Overview
The Graston Technique is a form of instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization (IASTM) — a manual therapy approach that uses specialized stainless steel instruments to detect and treat soft tissue dysfunction in muscles, tendons, and fascia. By gliding the instruments over the skin, clinicians can feel restrictions, adhesions, and scar tissue that may not be palpable by hand alone, then apply controlled microtrauma to these areas to stimulate healing, remodeling, and pain relief. Dr. Migdale has been Graston Technique certified since 2008 and has treated thousands of patients with this approach. Her YouTube demonstration of the Graston Technique has accumulated over 225,000 views — a testament to both her expertise and the technique's compelling visual results.
How the Graston Technique Works
The Graston Technique works through several mechanisms. The instruments' beveled edges detect tissue texture changes — adhesions, scar tissue, and fascial restrictions — that feel different from healthy tissue. Once identified, the clinician applies progressive pressure to the restricted area, producing controlled microtrauma that triggers a local inflammatory healing response. This recruits fibroblasts (healing cells) to the area, stimulating collagen remodeling and breaking down pathological adhesions. The result is improved tissue mobility, reduced pain, and restored function.
What the Graston Technique Treats
Graston is particularly effective for: scar tissue from surgical incisions or injuries; chronic tendinopathies (Achilles tendinitis, patellar tendinitis, lateral epicondylosis — tennis elbow); plantar fasciitis; rotator cuff tendinitis; IT band syndrome; myofascial pain and trigger points; and post-surgical adhesions. It is also highly effective for treating the chronic fascial restrictions that develop after years of repetitive occupational or athletic stress.
The 225,000-View Demonstration
Dr. Migdale's YouTube video demonstrating the Graston Technique — showing the dramatic removal of scar tissue adhesions in real time — has attracted over 225,000 views. This video has introduced countless patients and practitioners to the technique and reflects Dr. Migdale's long-standing commitment to patient education and transparency about her methods.