Targeted Soft Tissue Relief

The Graston Technique is an instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization (IASTM) method that uses contoured stainless-steel tools to detect and treat adhesions, scar tissue, and restricted fascia throughout the body. Published research in the Journal of Exercise Rehabilitation confirms that instrument loading on injured tissue stimulates fibroblast activity and promotes the synthesis and realignment of collagen — the structural protein essential to healing.

For patients dealing with chronic soft tissue pain or tendon problems that haven’t responded to rest, the Graston Technique offers a clinically grounded, non-surgical path to recovery. At RxWellness Spine & Health, our clinical team integrates it into comprehensive care plans that combine soft-tissue therapy, chiropractic adjustments, and rehabilitation for lasting results.

New to RxWellness? Your first visit — consultation, examination, and treatment — is just $19. Book your new patient appointment today.

Key Takeaways

• The Graston Technique uses stainless-steel instruments to mobilize soft tissue and support natural healing
• Clinically used to reduce pain, improve range of motion, and address chronic soft tissue injuries
• Integrated with chiropractic care and corrective exercise for comprehensive, multidisciplinary recovery
• Non-surgical, in-office treatment with no downtime — most patients return to normal activity the same day
• RxWellness has 12 locations conveniently located throughout Northern Virginia and Maryland
• Most major insurance plans are accepted at all locations, including Aetna, BCBS, Cigna, and UHC
• Care delivered by our board-certified clinical team under physician oversight

What Is the Graston Technique and How Does It Work?

The Graston Technique is a specialized form of instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization that uses contoured stainless-steel instruments to identify and treat adhesions, scar tissue, and fascial restrictions that may limit movement or cause pain.

Instrument loading activates fibroblasts, increases fibronectin expression, and supports collagen reorganization — biological processes central to soft tissue repair — working with your body’s own healing mechanisms rather than masking symptoms.

• Stainless-steel instruments are glided over the skin using a therapeutic lubricant
• The clinician identifies areas of restriction by detecting subtle textural changes in the tissue
• Controlled strokes apply mechanical input to the targeted region, stimulating tissue remodeling
• The technique modulates pain signaling through neurophysiological pathways, not just local tissue change
• Sessions are typically followed by stretching, strengthening, and cryotherapy to reinforce gains

The Graston Technique is most effective as part of a structured program — not as a standalone treatment.

What Conditions Does the Graston Technique Treat?

The Graston Technique addresses persistent soft tissue pain and restricted movement — particularly conditions involving tendon overload, prior injury, or accumulated scar tissue.

Research in StatPearls indicates that plantar fasciitis alone affects roughly 10% of the general population, with 83% of cases occurring in active working adults aged 25 to 65.

These are exactly the kinds of persistent, activity-limiting problems the Graston Technique is designed to address.

Conditions the Graston Technique commonly treats:

• Plantar fasciitis and chronic heel pain
• Achilles tendinopathy
• Patellar tendinopathy (jumper’s knee)
• Lateral epicondylitis (tennis elbow) and medial epicondylitis (golfer’s elbow)
• IT band syndrome
• Rotator cuff tendinopathy and shoulder impingement
• Scar tissue from prior injury or surgery
• Hamstring, calf, and hip flexor strains with persistent tightness

If you’re unsure whether your condition is a good fit, our clinical team will review your history and confirm whether the Graston Technique is appropriate for your care plan.

What Should You Expect During Graston Technique Treatment?

At RxWellness, Graston Technique sessions are structured around your specific condition. Most patients describe the sensation as a firm, focused scraping or gliding pressure over the treatment area, with some tenderness over particularly restricted tissue — intense but generally well-tolerated, and adjusted to your comfort throughout.

• Consultation and intake — Your clinician reviews your history, symptoms, and any prior imaging or treatment
• Physical evaluation — Movement and tissue assessment to identify specific areas of restriction or pain
• Warm-up — Light activity or manual preparation to increase circulation before instrument work
• Graston Technique application — Instrument strokes over the targeted region, typically 40–120 seconds per area, at a controlled angle
• Stretching and strengthening — Targeted exercises immediately following to reinforce ROM gains
• Cryotherapy — Brief icing to manage post-treatment inflammation and soreness

What to expect after your session:

• Mild soreness or redness in the treatment area is normal and typically resolves within 24–48 hours
• Occasional light bruising may occur, particularly in chronically injured tissue — this is expected and not a concern
• Most patients can return to daily activities immediately following treatment

Who Is a Good Candidate for the Graston Technique?

The Graston Technique is well-suited for patients with persistent soft-tissue pain or restricted movement — particularly when those issues stem from tendon overload, prior injury, or scar tissue. It works best within a broader care plan that includes exercise and, where appropriate, chiropractic adjustments.

Our clinical team conducts a thorough evaluation before recommending it to confirm it’s appropriate for your condition and history.

