Graston Technique: Evidence-Based Management for the Lower Quadrant

Course overview

Lower-quadrant movement dysfunctions and pain can occur when the body is injured but also when repetitive strains from malalignments and muscle imbalances are present. These movement dysfunctions can be identified and treated by physical therapists and athletic trainers utilizing a top-down or a bottom-up approach. In a top-down approach, structures of the lumbopelvic and knee complexes are targeted. In this course, a bottom-up approach based on current evidence will be identified and demonstrated utilizing a unique system of evaluation, manual therapy, therapeutic exercise, and customizable orthotics to treat lower-quadrant pain and movement dysfunctions. Interventions, including soft-tissue and joint mobility techniques, highlighting the Graston Technique, which is a system of instrument-assisted soft-tissue mobilization (IASTM), will be demonstrated. Evidence-based therapeutic exercise and neuromuscular reeducation strategies that target foot intrinsic muscles and complement manual therapy are included. An efficient, low-cost system of customizable orthotics, which has been found to be an effective adjunct to manual therapy, and exercise interventions will be discussed and shown via demonstration. The information and skills learned in this course can be immediately applied by physical therapists and athletic trainers in a variety of practice sessions, including sessions in outpatient clinics, in the athletic training room, and even in a patient's home or school.