Graston Technique® Muscle Therapy in Bergen County, NJ

Break Up Scar Tissue, Restore Mobility & Relieve Pain

If you’re searching for the Graston Technique near you, you’re looking for relief from a soft-tissue problem that hasn’t responded to massage, stretching, or rest — chronic adhesions, scar tissue, fascial restrictions, or stubborn pain that keeps coming back. The Graston Technique® is a clinically proven form of Instrument-Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization (IASTM) — also known as muscle scraping or fascial scraping — used by Doctors of Physical Therapy and certified chiropractors at The Spine & Health Center of New Jersey to detect and break down soft-tissue adhesions you can’t reach with hands alone. Three Bergen County locations: Closter, Montvale, and Park Ridge — convenient for patients across northern New Jersey, Passaic County, and the NYC metro area.

What Is the Graston Technique®?

The Graston Technique is an FDA-cleared form of Instrument-Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization (IASTM) developed in the 1990s. Trained clinicians use a set of six specially designed stainless-steel instruments to detect and treat fascial restrictions, scar tissue, chronic muscle adhesions, and stubborn soft-tissue dysfunction.

You may have heard the technique called by other names — muscle scraping, fascial scraping, instrument-assisted massage, or simply “the metal tools therapy.” All refer to the same family of treatment, but the Graston Technique is the protocol-driven, certification-required system used in clinical practice. Only providers who complete formal Graston Technique training are authorized to perform it.

How Graston differs from regular massage:

Hands-on massage works the muscle broadly — kneading, warming, stripping
Graston targets specific scar tissue and adhesion patterns the clinician can detect through the instruments
Pressure is applied along precise vectors (linear strokes), often at angles a hand can’t replicate
The instruments amplify what the clinician feels — adhesions vibrate against the steel, telling the provider exactly where to work

Who performs it: at The Spine & Health Center of New Jersey, licensed Doctors of Physical Therapy and certified chiropractors with documented IASTM training perform Graston Technique treatments at all three of our Bergen County locations.

How Does the Graston Technique Work?

A Graston session begins with the clinician scanning the area of concern — applying gentle, even pressure with the instruments to detect fascial restrictions and scar tissue. Restricted tissue produces a distinctive vibration or “gritty” feel against the steel, telling the provider exactly where to target.

Once the affected areas are mapped, the clinician applies sustained, controlled strokes with the appropriate Graston instrument. The shape and angle of each instrument is matched to the body region — flat tools for broad muscle groups, contoured tools for joints and curves, smaller hooked tools for precision work around tendons.

The technique stimulates the body’s natural healing processes by:

Increases Local Blood Flow and Oxygenation Enhancing nutrient delivery and accelerating cellular repair.

Promotes Collagen Remodeling Supporting stronger, more organized tissue formation as adhesions break down.

Reduces Pain and Inflammation Releasing chronic muscular guarding that fuels persistent pain cycles.

Restores Normal Movement Patterns Joints and muscles regain full range of motion as fascial restrictions release.

Most patients feel a mild scraping or pressure sensation during the session — sometimes intense over restricted spots, easing as the tissue releases. A typical session lasts 15 to 30 minutes depending on the treatment area and the severity of restrictions. Graston is almost always combined with stretching, strengthening exercises, or other manual therapy as part of an integrated treatment plan.

Conditions Treated by the Graston Technique

The Graston Technique is most effective for chronic soft-tissue conditions that haven’t responded to massage, stretching, or rest. Below are the conditions we most often treat with Graston at our Bergen County clinics — listed roughly in order of how commonly patients seek us out for them.

1. Plantar Fasciitis

The plantar fascia along the bottom of the foot is one of the most common — and most well-studied — Graston targets. But heel pain rarely starts in the heel: tightness in the calf, Achilles tendon, and even the lower back can pull on the plantar fascia and produce symptoms. Our Graston protocol treats the entire posterior chain (calf, Achilles, plantar fascia) rather than only the painful spot, which is why patients often see relief when stretching, night splints, and orthotics alone haven’t worked.

