Graston Technique

graston technique

What is GRASTON Technique (GT)?

Graston Technique® is a unique and proven form of ‘instrument-assisted’ soft tissue mobilization (IASTM).  This means that it focuses on releasing and improving the mobility of skin, fat, ‘fascia’, muscle and other soft tissues around the body.  The result? Less pain, better flexibility and even changes in strength because the soft tissue is more free to move.  

Graston Technique (GT) uses a unique protocol that is specially designed utilizing stainless steel tools.  These tools combined with exercises, patient education, and other treatment approaches, can maximize recovery.  This technique can help in areas where a persons soft tissue is stiffening (fibrosis) or regularly swollen (chronic inflammation). The GT tools are also used to help improve and maintain joint range of motion.

Dr. Nicole Thornicroft using Graston Technique on Tennis Elbow

Why use Graston Technique?

GRASTON technique being provided by Chiropractor to Neck

Originally developed by athletes, Graston Technique® is used by more than 31,500 clinicians worldwide – including physical and occupational therapists, hand therapists, chiropractors, and athletic trainers. For patients, GT has been proven to:

  • Decrease overall time of treatment
  • Foster faster rehabilitation/recovery
  • Reduce the need for anti-inflammatory medication
  • Resolve chronic conditions thought to be permanent
  • Provide an efficient way to maintain optimal range of motion

What kinds of injuries can Graston Technique help?

Soft tissue injuries can be debilitating and frustrating. Graston Technique® (GT) therapy is successful in effectively treating all soft tissue conditions, whether they are chronic, acute or post- surgical. GT therapy can help you enjoy life again.

Our unique technique and instruments enable the treatment of scar tissue and fascial restrictions during rehabilitation that allows for faster rehabilitation and with greater success when the goal is restoring range of motion, eliminating pain, and restoring normal function.

Graston Technique® is clinically proven to achieve faster and better patient outcomes in treating the following:

  • Achilles Tendinosis/itis
  • Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (Wrist Pain)
  • Cervical Sprain/Strain (Neck Pain)
  • Fibromyalgia
  • Lateral Epicondylosis/itis (Tennis Elbow)
  • Lumbar Sprain/Strain (Back Pain)
  • Medial Epicondylosis/itis (Golfer’s Elbow)
  • Patellofemoral Disorders (Knee Pain)
  • Plantar Fasciitis (Foot Pain)
  • Rotator Cuff Tendinosis/itis (Shoulder Pain)
  • Scar Tissue
  • Shin Splints
  • Trigger Finger
  • Women’s Health (Post-Mastectomy and Caesarean Scarring)
Nicole Thornicroft utilizing Graston on a Hamstring strain

Who Provides Graston Technique at Pro Function?

Dr. Nicole Thornicroft is one of only two practitioners in the London area trained in Graston Technique®.

Brooke Edwardson

MClSc (AHCP-SEM), MPT, BScPT, Sport Cert.  

Physiotherapist London Ontario
Orthopaedic Physiotherapy
Sports Injuries Physiotherapy
Post Surgical Rehab
Sports Team On-Field Medicine

Choose Brooke for:
• Soccer, Volleyball, Basketball and Running Injuries
• Industrial / Physically Demanding Jobs + Injuries
• Spinal, Hip and Knee Injuries
• Pre- and Post- Surgical Cases (eg. ACL Recovery after Surgery)
• Strength and Conditioning
• Sports Team Medical Coverage; Tournaments, Travel, Seasonal

Brooke Edwardson

MClSc (AHCP-SEM), MPT, BScPT, Sport Cert.  

Physiotherapist London Ontario
Orthopaedic Physiotherapy
Sports Injuries Physiotherapy
Post Surgical Rehab
Sports Team On-Field Medicine

Choose Brooke for:
• Soccer, Volleyball, Basketball and Running Injuries
• Industrial / Physically Demanding Jobs + Injuries
• Spinal, Hip and Knee Injuries
• Pre- and Post- Surgical Cases (eg. ACL Recovery after Surgery)
• Strength and Conditioning
• Sports Team Medical Coverage; Tournaments, Travel, Seasonal

If you’re an athlete, at any level, you’ll want to meet Brooke.  Brooke Edwardson’s resume and skillset with athletes is extensive, and recently she added to her resume with a Masters in Advanced Health Care Practice in Sports and Exercise Medicine (AHCP-SEM) from Western University.   While in the program,  Brooke focused on all aspects of delivering comprehensive sports medical coverage for a wide variety of venues.  Additionally, she completed research on ACL-related injuries based on playing surface types in collaboration with several sports medicine and surgical physicians.  Brooke says the experience gave her one-of-a-kind insight into the risks, prevention strategies, and  keys to post-ACL surgical rehabilitation at the highest of levels. 

Having originally graduated with a Masters of Physiotherapy from Western, Brooke has quickly developed into one fo London’s brightest and most dynamic sports physiotherapists. Brooke sees patients both on and off the field and when in clinic, she chooses to treat at Pro Function’s sports injury clinic due to the fact that the facility has 40,000 sq ft of turf and two weight-training areas which allows her to really challenge her patients as they return to activity/sport. 

Professionally, Brooke has worked in various formats with Skate Canada, the Toronto Rock, at both the Canada Games and the Ontario Summer Games, with the Toronto Triathlon, St George Rugby, Great Lake Canadians (GLC) Baseball, and right here in London as the lead physiotherapist with FC London. Additionally, Brooke works as a consultant for GM Canada and feels the physicality and endurance required with line-side work mimics many of the soft tissue injuries commonly associated with the training errors seen in athletes. 

Outside of the clinic, Brooke loves finding creative ways to stay active and is up for the challenge of trying out a new sport or skill.  She enjoys running, rock climbing, hiking, water sports, and of course soccer!  She also loves to travel and spend time with family and friends.