Raynham, Massachusetts Chiropractor Offers Unique Technique to Treat Soft Tissue Pain and Injury

May 28, 2010 - PRLog -- A Raynham, MA Chiropractor offers a unique treatment technique to assist patients with pain, restricted range of motion, and other symptoms due to soft tissue adhesions and scar tissue.

Doctor of Chiropractic, Brian Petrie, is a certified Graston Technique® provider.  The Graston Technique® is an instrument assisted form of soft tissue mobilization used by thousands of clinicians and health care providers worldwide.   It is used to treat pain and symptoms due to both acute and chronic conditions.

The Graston Technique® utilizes six unique and highly specialized hand-held tools.  The stainless steel tools have a specially designed shape and size with a curvilinear treatment edge.  Each tool’s unique concave/convex shape allows it to conform to the various shapes of the body.  These tools are stroked over various parts of the body to detect and treat areas of myofascial adhesions and scar tissue.

The muscles, tendons, ligaments, organs and other structures of the body are covered by a layer of connective tissue called fascia.  This flexible covering binds together the inner structure of the body and gives it form.  Due to injuries and trauma over time, this fascia can sometimes become adhered or ‘stuck’ to the underlying muscles and structures.  After injury or surgery fascia may heal in a disorganized manner, leading to scar tissue formation.  When these adhesions and scar tissue begin to impair normal range of motion and cause pain and symptoms, they are referred to as “fascial restrictions.”

The unique Graston Technique® instruments allow a clinician to specifically locate areas of adhesions.  When stroked over areas of soft tissue restriction the tools will reverberate in the practitioner’s hands.  This sensation is perceptible to both the clinician and the patient. Once located, a provider can then treat the problem area with the same tools by working the instrument over the area in a specific treatment pattern.  This treatment is believed to help break down and release scar tissue and adhesions and may reduce pain and symptoms over time.  

The Graston Technique® expands on the well known and widely accepted concept of cross friction massage.  The treatment technique is based on work done by the late Dr. James Cyriax, an English orthopedic surgeon known for his dedication to nonsurgical treatment of soft tissue lesions.

Sports injuries are one area where the technique is especially beneficial.  With many sports related injuries such as Tennis Elbow, Golfer’s Elbow, Achilles Tendinitis, Turf Toe, Pulled Hamstrings, or other conditions there are often accompanying complications such as adhesions, tight muscles, and soft tissue restrictions.  This is true even after the injury has healed. The Graston Technique® can be of benefit to an athlete presently suffering with an injury or one who has suffered an injury in the past.  

In addition to relieving symptoms, the treatment may also increase athletic performance.  By releasing soft tissue restrictions an athlete may notice improved functional range of motion, increased flexibility, and improved stride length.  This would help explain why the Graston Technique® is used in more than 125 professional and amateur sports organizations, and by trainers in the NFL, NHL, NBA, and Major League Baseball.

The benefits of the Graston Technique® are not limited to athletes. The technique is useful for people from all walks of life and can be used to treat pain and symptoms due to a variety of conditions. The Graston Technique® is often used to treat things such as neck pain, back pain, pain in the hip, knee or ankle pain, headaches, finger or toe pain, TMJ, Plantar Fasciitis, pain and tightness between the shoulder blades, Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, and a variety of other acute and chronic conditions.  One of the greatest benefits of the technique is convenience.  Patients can generally continue on with their normal daily activities while undergoing the treatment.

Dr. Petrie explains why the Graston Technique® is the perfect addition to his Chiropractic practice: “There are many Chiropractors that focus mainly on joint mechanics and alignment.  While this is important, I’ve found there is also a muscular and connective tissue component with most conditions and injuries.  Sometimes you’ll find very tight muscles while other muscles are very weak.  These aspects need to be looked at and addressed along with joint mechanics otherwise the joint problems and accompanying pain and symptoms will just continue to return".

Individuals interested in learning more about the Graston Technique® or Dr. Petrie and his practice are invited to visit his website at http://www.DrBrianPetrie.com.  Dr. Brian Petrie Chiropractic is located in Suite #101 of the Raynham Woods Medical Center at 675 Paramount Drive in Raynham, MA. They can be contacted directly at (508) 821-4049.

About The Doctor:
Brian Petrie, D.C. is a 1983 graduate of Palmer College of Chiropractic, considered “The Fountain Head” of the Chiropractic profession. A former sergeant in the United States Marine Corps, Dr. Petrie implements the service's “Semper Fi” motto with his approach to health care. He offers a unique level of discipline and loyalty to the health and well being of his patients. He maintains a patient outcome orientated approach to patient care and strives to offer treatment protocols based on the latest scientific evidence available.

Dr. Brian Petrie Chiropractic serves Raynham, Massachusetts, as well as Middleboro, Bridgewater, Taunton, Berkley, Dighton, and Somerset.  In addition to the Graston Technique®, Dr. Brian Petrie Chiropractic offers a variety of treatments including chiropractic care, massage therapy, rehabilitative and preventative strengthening exercises, Kinesio® Taping and cold laser therapy.

Contact:
Dr. Brian Petrie
Raynham Woods Medical Center
675 Paramount Drive   Suite #101  
Raynham, MA 02767
Phone: (508) 821-4049   Fax: (508) 821-2526
http://www.DrBrianPetrie.com
brison610@yahoo.com

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About Dr. Brian Petrie Chiropractic:
Dr. Brian Petrie Chiropractic serves patients in the Raynham, Massachusetts, as well as surrounding Middleboro, Bridgewater, Taunton, Berkley, Dighton, and Somerset. In addition to the Graston Technique®, Dr. Brian Petrie offers other forms of care including chiropractic care, massage therapy, rehabilitative and preventative strengthening exercises, Kinesio® Taping and cold laser therapy.