2. Tennis Elbow and Golfer's Elbow (Lateral and Medial Epicondylitis)

Forearm tendinopathy is one of the most well-validated Graston indications. The instruments allow precise, controlled pressure on the affected tendon attachment without aggravating the inflammation underneath. Patients with tennis or golfer’s elbow who have plateaued on rest, bracing, and ice often respond rapidly to instrument-assisted soft-tissue work.

3. Chronic Neck and Back Pain

When muscle and fascial layers along the spine become bound by adhesions, traditional stretching can’t reach them. Graston uses contoured instruments to locate and release these restrictions, restoring spinal motion and reducing the recurring tension that drives chronic pain. We frequently combine Graston with chiropractic adjustments and physical therapy for back and neck cases.

4. Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Forearm fascial tightness contributes to median nerve compression at the wrist. Graston works the muscular and fascial chain along the forearm — often relieving carpal tunnel symptoms without surgery, particularly when symptoms are recent or moderate in severity.

5. IT Band Syndrome

The iliotibial band runs from hip to knee and develops fascial adhesions in distance runners, cyclists, and patients with biomechanical issues. Graston works the IT band along its full length, plus the connected hip and quadriceps muscles — addressing the cause, not just the lateral knee pain it produces.

6. Tendonitis (Achilles, Patellar, Rotator Cuff)

Tendons heal slowly and tend to develop scar tissue that limits motion long after the initial injury. Graston accelerates collagen remodeling at the affected tendon, helping resolve cases that have lingered for weeks or months despite rest and conservative treatment.

7. Rotator Cuff Injuries (Post-Acute)

Once the acute phase of a rotator cuff injury has stabilized, residual scar tissue limits shoulder mobility and produces recurring impingement. Graston restores rotator cuff tissue mobility safely after the inflammation phase resolves — often as a complement to physical therapy strengthening protocols.

8. Shin Splints (Medial Tibial Stress Syndrome)

Common in runners, dancers, and military training. Graston relieves the deep posterior compartment fascia that drives shin splints, often producing rapid relief in patients who’ve been told to “just stop running.”

9. Post-Surgical Scar Tissue

Scar tissue forms in predictable patterns around surgical sites and can restrict motion long after healing is complete. Once cleared by your surgeon, Graston safely breaks down adhesions around the scar and restores tissue glide — often dramatically improving mobility months or years post-surgery.

10. Sports Injuries and Recovery

Athletes use Graston both reactively (post-injury rehab) and proactively (recovery between training blocks, pre-season conditioning). The technique accelerates soft-tissue recovery, restores joint range of motion, and is regularly used by professional and collegiate sports teams worldwide.

Adhesions, Scar Tissue, and Muscle Restrictions — What Graston Actually Treats

Many patients arrive at our clinic confused about the language: their massage therapist mentioned “adhesions,” their doctor talked about “scar tissue,” a friend said it was “fascial restrictions,” and they’ve seen videos online calling it “muscle scraping.” The good news: these terms all describe the same underlying problem — and Graston is one of the most effective ways to treat it.

What is an adhesion? An adhesion is a region where soft tissue (muscle, fascia, tendon, or connective tissue) has become bound to itself or to neighboring structures, restricting normal motion. Adhesions form for many reasons: chronic overuse, repetitive strain, a single acute injury that healed with disorganized tissue, post-surgical recovery, or simply long periods of poor posture or immobility.

Why traditional therapy often misses them. Stretching can lengthen healthy tissue, but it doesn’t have the focal pressure to break down a bound restriction. Massage can warm and relax muscle, but it generally lacks the precision to target a specific adhesion. Foam rollers and lacrosse balls help with general soft-tissue maintenance but can’t reach the precise restrictions a trained clinician feels through Graston instruments.

