Graston Technique Treats Acute and Chronic Musculoskeletal Injuries at Complete Chiropractic and Wellness in Richfield, MN

Graston Technique(GT) is an extremely effective way of treating and resolving soft tissue injuries, including repetitive stress diagnoses. Dr. Nick Mellum, a chiropractor in Richfield, MN, has recently completed two courses in Graston Technique training. "We use GT with numerous conditions that people think they will just have to live with," states Dr. Mellum. "Patients with plantar fasciitis, sports injuries, knee pain, elbow pain, carpal tunnel, and back pain are just a few that can helped by using GT."

Richfield, MN (PRWEB) December 15, 2006 -- Dr. Nick Mellum, of Complete Chiropractic and Wellness (http://www.chiroccw.com), has added the Graston Technique to the therapies he offers clients at his clinic, which is located at 6640 Lyndale Ave. South, Suite 120, in Richfield, Minnesota. The Graston Technique (GT) is an innovative instrument-assisted therapy that mobilizes soft tissue, and thus serves to prevent acute conditions from becoming chronic. Originally developed by athletes, the GT effectively locates and breaks down scar tissue and fascial adhesions that restrict movement and cause pain. Dr. Mellum recently completed the specialized training required of practitioners in order to use this technique.

"We're seeing great results," Dr. Mellum said. "With the GT we can address a wide range of problems, including sprained ankles, scars that are still painful, numbness and pain resulting from surgery or accidents, and repetitive stress injuries. It's tremendously effective any time there's soft tissue damage or injuries affecting the joints."

The Graston Technique site (http://www.grastontechnique.com) describes research conducted at Ball Memorial Hospital and Ball State University, Muncie, Indiana. In the trials, researchers found that the GT increases cellular activity, called "fibroblasts," in an affected area. This causes an increase in inflammation that initiates "the healing cascade." Damaged tissue is rearranged and replaced by new tissue. A regimen of icing and exercising then follows, which reduces pain and increases range of motion.

The technique has been found to be effective in resolving problems that have not responded to other therapies. Some of the acute and chronic conditions that have improved in clinical trials include:
     •   Cervical sprain/strain (neck pain)
     •   Lumbar sprain/strain (back pain)
     •   Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (wrist pain)
     •   Plantar Fasciitis (foot pain)
     •   Lateral Epicondylitis (tennis elbow)
     •   Medial Epicondylitis (golfer's elbow)
     •   Rotator Cuff Tendinitis (shoulder pain)
     •   Patellofemoral Disorders (knee pain)
     •   Achilles Tendinitis (ankle pain)
     •   Fibromyalgia
     •   Scar Tissue

The Graston Technique is now in use at a range of universities and healthcare institutions, including Indiana University, UCLA, University of Texas, National University of Health Sciences, Community Hospitals, St. Vincent Hospital, and Physiotherapy Associates. Additionally, a number of professional sports teams, including the Washington Redskins, the Seattle SuperSonics, and the San Francisco 49ers, are putting the Graston Technique to use for faster recovery from sports injuries.

Complete Chiropractic and Wellness is one of just a handful of clinics in the Twin Cities that offer the Graston Technique. "We're proud to be able to offer this innovative therapy to our clients," Dr. Mellum said. "It complements the range of adjunct therapies we utilize for rehabilitation. Our clients are able to recover from injuries and chronic conditions more quickly, so they can return to their work, sports, and other activities as soon as possible."

In addition to chiropractic, Complete Chiropractic and Wellness offers occupational therapy, massage, and acupuncture. The clinic is located at 6640 Lyndale Ave. South, Suite 120, in Richfield, Minnesota, and can be reached at 612-866-1859.

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