Patients who tend to benefit most:

• Runners, athletes, and active adults with chronic tendinopathy or overuse injuries
• Patients with plantar fasciitis, Achilles tendon pain, or heel discomfort persisting beyond six weeks
• Individuals with a reduced range of motion from scar tissue following injury or surgery
• Patients with lateral or medial elbow pain that hasn’t responded to rest or standard physical therapy
• Adults with patellar or rotator cuff tendinopathy, particularly those returning to sport
• Anyone seeking a non-surgical, drug-free approach to soft tissue recovery

Patients who should consult with our team before starting:

• Those with severe osteoporosis or active fractures in the treatment region
• Patients who are pregnant, particularly for treatment near the trunk or lower extremities
• Individuals with active systemic inflammatory conditions, uncontrolled hypertension, or varicose veins in the treatment area
• Those currently taking blood thinners or corticosteroids due to an elevated bruising risk

Not sure if the Graston Technique is right for you? Our clinical team will evaluate your condition and recommend the best path forward. Schedule your consultation or call your nearest RxWellness location.

Why Choose RxWellness Spine & Health for Graston Technique?

RxWellness Spine & Health brings together chiropractic care, soft-tissue therapy, and active rehabilitation under one roof — the environment in which the Graston Technique produces its best results. Our board-certified clinical team applies it as a precision tool within a coordinated care plan, not as an isolated treatment.

• 150,000+ patients treated across all RxWellness locations
• 7,500+ five-star reviews
• INC 5000 ranked #1,523 (2025) — three consecutive years of recognition
• Inc. Regionals Mid-Atlantic #45 (2025)
• 12 state-of-the-art facilities across Virginia and Maryland
• Board-certified clinical team under physician oversight
• Most major insurance is accepted at all locations
• Same-day and next-day appointments available

The RxWellness Three-Phase Care Model

Recovery from soft tissue injury requires different tools at different stages. Our structured approach ensures your care evolves with you:

• Phase 1 — Relief Care: Reducing acute pain, inflammation, and soft tissue restriction to restore basic comfort and function
• Phase 2 — Corrective Care: Addressing underlying mechanical and structural factors through targeted rehabilitation and tissue work
• Phase 3 — Wellness Care: Maintaining progress through periodic check-ins, movement education, and proactive strategies that prevent re-injury

Does Insurance Cover Graston Technique at RxWellness?

Most major insurance plans accepted at RxWellness cover soft tissue treatment services. We recommend calling your nearest location to confirm your specific coverage before your first visit.

• Aetna
• Blue Cross Blue Shield (BCBS)
• CareFirst Blue Cross Blue Shield
• Cigna
• FSBP
• GEHA
• Medicare (all locations except Arlington)
• UnitedHealthcare (UHC)

Additional coverage options:

• RxWellness works with auto insurance carriers when soft tissue injuries result from a motor vehicle accident — patients typically pay nothing out of pocket
• Workers’ compensation claims are billed directly to your employer’s carrier, also at no out-of-pocket cost

Call your nearest RxWellness location to verify your plan before your first visit.

Frequently Asked Questions About Graston Technique

Is the Graston Technique safe, and will it hurt?

The Graston Technique is safe when performed by a trained clinician following established screening protocols. Most patients experience a firm scraping sensation during treatment and mild soreness or redness afterward that resolves within a day or two. Occasional light bruising may occur in long-standing soft-tissue injuries. Serious adverse effects are uncommon when contraindications are properly screened.

Does insurance cover Graston Technique treatment?

Many major insurance plans cover instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization as part of a chiropractic or rehabilitation visit. RxWellness accepts Aetna, Blue Cross Blue Shield, CareFirst, Cigna, FSBP, GEHA, Medicare, and UnitedHealthcare at all locations. Coverage specifics vary by plan — call your nearest RxWellness location to confirm your benefits before your appointment.

How long does the Graston Technique take to work?

Most patients complete one to two sessions per week over four to five weeks, with many noticing improvements within the first few visits.A 2025 randomized controlled trial in the Journal of Sport Rehabilitation found that IASTM outperformed extracorporeal shock wave therapy and exercise alone for reducing pain and improving grip strength in lateral elbow pain — both immediately after treatment and at four-week follow-up. Results vary by the severity of the condition and by how the technique is integrated with exercise and other therapies.

What should I expect at my first Graston Technique appointment at RxWellness?

Your first visit includes a full consultation and physical examination before any treatment begins. Your clinician will assess your movement, identify target tissue areas, and build a personalized care plan integrating Graston Technique with any complementary services appropriate for your condition. The entire first visit — including your initial treatment — is available for $19 for new patients.

Who is the best candidate for the Graston Technique?

The Graston Technique is best suited for patients with chronic soft-tissue conditions — particularly tendinopathies such as plantar fasciitis, Achilles tendon pain, or lateral elbow pain — and those with restricted range of motion due to scar tissue or prior injury. It works best when paired with loading-based exercise and is most effective for active adults whose conditions haven’t resolved with rest alone.

Find Lasting Relief with Graston Technique at RxWellness Spine & Health

Chronic soft tissue pain doesn’t have to be permanent. The Graston Technique provides our clinical team with a precise, evidence-informed tool to address adhesions, scar tissue, and tendon dysfunction at their source. Every treatment at RxWellness is part of a personalized, non-surgical care plan designed around your condition and recovery goals.

Schedule your new patient visit online today and let our team build the right path forward for you.

Serving patients across Northern Virginia and Maryland, including Herndon, Ashburn, Arlington, Vienna, Alexandria, Aldie, Tysons, Baltimore, Bowie, Laurel, Rockville, and Silver Spring.