Why Graston works. The stainless-steel instruments amplify what the clinician’s hands feel. Adhesions vibrate or “grit” against the steel, telling the provider exactly where to target. Sustained pressure along the right vector breaks the bound tissue down — and the body responds by laying down healthier, more organized collagen during recovery. Over multiple sessions, the restricted area regains normal mobility.

Other names you may hear: muscle scraping, fascial scraping, IASTM (Instrument-Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization), instrument-assisted massage, soft tissue mobilization with instruments. They’re all describing the same family of treatment — Graston Technique is the most well-known and well-trained protocol within that family.

Benefits of Graston Technique®

Patients who choose Graston Technique therapy at our clinics typically experience a combination of these benefits, often within just a few sessions:

Targets root-cause restrictions, not just symptoms.

Where ice, NSAIDs, and rest manage pain, Graston addresses the actual structural problem — the bound tissue producing the pain.

Restores natural mobility.

As adhesions break down, joints and muscles move more freely. Many patients report sleeping better, exercising more comfortably, and noticing relief in everyday activities (reaching overhead, bending forward, walking longer distances).

Accelerates healing.

Increased blood flow to the treated area delivers oxygen and nutrients faster, supporting collagen remodeling and shortening the recovery curve.

Works synergistically with other therapy.

Graston is rarely used in isolation. We combine it with physical therapy exercise, chiropractic adjustment, stretching protocols, cupping, or rehabilitation work — depending on what your specific case needs.

Reduces chronic muscle guarding.

Many patients with chronic pain develop reflex muscle tension around the affected area as a protective response. Graston releases that guarded tissue, breaking the pain → tension → more pain feedback loop.

Effective for both acute and chronic conditions.

Athletes use it to recover faster between training blocks; chronic-pain patients use it to break decade-old restrictions.

What to Expect During a Graston Session

Your first Graston session at The Spine & Health Center begins with a thorough assessment — your provider reviews your symptoms, range of motion, and the area of concern, and identifies which Graston instruments and treatment angles are appropriate for your case.

A typical session lasts 15 to 30 minutes, depending on the treatment area and severity of the restrictions. Here’s what each session looks like:

Warm-up: Light stretching or soft-tissue preparation to increase circulation in the area being treated. This makes the tissue more responsive and reduces post-session soreness.
Graston Application: Your provider uses smooth, contoured instruments to locate restricted tissue (often felt as a “gritty” or vibrating sensation against the steel). Once located, controlled strokes are applied along the affected fibers. You’ll feel mild scraping pressure — sometimes intense at the tightest spots, easing as the tissue softens. Pressure is always adjusted for comfort; communicate openly with your provider.
Post-Treatment Exercises: Targeted stretches or strengthening exercises reinforce the new mobility before you leave. Without this step, the tissue can re-tighten before your body cements the change.

What you’ll feel afterward: mild redness or temporary bruising over treated areas is normal — it’s the local blood-flow response that indicates the technique is working. Some patients feel mildly sore (similar to post-workout soreness) for 24 to 48 hours. Most report noticeable improvement in mobility and reduced pain within a few sessions. Drink extra water in the 24 hours following treatment to help the body clear metabolic byproducts.

Side Effects, Bruising & After-Care

The most common questions we get about Graston Technique involve what’s normal afterward — and what’s not. Here’s a clinician’s perspective.

Mild bruising is common — and usually a good sign. The Graston instruments break down adhesions by triggering a controlled local response. This means mild redness (called petechiae) or small bruise-like discoloration over treated areas is expected, particularly in the first 1 to 3 sessions. Bruising typically appears within a few hours, deepens slightly the next day, and clears within 5 to 7 days. Patients with sensitive skin, on blood thinners, or with thin tissue (older adults, post-surgical scars) may bruise more visibly than others.

Mild soreness for 24 to 48 hours is normal. Similar to post-exercise muscle fatigue, the treated tissue may feel tender or stiff the day after a session as the body responds to the breakdown of restrictions. This usually resolves quickly and is part of the healing process.

