Graston Technique in Shelby, NC
When tight muscles, scar tissue, or soft tissue injuries are holding you back, hands-on therapy isn’t always enough. At Lopez Chiropractic in Shelby, NC, Dr. Luis Lopez offers the Graston Technique—a specialized form of instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization (IASTM) designed to break down adhesions and help your body heal naturally.
Using smooth, stainless steel tools, this technique allows Dr. Lopez to detect and treat areas of tension and restriction with pinpoint accuracy. Whether you’re dealing with a repetitive strain injury, post-surgical scar tissue, or chronic stiffness, Graston therapy can help restore mobility and reduce pain—without medication or invasive procedures.
What Is the Graston Technique?
The Graston Technique is a form of manual therapy known as instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization (IASTM). It uses specially designed stainless steel tools to gently break up scar tissue, adhesions, and fascial restrictions that can limit motion and cause pain.
Originally developed for athletes, Graston has become a trusted technique for treating a wide range of soft tissue conditions. Unlike traditional massage or stretching, the Graston tools help clinicians feel and treat underlying restrictions more effectively—especially in tendons, ligaments, and fascia.
At Lopez Chiropractic in Shelby, NC, Dr. Lopez incorporates the Graston Technique into personalized treatment plans to help patients recover faster, move better, and reduce pain without relying on medication or surgery.
How the Graston Technique Works in Shelby, NC
At Lopez Chiropractic, the Graston Technique is used to identify and treat soft tissue dysfunction that may be limiting your mobility or causing chronic pain. Dr. Lopez uses specialized, contoured instruments to detect irregularities in muscles, tendons, and fascia—and then gently mobilizes those tissues to stimulate healing.
1. Assessment
Dr. Lopez begins by evaluating your posture, movement, and range of motion. He’ll also palpate the area with the Graston instruments to identify areas of tension or scar tissue.
2. Instrument-Assisted Treatment
Using smooth, stainless steel tools, Dr. Lopez glides over the soft tissue to apply gentle pressure. This helps break up adhesions, reduce inflammation, and encourage blood flow to the affected area.
3. Soft Tissue Response
The treatment stimulates a mild, controlled inflammatory response—jumpstarting your body’s natural healing process and encouraging tissue regeneration.
4. Stretching and Rehab
Graston therapy is often paired with stretching or therapeutic exercises to improve flexibility and restore proper function in the treated area.
5. Progressive Results
Patients typically notice improvement in mobility, reduced pain, and a quicker return to daily activity within just a few sessions.
What the Graston Technique Is Used for in Shelby, NC
-
Soft Tissue Restrictions
Graston therapy targets tight, fibrotic tissue that limits range of motion and creates discomfort. It’s especially helpful for breaking up adhesions that develop from overuse, injury, or poor posture.
-
Scar Tissue and Post-Surgical Recovery
Scar tissue from surgery or repetitive strain can interfere with normal muscle and tendon function. Graston therapy helps smooth out dense, fibrotic tissue so your body can heal more completely.
-
Chronic Tendon and Ligament Pain
Graston is commonly used to treat conditions like tennis elbow, plantar fasciitis, Achilles tendonitis, and rotator cuff injuries. The targeted therapy helps reduce inflammation and promote tissue repair.
Why We Use the Graston Technique at Lopez Chiropractic in Shelby, NC
At Lopez Chiropractic, we believe that soft tissue care is just as important as spinal alignment. That’s why Dr. Luis Lopez incorporates the Graston Technique into care plans for patients dealing with muscle tightness, scar tissue, and inflammation that traditional adjustments alone can’t fully resolve.
Graston therapy gives us a highly specific, hands-on way to treat soft tissue dysfunction—especially in cases where adhesions or repetitive strain are slowing your recovery.
We use this technique because it:
Accelerates healing by increasing circulation and breaking up restrictions
Improves range of motion and flexibility in stiff or injured areas
Reduces pain naturally—without relying on medications or invasive procedures
Works well alongside chiropractic adjustments for more complete, long-lasting results
Graston isn’t a one-size-fits-all tool—it’s a highly focused therapy we apply with care, precision, and your specific condition in mind.
What to Expect During a Graston Therapy Session in Shelby, NC
Graston therapy is a straightforward, in-office treatment that usually takes just a few minutes—yet it can significantly improve how your muscles and joints feel and function. At Lopez Chiropractic, Dr. Luis Lopez customizes every session to your comfort level and treatment goals.
Here’s what to expect:
Initial Assessment
Dr. Lopez will evaluate your symptoms and soft tissue health. He may palpate the area with his hands and use the Graston tools to locate areas of tightness or restriction.
Instrument Treatment
A stainless steel instrument is gently moved across the skin in the direction of the muscle fibers. You may feel mild pressure, warmth, or a sensation similar to deep massage. This helps loosen adhesions, stimulate healing, and restore mobility.
Mild Redness or Tenderness
It’s common to notice slight redness in the treated area or feel a mild soreness afterward—similar to what you might experience after a workout. This is part of the body’s natural healing response.
Follow-Up Care
Dr. Lopez may pair Graston therapy with stretching, adjustments, or therapeutic exercises to support your recovery. Most patients feel looser, more mobile, and experience less pain after just a few sessions.
Graston therapy is safe, efficient, and easy to fit into your care plan—whether you're recovering from injury or simply trying to move more freely.
Schedule Your Chiropractic Evaluation in Shelby, NC
If you’re struggling with muscle tightness, scar tissue, or slow recovery from injury, the Graston Technique may be the tool that gets you moving again. At Lopez Chiropractic, Dr. Luis Lopez uses this advanced soft tissue method as part of a personalized care plan to help relieve pain, improve mobility, and support long-term healing.
During your evaluation, Dr. Lopez will assess your condition, explain how Graston therapy fits into your treatment plan, and guide you every step of the way.
Call our Shelby office at (704) 419-3553 to schedule your consultation and find out if the Graston Technique is right for you.