Medical News

February 4, 2004―-Researchers around the country continue to identify and study uses of an innovative soft tissue treatment for those suffering acute and chronic connective soft tissue problems. Among the studies being conducted on the Graston Technique is one taking place at the renowned Texas Back Institute (TBI) in Plano, Texas.

Texas Back Institute recently began conducting an 18-month study on use of the Graston Technique on post-fusion rehabilitation patients. The purpose of the study is to determine if use of the Graston Technique increases the rate of recovery or makes patients more comfortable during their rehabilitation period.

Led by esteemed researcher and scientist, John J. Triano, D.C., Ph.D, and director of chiropractic medicine at Texas Back Institute, the study began in January of 2003 and will include as many as 120 randomly selected cases in post-fusion rehabilitation.

Following fusion surgery, patients are treated with the Graston Technique as part of their therapy. The Technique is used to evaluate the lower body and treat soft tissues problems in the spinal region, gluteal muscles and upper leg. While the technique is being used to treat post-operative scar tissue, the focus of the study is not on the patients? problems resulting from surgery, but rather on the patients? other soft tissue dysfunction.

?Most patients who have fusion surgery do so because they have undergone five or more months of failed non-operative treatments,? according to Triano. ?Typically these people have progressively decreasing function and an increase in myofascial pain.?

Triano continues, ?We are hoping to find a means to improve the quality of life for patients with myofascial dysfunction, and we believe that the Graston Technique will prove to be effective.?

Results from the TBI study will be available in the Fall of 2004.

About The Graston Technique
The Graston Technique is an advanced form of instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization developed more than 10 years ago by two athletes who suffered injuries that left them with limited ranges of motion. This patented technique incorporates the use of stainless-steel instruments contoured to adapt to various parts of the anatomy. Using the instruments, the clinician is better able to detect fibrotic tissue and can treat at greater depth and specificity. For more information on the Graston Technique, visit www.grastontechnique.com.

About Texas Back Institute
Texas Back Institute (TBI) is the largest freestanding spine specialty clinic in the United States. The Institute, based in Plano, Texas, was established 25 years ago and provides comprehensive medical care for individuals with back and neck pain. TBI’s professional staff includes board-certified spine surgeons, general surgeons, general medicine physicians, internists, chiropractors, physiatrists, pain specialists, exercise physiologists and a team of physical and occupational therapists. Texas Back Institute’s main office is located on the campus of Presbyterian Hospital of Plano, with offices in Denton, Fort Worth, Garland, Hurst, Mesquite, Midland, Wichita Falls, Texas and Phoenix. For more information visit www.texasback.com.

February 4, 2004―-Researchers around the country continue to identify and study uses of an innovative soft tissue treatment for those suffering acute and chronic connective soft tissue problems. Among the studies being conducted on the Graston Technique is one taking place at the renowned Texas Back Institute (TBI) in Plano, Texas.

Texas Back Institute recently began conducting an 18-month study on use of the Graston Technique on post-fusion rehabilitation patients. The purpose of the study is to determine if use of the Graston Technique increases the rate of recovery or makes patients more comfortable during their rehabilitation period.

Led by esteemed researcher and scientist, John J. Triano, D.C., Ph.D, and director of chiropractic medicine at Texas Back Institute, the study began in January of 2003 and will include as many as 120 randomly selected cases in post-fusion rehabilitation.

Following fusion surgery, patients are treated with the Graston Technique as part of their therapy. The Technique is used to evaluate the lower body and treat soft tissues problems in the spinal region, gluteal muscles and upper leg. While the technique is being used to treat post-operative scar tissue, the focus of the study is not on the patients? problems resulting from surgery, but rather on the patients? other soft tissue dysfunction.

?Most patients who have fusion surgery do so because they have undergone five or more months of failed non-operative treatments,? according to Triano. ?Typically these people have progressively decreasing function and an increase in myofascial pain.?

Triano continues, ?We are hoping to find a means to improve the quality of life for patients with myofascial dysfunction, and we believe that the Graston Technique will prove to be effective.?

Results from the TBI study will be available in the Fall of 2004.

About The Graston Technique
The Graston Technique is an advanced form of instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization developed more than 10 years ago by two athletes who suffered injuries that left them with limited ranges of motion. This patented technique incorporates the use of stainless-steel instruments contoured to adapt to various parts of the anatomy. Using the instruments, the clinician is better able to detect fibrotic tissue and can treat at greater depth and specificity. For more information on the Graston Technique, visit www.grastontechnique.com.

About Texas Back Institute
Texas Back Institute (TBI) is the largest freestanding spine specialty clinic in the United States. The Institute, based in Plano, Texas, was established 25 years ago and provides comprehensive medical care for individuals with back and neck pain. TBI’s professional staff includes board-certified spine surgeons, general surgeons, general medicine physicians, internists, chiropractors, physiatrists, pain specialists, exercise physiologists and a team of physical and occupational therapists. Texas Back Institute’s main office is located on the campus of Presbyterian Hospital of Plano, with offices in Denton, Fort Worth, Garland, Hurst, Mesquite, Midland, Wichita Falls, Texas and Phoenix. For more information visit www.texasback.com.