Side effects that are NOT typical (and warrant a callback to your provider):

Severe pain that persists more than 48 hours
Bruising that spreads far beyond the treated area
Numbness, tingling, or new neurological symptoms
Signs of infection (heat, swelling, fever)
Dizziness or lightheadedness during or after treatment

After-care recommendations:

Drink an extra 16 to 24 oz of water the day of treatment
Avoid heavy training of the treated muscle group for 24 hours
Light walking or movement is encouraged — it helps the body clear metabolic byproducts
Apply ice if soreness is significant; heat after the first 24 hours to encourage blood flow
Follow your prescribed home stretching protocol — it’s what cements the gains

Does the Graston Technique Actually Work? Evidence & Results

The Graston Technique is FDA-cleared, supported by published peer-reviewed research, and used by major collegiate and professional sports organizations (including NFL, MLB, and NCAA programs) — but the most relevant question for most patients is: “Will it work for me?”

What the research shows. Clinical studies on IASTM (the broader category Graston falls under) have demonstrated measurable improvements in pain, range of motion, and tissue remodeling for conditions like plantar fasciitis, lateral epicondylitis (tennis elbow), and Achilles tendonitis. The evidence is strongest for chronic, well-defined soft-tissue restrictions — exactly the types of cases most patients arrive with.

What we see clinically. Most patients report meaningful improvement within 3 to 6 sessions. Acute issues (recent injury, recent post-surgical scar tissue, a flare-up that hasn’t lingered) tend to resolve faster — sometimes in 2 to 4 sessions. Chronic restrictions that have been building for years may take 6 to 10 sessions to fully release. The pattern we see most often: a noticeable change after session 2 or 3, steady improvement through session 6, and a maintenance discussion around session 8 to 10.

“Before and after” — what changes

Reduced pain intensity (often the first measurable change)
Easier movement (turning the head, bending forward, reaching overhead)
Less stiffness on waking
Lower frequency of “flare-ups” between sessions
Improved tolerance of stretching and exercise

Who tends NOT to respond: Graston is not a cure-all. Patients with structural issues that require imaging (severe disc problems, advanced arthritis, undiagnosed nerve compression) need broader medical evaluation first. We always assess before we treat — if Graston isn’t the right tool, we’ll tell you and refer appropriately.

How Often Should You Receive Graston Treatments?

Treatment frequency depends on your specific condition, severity, and how your tissue responds to the first few sessions. As a general guideline:

Acute or recent injuries

2 sessions per week for the first 1 to 2 weeks, tapering as symptoms resolve. Most patients are out of active treatment within 4 to 6 sessions.

Chronic restrictions

1 to 2 sessions per week for 4 to 6 weeks, then re-assess. Long-standing restrictions often require 6 to 10 total sessions to fully release.

Post-surgical scar tissue

Once cleared by your surgeon (typically 6 to 12 weeks post-op), 1 session per week for 6 to 8 weeks is a common protocol. Earlier intervention often produces better long-term mobility.

Maintenance care (after active treatment ends)

Many patients move into maintenance care every 4 to 8 weeks, particularly athletes, people with physically demanding jobs, or anyone with a tendency toward muscle tightness or scar tissue formation.

The minimum effective dose: tissue change requires consistent stimulus — one Graston session per month isn’t usually enough to drive lasting structural improvement during active treatment. We generally recommend at least weekly sessions until you’re stable. Your provider will design your specific protocol after the initial assessment.

Graston Technique vs. Other Soft Tissue Therapies

Patients often ask how Graston compares to similar-sounding therapies. Here’s how it differs from the most common alternatives we get questions about.

