ASTYM and Graston Applications

Dustin LindTasi Kelemete

Keelan McCaffrey

● Form of tissue massage● Instruments used to achieve

○ Relaxation of muscle○ Increased Range of Motion (ROM)○ Decreased pain during activity

● Combined with other therapy

Intro to Graston & ASTYM

● Both methods are approved for all ages● Graston is not appropriate for:

○ Young populations (Pain tolerance)○ Sedentary populations (No research)○ The elderly (Easy bruising)

Our stance

Graston Technique

What is it?

● Six Stainless Steel Instruments

● Weekend course completion

● M1 Basic- 12 hours $550

● M2 Advanced- 14 hours $695

Graston Technique

● Who Uses It?

○ 16,775 clinicians (Graston, 2013).

○ Physical Therapist

○ Athletic Trainers

○ Occupational Therapist

Issues with Graston

● Bruising of the area

● Pain tolerance

Issues with Graston Cont.

Personal Interview

● Course not hard, hands on

● All ages are acceptable

● Scar tissue, lasting, post surgery

● Couple times a week

● Depends on person’s pain tolerance

ASTYM Technique

● Soft tissue therapy

● Benefits

○ Quick and effective

○ Non-invasive

○ Reduced therapy sessions

(ASTYM, 2012)

ASTYM Technique

● Who can be certified?

● Three day certification course

○ Upper extremity 15.75 hours

○ Lower extremity 8 hours

(ASTYM, 2012)

ASTYM Technique Cont.

● Video example

● Personal experience

Issues Related to ASTYM

● Harsh form of therapy

● Other forms of therapy without pain

Applications of ASTYM and Graston

When is Graston appropriate to use?

○ Approved for all ages (Graston, 2013)

○ Professionals don’t use on children (Wotowey, 2013)

○ Research limited to athletic populations

○ Positive results in research studies (Looney, B.,

Srokose, T., Penas, C., & Cleland, J. 2010)

Graston Use Cont.

● Very good results with athletes (Wotowey, 2013)

● Better results with active patients (Looney, B., Srokose,

T., Penas, C., & Cleland, J. 2010)

Conclusion

● Graston/ASTYM are useful techniques

● ASTYM suitable for widespread use

○ Virtually all populations can benefit (Humphrey,

2013)

● Graston is not suitable for:

○ Infants, children, elderly, sedentary populations

Conclusion Cont.

● Graston needs more research on:

○ Infants, children, elderly, and sedentary populations

● Graston use should be with:

○ Athletic/active populations

References

McCormack, J. R. (2012). The Management of Mid-portion Achilles Tendinopathy with ASTYM and Eccentric Exercise.

International

Journal of Sports Physical Therapy. 7(6), pp. 672-677.

Papa, J. A. (2012). Two cases of work-related lateral epicondylopathy treated with Graston

Technique and conservative rehabilitation. Journal of the Canadian Chiropractic Association,56(3),192-200.

Schaefer, J. L., & Sandrey, M. A. (2012). Effects of a 4-week Dynamic-balance-training

program supplemented with Graston instrument-assisted soft-tissue mobilization for chronic ankle Instability. Journal of

Sport Rehabilation, 21(4), 313-326.

References

Silbugh, K. (2009). The validity of instrument assisted soft tissue mobilization for detecting myofascial adhesions through

secondary diagnostic ultrasound analysis. Applied Medicine and Rehabilitation. 5(4), pp. 124-128.

Stow, R. (2011). Instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization. International Journal

of Athletic Therapy &Training, 16(3), 5-8.