graston technique denver chiropractic llc neck painOn the evolutionary time period of our healing methods, our modern day manual health solutions can actually be traced back thousands of years. From chiropractic to acupuncture, our ancestors have already paved the way of utilizing tools and hands on techniques to heal the body. For thousands of years, cultures have refined the art of manipulating the joints, muscles, tendons, and ligaments with ancient tools, and now with modern day tools. One such ancient technique, such as gua sha, has been around longer than most of our family trees.

Gua sha is a Chinese term, literally meaning, “to scrape away fever”, and utilizes animal horns, ceramic spoons, and jade materials to scrape the skin. Although the Chinese used these primitive tools to combat a myriad of diseases from asthma to joint stiffness, we have now refined and evolved the technique to treat disorders of the neuromusculoskeletal system.

One such technique that I commonly use in my clinic as a chiropractor in Denver, is the Graston Technique. The Graston Technique is similar to Gua Sha, as it utilizes tools to scrape the skin and tissue underneath the skin to achieve a desired clinical outcome.

The Graston Technique utilizes a set of six stainless steel tools that have been precisely machined for different areas of the body. The technique can only be applied by individuals that have gone through a formal educational certification process. Only Athletic Trainers, Sports Chiropractic Physicians, Medical Physicians, Occupational Therapists, Osteopaths, Physical Therapists, Podiatrists, licensed OT and PT assistants -who work under the auspices of previously mentioned professionals, are able to provide the Graston Technique.

The main outcome with the Graston Technique by a Denver sports chiropractor is to reduce scar tissue that has potentially built up over time. The instruments provide tactile feedback to the practitioner and patient, indicating areas of dysfunction. Treatments usually last several minutes per area, and frequency is usually 6-12 treatments, with 3-5 days between treatments.

The technique is used for a multitude of acute and chronic injuries; such as, neck pain, back pain, cervical sprain, cervical strain, lumbar sprain, lumbar strain, carpal tunnel syndrome, plantar fasciitis, lateral epicondylitis, medial epicondylitis, rotator cuff tendinosis, patellofemoral disorder, Achilles tendonitis, fibromyalgia, scar tissue, trigger finger, shin splints, and it also helps people who have been in a Denver car accident.

Dr. Trent Artichoker MS, DC
Denver Chiropractic, LLC
3890 Federal Blvd Unit 1
Denver, CO 80211

303-455-2225 (BACK)