterns that restrict normal movement. Graston Therapy helps reorganize that tissue so it can heal properly.

Graston Therapy in Orlando, FL — Conditions We Treat

Graston Therapy is used to treat a wide range of soft tissue and overuse conditions, including:

  • Plantar fasciitis
  • Carpal tunnel symptoms
  • Tennis elbow
  • Rotator cuff problems
  • IT band tightness
  • Shin splints
  • Chronic scar tissue from old injuries or surgery

If you are also managing nerve-related pain such as sciatica, our Sciatica Pain Relief program may be combined with Graston Therapy for more complete results.

What to Expect During Your Graston Therapy Session?

Your provider begins by evaluating the affected area and observing how you move. After applying a lubricant, they use the Graston instruments on specific spots, with the actual instrument work on each area typically lasting 30 to 60 seconds. Once you factor in the warm-up, assessment, and follow-up exercises, most visits fall in the 15- to 30-minute range.

Many patients describe the sensation as a deep massage combined with muscle scraping — similar to foam rolling, but more targeted. You might notice redness in the treated area afterward, which is normal and indicates increased circulation. Mild bruising can occur, especially during your first few sessions.

Benefits of Graston Therapy Beyond Pain Relief

  • Improved blood circulation, which supports nutrient delivery and waste removal in soft tissue
  • Reduced nervous system tension by interrupting tight muscle feedback loops
  • Results that tend to last longer than a typical massage
  • Improved range of motion and flexibility
  • Faster recovery when combined with chiropractic adjustments and exercise rehabilitation

Who Is a Candidate for Graston Therapy?

Graston Therapy is commonly recommended for athletes, people with overuse injuries, patients who have plateaued in physical therapy, and post-surgical patients dealing with scar tissue. Because it requires specific training and specialized instrumentation, it should always be performed by a qualified provider.

Graston Therapy is not appropriate for everyone. Patients with certain skin conditions, those taking blood thinners, anyone with an active infection, and pregnant women should consult their healthcare provider before starting treatment.

Graston Therapy vs. Gua Sha and Deep Tissue Massage

Graston Therapy is often compared to gua sha and deep tissue massage because all three-use pressure and tools to release muscle tension. The key difference is that Graston Therapy uses specific stainless-steel instruments and a structured, evidence-based protocol designed to detect and treat adhesions with precision — making it a clinical treatment rather than a general relaxation therapy.

Graston Therapy in Orlando, FL — Why Choose Orlando Spine and Wellness Center

Our licensed chiropractic team offers Graston Therapy as part of a broader treatment approach that may include chiropractic adjustments, spinal decompression therapy, exercise rehabilitation, and electrical muscle stimulation. Every treatment plan is built around your specific injury and goals, and we accept auto insurance and PIP coverage for patients recovering from an auto accident injury. Learn more about our practice or read what our patients have to say in our patient reviews.

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Frequently Asked Questions About Graston Therapy in Orlando, FL

1Does the Graston Therapy hurt?
Most patients feel pressure and mild discomfort rather than sharp pain. Some redness or light bruising afterward is normal and usually fades within a few days
2How many Graston Therapy sessions do I need?
This varies by condition and severity. Many patients see improvement within a series of sessions scheduled once or twice a week, often alongside chiropractic adjustments and exercise rehabilitation.
3Is Graston Therapy the same as gua sha?
No. Gua sha is a general wellness therapy, while Graston Therapy follows a specific, evidence-based clinical protocol using specialized stainless-steel instruments.
4Is Graston Therapy covered by insurance?
Coverage depends on your plan and the reason for treatment. We accept auto insurance and PIP coverage for accident-related injuries — contact us and our team will help verify your benefits.
5What should I expect after a Graston Therapy session?
Mild redness or bruising in the treated area is common and typically resolves within a few days. Drinking water and light stretching can help support recovery.
6Who should avoid Graston Therapy?
Patients with certain skin conditions, those on blood thinners, anyone with an active infection, and pregnant women should speak with their provider before starting treatment.

Ready to address scar tissue, chronic tension, or an overuse injury that has not responded to other treatments? Book a consultation with Orlando Spine and Wellness Center today, or visit our New Patient Center to learn what to expect at your first visit.

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