• Journal of the Korean Society of Physical Medicine
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• v.13 no.4
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• pp.9-17
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• 2018

PURPOSE: This study was conducted to compare the effects of the Graston-based massage method and microcurrent application on muscle fatigue after causing muscle fatigue of the quadriceps femoris by applying high-intensity exercise. METHODS: Study subjects (56 healthy subjects in their 20s) were randomized into a microcurrent group (MG), Graston group (GG), and control group (CG). To induce fatigue of the quadriceps femoris, the subjects performed squats 100 times without a break within about 5 minutes. Muscle fatigue was measured immediately after performing squats and 15 minutes after intervention. To measure muscle fatigue, surface electromyogram (EMG) was used to obtain and compare the median frequency. Microcurrent or Graston massage was applied to their quadriceps muscles 15 minutes after performing the squats. RESULTS: Muscle fatigue increased significantly in the vastus lateralis before and after intervention in the Graston group (p<.05), while no significant difference was observed in the rectus femoris and vastus medialis (p>.05). There were also no significant differences in the microcurrent group or the control group. CONCLUSION: Both the microcurrent group and Graston group showed a tendency for increasing median frequency values compared to the control group, but there was no significant difference except in the vastus lateralis treated with the Graston technique. Although there was no significant difference, the Graston technique could be utilized to reduce the occurrence of DOMS by preventing muscle fatigue in clinical practice or sports medicine.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Physical Medicine
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• v.15 no.1
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• pp.85-94
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• 2020

PURPOSE: This study examined the effects of the meridian muscle release technique on the pain and functional movement of patients with myofascial pain syndrome (MPS) of the shoulder joint. METHODS: The subjects of this study included 45 patients with MPS of the shoulder joint. The subjects were divided randomly into the following groups; the meridian muscle release technique group (n=15), the Graston technique group (n=15), and the control group (n=15). Both the meridian muscle release group and the Graston technique group received conventional therapy for 35 minutes initially and were then treated using the meridian muscle releases technique and Graston technique for 10 minutes, respectively. The control group received only conventional therapy for 35 minutes. All three groups underwent treatments three times a week for four weeks. Each subject was evaluated randomly using the VAS, PPT, SPADI and ROM both before and after treatment. RESULTS: The Graston technique group showed a significantly more substantial increase in functional movement (p<.05) than the meridian muscle release technique and control groups. The meridian muscle release technique group had significantly less pain (p<.05) compared to the Graston technique and control groups. CONCLUSION: These findings suggest that the meridian muscle release technique can be useful for decreasing pain and increasing the functional movement of patients with MPS of the shoulder joint.

• Journal of Korean Medicine Rehabilitation
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• v.25 no.1
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• pp.103-110
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• 2015

The objective of this study is to report the improved case of Achilles tendinitis treated with Korean medicine, Gyeon-mak chuna and Graston Technique. The patient diagnosed with Achilles tendinitis is hospitalized at Department of Korean Rehabilitation Medicine, Samse Hospital of Korean Medicine. The subject is treated by herbal medicine, acupuncture, Gyeon-mak chuna and Graston technique. This study was measured by Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) score, walking time without pain per 6 minutes (6MWT) and American orthopaedic foot and ankle society Hind foot scale (AOFAS). The patient showed decreased VAS, AOFAS and improved 6MWT after treated with Korean medicine, Gyeon-mak chuna and Graston Technique. The patient showed reduced pain and positive effect on activities of daily living.

• The Journal of Korean Academy of Orthopedic Manual Physical Therapy
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• v.25 no.1
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• pp.21-27
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• 2019

Background: The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of Graston technique for lower extremity range of motion (ROM), muscle strength, walking ability in hemiplegia patients. Methods: Twelve subjects participated in this study. The ROM of the knee extension was measured by 90-90 straight leg raise test, the hamstring and quadriceps muscle strength was collected by utilizing a handheld dynamometer. In addition walking speed was evaluated by 10 meter walking test. The group was applied intervention using a Graston instrument for one minute. After intervention, immediate effect was assessed. The significant level was set at ${\alpha}=.05$. Results: The ROM of the knee extension, quadriceps muscle strength and walking speed were significantly increased. Hamstring muscle strength was significantly reduced. Conclusion: The results of this study suggest that Graston instrument technique has the effect of instantaneously flexibility the muscles, and the muscle applied with the technique has weakened, while the muscle of the opposite side has increased the muscle strength. In addition, the muscle flexibility and the walking speed have increased.

• Journal of Acupuncture Research
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• v.34 no.3
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• pp.121-130
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• 2017

Objectives : The purpose of this study was to report the clinical effects of the Graston Technique and Chuna manual therapy, combined with Korean Medical Treatment for fibromyalgia. Methods : We treated a patient diagnosed with fibromyalgia. We used acupuncture, the Graston Technique, Chuna manual therapy, pharmacopuncture, herbal medicine, moxibustion and physical therapy. Outcomes were evaluated using the American College of Rheumatology Preliminary Diagnostic Criteria (ACR), the Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire (FIQ), and the Numeric Rating Scale (NRS). Results : The widespread pain index (WPI) scale score of the ACR decreased from 12 to 9, and the symptom severity scale (SS) score of the ACR decreased from 8 to 6. The FIQ score decreased from 63.69 to 50.15. On the NRS, lower back pain & lower limb pain decreased from 6 to 2; neck pain from 6 to 3; muscle tenderness & morning stiffness from 6 to 4; fatigue from 6 to 3; urticaria from 6 to 2. Conclusion : This case study suggests that the Graston Technique and Chuna manual therapy combined with Korean Medical Treatment may be effective treatments for fibromyalgia. However, further studies are needed.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Physical Medicine
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• v.9 no.4
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• pp.455-463
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• 2014

