Instrument Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization specifically the Graston Technique has been available for the treatment of soft tissue restrictions since 1994. The Technique was researched at Ball State University in Muncie, Indiana. Over the years over 19,500 clinicians worldwide have added this technique to their treatment plans. Known as the Graston Provider Network over 2,150 outpatient facilities, and 310 professional and amateur sports organization utilize the technique for the treatment of soft tissue injuries. The instruments are stainless steel with a curvelinear edge that is is combined with a concave / convex shape to mold to various contours of the body. The instruments will act like a “tuning fork” in the clinicians hands and vibrate when a restriction such as swelling, spasm or scar tissue is encountered.

The stainless surface of the instruments do not compress as do the fat pads of the fingers allowing access to deeper restrictions, thus isolating and treating them with precision. Another way of thinking about how the instruments work is that of a stethoscope. It amplifies what the human ear hears, Instrument Assisted Soft tissue mobilization amplifies what the human hands feel.

The technique has been used in the treatment of common repetitive stress disorders such as golfer’s and tennis elbow, Jumper’s knee, shin splints, and Achilles tendinosis with positive results. Restricted mobility disorders such as Frozen Shoulder, back, neck and knee pain have also responded with positive outcomes.

This same technique used by athletes at Michigan State University, US Olympic training centers, PGA Tour, NBA, NFL, NHL and MLB teams is provided by the staff of Physical Therapy Connection.

What is Blood Flow Restriction?

Blood Flow Restriction therapy is a specific therapy technique that reduces the amount of stress or load on joints while promoting similar strength building properties as heavy resistance training. This technique utilizes a cuff just above the targeted muscle group of the upper or lower limbs. The cuff is inflated to a specific pressure to slow down blood flow while a patient performs lower resistance exercises with higher repetitions. Similar training variables such as metabolic stress and muscle tension are altered using this technique and allow for strengthening without stressing an existing injury.

Reference:
https://www.physio-pedia.com/Blood_Flow_Restriction_Training