"The Graston Technique instruments are the most valuable rehab/preventative
injury tools for treating the elite athletes that I have had access to. It's truly my
best option, even in private practice. I don't know how I would practice without
the Technique."
                                                                          —  Mark S. Pfeil, PT, ATC, CSCS
                                                                                NBA Trainer of the Year 1999-2000
The SASTM (Graston) Technique  is an innovative form of instrument-assisted soft
tissue mobilization that enables doctors to effectively break down scar tissue and
fascial restrictions. The Technique utilizes specially designed instruments to specifically
detect and effectively treat areas exhibiting soft tissue fibrosis (scar tissue) or chronic
inflammation. The SASTM instruments are the third generation of soft tissue
instruments developed by Dr. Graston. More than 50 professional and amateur sports
teams utilize this form of treatment.  
(See below for the list of teams.)
The SASTM instruments, much like a tuning fork,
resonate in the doctor's hands allowing the doctor
to isolate adhesions and restrictions, and treat
them very precisely. When explaining the
properties of the instruments, we often use the
analogy of a stethoscope. Just as a stethoscope
amplifies what the human ear can hear, so do the
instruments increase significantly what the human
hands can feel.
Research shows that the SASTM instruments introduce controlled microtrauma to
affected soft tissue structure causing the stimulation of a local inflammatory response.
Microtrauma initiates reabsorption of inappropriate fibrosis or excessive scar tissue
and facilitates a cascade of healing activities resulting in remodeling of affected soft
tissue structures. Adhesions within the soft tissue which may have developed as a
result of surgery, immobilization, repeated strain or other mechanisms, are broken
down allowing full functional restoration to occur.

Scar tissue limits range of motion, and in many instances causes pain, which prevents
the patient from functioning as he or she did before the injury.

The SASTM Instruments are used to enhance the doctor’s ability to detect adhesions,
scar tissue or restrictions in the affected areas. Skilled doctors use the instruments to
comb over and "catch" on fibrotic tissue, which immediately identifies the areas of
restriction. Once the tissue has been identified, the instruments are used to break up
the scar tissue so it can be absorbed by the body.

Historically, this technique has resolved 87% or more of all conditions treated. It is
equally effective on restoring function to acute and chronic injuries, and pre and post
surgical patients.
(See below for the list of conditions that can be treated.)
Instrument Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization is currently is utilized by
more than 50 major professional and amateur sports organizations.

Trainers and clinicians at these organizations are treating elite athletes
every day to get them injury free to compete at the highest level.
NBA
Cleveland Cavaliers                Chicago Bulls
Milwaukee Bucks                     Philadelphia 76ers
New York Knicks                      Miami Heat
Utah Jazz                                 Minnesota Timberwolves
Washington Wizards                Seattle Supersonics
Atlanta Hawks

NFL
Indianapolis Colts                    Jacksonville Jaguars
New England Patriots              San Francisco 49ers      
Washington Redskins             Tennessee Titans

Arena Football
Los Angeles Avengers
Orlando Predators

Major League Baseball
Chicago White Sox                   St. Louis Cardinals
New York Mets                          Cleveland Indiana

NHL
Colorado Avalanche                      
Florida Panthers

Golf
PGA Tour
Champions Tour

Universities
Florida State University
UCLA
University of Illinois
Indiana University
University of Michigan
University of Colorado
Michigan State University
Brigham Young University
Anderson University
Binghamton University
SASTM can be use to effectively treat the following conditions:
Medial Epicondylitis (Golfer's Elbow)
Lateral Epicondylitis (Tennis Elbow)
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Neck Pain
Plantar Fasciitis
Rotator Cuff Tendinitis
Patellar Tendinitis
Tibialis Posterior Tendinitis (Shin Splints)
Heel Pain / Achilles Tendinitis
DeQuervain's Syndrome
Post-Surgical and Traumatic Scars
Myofascial Pain and Restrictions
Musculoskeletal Imbalances
Chronic Joint Swelling Associated with Sprains/Strains
Ligament Sprains
Muscle Strains
Non-Acute Bursitis
Joint Contractures
Back Pain
Trigger Finger
Hip Pain (Replacements)
IT Band Syndrome
Shin Splints
Chronic Ankle Sprains
Acute Ankle Sprains
Scars (Surgical, Traumtic)
Tarsal Tunnel


Iowa State University
University of Washington
University of Wisconsin
University of Texas
University of Tulsa
Oral Roberts University
University of Kansas
Iowa State University
Wabash College
University of Oregon
Washington and Lee University
Texas Woman’s University
University of Illinois
Wichita State University
University of Southern California
University of Texas at El Paso
University of California at Berkeley
Washington and Lee University