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to compare the effects of Graston and self-myofascial release (SMR) techniques on knee joint flexibility, hamstring, and quadriceps strength. METHODS: Twenty subjects with hamstring shortness participated in this study. The subjects were assigned randomly to one of two groups: The Graston technique (GT) group received intervention using a Graston instrument for one minute, and the SMR group performed self-exercises using a foam roll for one minute. The range of motion (ROM) of the knee joint was measured by active knee extension test, and a handheld dynamometer was utilized to collect the hamstring and quadriceps muscle strength. This experiment was performed by two physical therapists. The significant level was set at ${\alpha}$=0.05. RESULTS: The results were as follows: 1) The ROM of the knee joint and quadriceps muscle strength were significantly increased in both groups. 2) Hamstring muscle strength was significantly reduced in both groups. 3) There were no significant differences between the GT group and SMR group for any variable. CONCLUSION: The results of this study suggest that SMR is an effective and easy technique for restoring proper muscle length and strength in subjects with hamstring shortness. We recommend that SMR technique be used for treat hamstring shortness in clinical setting and home-program.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Physical Medicine
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• v.15 no.4
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• pp.29-35
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• 2020

PURPOSE: This study examined the immediate effects of Graston instrument-assisted soft-tissue mobilization (GIASTM) and self-stretching on the muscular properties of the gastrocnemius in athletes. METHODS: Thirty subjects (All in their 20 s) were distributed randomly and evenly into two groups of 15 each: GIASTM and stretching. The subjects had no history of gastrocnemius damage in the previous three months. The muscle tone, stiffness, elasticity, and mechanical stress relaxation time (MSRT) of the gastrocnemius were blind-tested. RESULTS: The GIASTM group showed significant changes in all categories, while only MSRT changed significantly in the self-stretching group after intervention. A comparison of the two groups revealed significant differences in stiffness, elasticity, and MSRT (Time required for the muscle to recover after distortion after intervention in the GIASTM group. CONCLUSION: In this study, significant decreases in muscle tone and stiffness, as well as significant increases in elasticity, were observed in the gastrocnemius of the GIASTM group. On the other hand, sSelf-stretching showed significant differences in MSRT. Therefore, GIASTM is more effective in the recovery of the gastrocnemius muscle from fatigue than self-stretching. This study suggests that GIASTM can help prevent damage to the gastrocnemius in athletes and contribute to their training and rehabilitation programs.

• The Journal of the Korea Contents Association
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• v.19 no.10
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• pp.198-205
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• 2019

The purpose of this study was to identify whether cutaneous sensory (CS) changes induced by mechanical intervention(MI) increases the trigger point threshold and muscle tone of the same spinal segment to neck disc patients. Thirty persons with Neck disc patients were recruited in this experiment. The subjects consisted of 10 men and 20 women. The mechanical stimulus group induced CS changes for 5 minutes using the Graston instrument and the control group received no action. The CS changes were estimated by using the Von Frey Filament, PPT changes were measured by using the pressure threshold meter and msucle tone changes were measured by using Myotone pro. CS threshold increased significantly when MI was applied (p<0.05). On the same spinal segment, increases in the right infraspinatus PPT and muscle tone was observed (p<0.05) and decreases in the right trapezius PPT was observed(p<0.05). However, the PPT and muscle tone changes in other muscles were not significantly different. Furthermore, the control group CS, PPT and muscle tone were not significantly different. As a result, CS changes induced by MI make to change PPT and muscle tone on the same spinal segment. Therefore, application of MI to the same spinal segment may be of clinical significance as a new rehabilitation method for increasing pain threshold, muscle tone and pain control in neck disc patients.

• Physical Therapy Rehabilitation Science
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• v.8 no.1
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• pp.15-21
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• 2019

Objective: The purpose of this study was to identify whether cutaneous sensory (CS) changes induced by mechanical intervention (MI) increases the trigger point threshold of the same spinal segment as well as to investigate the relationship between the amounts of change in CS pressure pain thresholds (PPT). Design: Randomized controlled trial. Methods: Thirty-nine persons with myofacial pain (MFP) were recruited in this experiment. The subjects consisted of 20 men and 19 women (age 20-39). MI was applied on the subjects using the Graston technique for 5 minutes to induce CS changes. The CS changes were measured with sensory tests by using the Von Frey Filament, and PPT changes were estimated by using the pressure threshold meter. For the observation of sensory and PPT changes with time, the test was conducted for 15 minutes including a pre, post, and after intervention session. Results: CS threshold increased significantly when MI was applied (p<0.001). On the same spinal segment, changes in the right infraspinatus PPT was observed (p<0.001) but the PPT changes in other muscles were not significantly different. Furthermore, the control group CS and PPT were not significantly different. In addition, regression analysis showed that the CS changes have a larger impact on PPT in the same spinal segment (p<0.001). Conclusions: CS changes induced by MI make to change PPT on the same spinal segment. In other words, it is possible to identify PPT changes following CS changes except for the muscle which belongs to a different spinal segment. Therefore, application of MI is necessary for the CS changes in the same spinal segment. Furthermore, it can be useful in the clinical fields as a method of providing pain control and increasing the PPT.