F&L introduces Graston Technique
Last weekend, Nate Lowry, PT, one of our therapists, and I attended a M1 Graston Technique introductory course in Seattle, Washington. F&L decided to use Graston Technique in our clinics after the company’s owner, Randall Fukuji, P.T., took the course and has since been successful in using the technique at the Kailua clinic for the past several months. In order to be able to offer this treatment at all of our clinic locations, Nate and I went up to Seattle to become providers.
Graston Technique ® is an advanced form of instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization which enables clinicians to effectively break down scar tissue and fascial restrictions. Graston is performed with patented stainless steel instruments designed to effectively detect and treat areas exhibiting soft-tissue fibrosis. It was developed by athletes and is used by more than 21,750 clinicians worldwide — including physical/occupational therapists, hand therapists, chiropractors, and athletic trainers.
The course was taught by Shawn Burger, PT, and Ted Forcum, DC, at the Hilton Seattle Airport Hotel.
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Shawn Burger is currently the Vice President of Burger Physical Therapy, Inc and is responsible for the day-to-day operations of 14 outpatient clinic sites that provide physical, occupational and speech therapy to the greater Sacramento area. He specializes in post-operative and acute injury management and has been a GT instructor since 2006.
Ted Forcum is currently in private practice at Back In Motion Sports Injuries Clinic LLC in Beaverton, Ore., and has been a GT instructor since 2003. He is the team chiropractic for the Portland Timbers Soccer Club (MLS) and the Portland Winterhawks Hockey Team (WHL).
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The benefits of Graston Technique:
- Decreases overall time of treatment
- Fosters faster rehabilitation/recovery
- Reduces need for anti-inflammatory medication
- Resolves chronic conditions thought to be permanent
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I thoroughly enjoyed both instructors and gained great insight into the use and benefits of Graston. Shawn taught most of the general principles of Graston and gave great examples of how he uses Graston “instruments”. He was one of the rare instructors that always kept your attention with useful examples, funny moments and simplified principles. He shared some of his success with and without Graston, which is always encouraging for other therapists to hear. Ted brought great flavor to the course with his experience in sports, from the Pan American Games to the Beijing Olympics. His interaction with top athletes always grabbed the attention of the attendees. Ted has a great teaching style and I can’t wait to take the advanced course, which is his specialty.
By becoming Graston providers, F&L can use this technique as a new method to accurately diagnose and treat soft tissue lesions. We are now one of three Graston technique providers on Oahu and offer this service at each of our locations. Watch for future blogs on this website as we share our experience with GT and combine it with other techniques in our practice model.
