When the problem is in the muscle, not just the joint, we have treatments for that too.
Spinal adjustments address joint restrictions and nerve irritation. But pain often has a soft tissue component that adjustments alone will not fully resolve. Muscles, tendons, ligaments, and fascia can develop adhesions, scar tissue, and trigger points that contribute to chronic pain, limited range of motion, and recurring injuries.
Treating the soft tissue alongside the joints produces better outcomes and helps results last longer. That is why we incorporate these therapies into care plans where it is clinically appropriate.
Graston uses specially designed stainless steel instruments to detect and treat areas of soft tissue dysfunction. The instruments amplify what the clinician feels, allowing us to identify and break down fascial restrictions and scar tissue with precision that manual techniques alone cannot always achieve.
Graston is particularly effective for conditions involving repetitive strain, chronic tightness, or inadequately healed injuries where scar tissue has built up and is restricting normal movement or causing ongoing pain.
GuaSha is a traditional instrument-assisted technique that works similarly to Graston, using a smooth-edged tool to mobilize soft tissue and promote healing. It is especially useful for broad areas of fascial restriction and chronic muscular tension.
A trigger point is a hyperirritable spot in a muscle that is painful when compressed and often refers pain to a predictable distant location. Trigger points can cause or perpetuate headaches, shoulder pain, back pain, and hip pain.
Trigger point therapy uses sustained manual pressure directly on the trigger point to release the muscular contraction and interrupt the pain cycle, typically combined with a stretch of the affected muscle.
Graston can cause some temporary discomfort during treatment, and mild bruising is possible in areas of significant tissue restriction. Most patients find the post-treatment relief well worth it. We always adjust the intensity based on your feedback and comfort level.
Both are instrument-assisted soft tissue techniques that mobilize fascia and break down adhesions. Graston uses precision stainless steel instruments with beveled edges designed for specific body areas. GuaSha uses a smooth-edged tool and works especially well for broader areas of fascial restriction and chronic muscular tension.
Usually yes. Soft tissue therapy and chiropractic adjustments work well together. Addressing both the joint restriction and the surrounding muscle and fascial tension typically produces better outcomes and longer-lasting results than either approach alone.
Yes. Soft tissue therapy is particularly effective for sports injuries including muscle strains, tendinitis, IT band syndrome, plantar fasciitis, and repetitive stress injuries. We work with athletes at all levels to help them recover and return to activity as quickly and safely as possible.
Hackett Family Chiropractic provides Graston Technique, GuaSha, and trigger point therapy to patients from Stevensville, St. Joseph, Benton Harbor, Bridgman, and throughout Berrien County. If chronic muscle pain or a sports injury has not responded to rest or stretching alone, come in and let us take a look. We are just off US-31 in Stevensville and new patients are always welcome.
Soft tissue therapy is often part of the answer. Come in and let us take a look.