Graston vs. Gua Sha

Gua Sha is a traditional Chinese medicine practice using a smooth-edged tool (often jade, ceramic, or bone) to scrape skin and superficial tissue. The technique looks visually similar to Graston, but the goals are different — Gua Sha primarily promotes circulation and lymphatic drainage. Graston targets specific musculoskeletal adhesions and scar tissue with diagnostic precision, applies more localized pressure, and is performed by licensed clinicians as part of a medical treatment plan rather than a wellness or beauty service.

Graston vs. ASTYM

ASTYM (Augmented Soft Tissue Mobilization) is a similar instrument-assisted technique using polymer rather than stainless-steel tools. The two have substantial clinical overlap; in practice, the choice between them usually comes down to clinician training and preference. Both are evidence-based IASTM protocols. Our clinicians are Graston-certified — that's our protocol of choice.

Graston vs. ART (Active Release Technique)

ART uses provider hands (no instruments) combined with active patient movement — the patient moves through a specific motion while the clinician applies sustained pressure. Where Graston is a passive treatment, ART is dynamic. They're complementary, not competing. Many of our cases benefit from both: ART for the active-movement patterns, Graston for the precision adhesion work.

Graston vs. Dry Needling

Dry needling targets trigger points using thin filiform needles. The mechanism (deep neural and muscular release) is fundamentally different from Graston (mechanical instrument breakdown of fascial adhesions). For deep, palpable trigger points, dry needling is often more direct. For surface-to-mid-depth fascial restrictions and scar tissue, Graston reaches more efficiently.

Graston vs. Foam Rolling and At-Home Tools

Foam rolling and percussion massagers work for general muscle maintenance. They can't match the precision a trained clinician achieves with Graston instruments — and they can't safely treat scar tissue or specific adhesions. Use them as a complement to clinical care, not a replacement.

Graston vs. Myofascial Release

Myofascial Release uses sustained hand pressure (90–120 seconds per spot) to release diffuse fascial layers, while Graston uses linear strokes with steel instruments for targeted scar tissue and adhesions. The most stubborn cases benefit from both. Learn more about our Myofascial Release Therapy →

Is the Graston Technique Safe?

Yes — when performed by trained, certified clinicians, the Graston Technique is safe and well-tolerated. The technique is FDA-cleared and used in clinical settings worldwide, including by collegiate and professional sports medicine programs.

Trained clinicians only. Only providers who complete formal Graston Technique training are authorized to perform it. Avoid any setting where untrained providers are using the instruments.
Not appropriate for active infection, open wounds, or unhealed fractures over the treated area. Your provider screens for these contraindications during the initial assessment.
Use caution with blood thinners or bleeding disorders. More visible bruising can occur. Tell your provider if you take anticoagulants.
Skin sensitivity. Some patients with very thin skin (older adults, certain medical conditions) may need lighter pressure than typical.

We assess every patient’s history and tissue tolerance before beginning treatment to ensure the technique is appropriate and safely applied.

Why Choose The Spine & Health Center of New Jersey?

At The Spine & Health Center of New Jersey, the Graston Technique is performed by clinicians with documented IASTM training across all three of our Bergen County locations.

Our Graston-trained clinicians:

Dr. Christopher Flynn, DPT (Montvale) — Doctor of Physical Therapy with extensive soft-tissue therapy experience including IASTM and instrument-assisted protocols
Greg Ledbetter, PT, DPT (Montvale) — Specializes in IASTM and manual fascia work for sports performance and post-surgical recovery
Dr. Michael O’Reilly, DC (Closter) — Chiropractor combining IASTM and cupping for integrated soft-tissue care

You can meet our full clinical team here, where each provider’s training, certifications, and specialty focus are documented.

What sets our practice apart:

Integrated care under one roof. Physical therapy, chiropractic, acupuncture, and rehabilitation all coordinate on a single treatment plan — not three separate referrals to three separate offices.
Both athletic and post-surgical expertise. Our clinicians treat weekend warriors, competitive athletes, post-op patients, and chronic-pain cases with appropriate technique calibration for each.
Evidence-based protocols. Graston is one tool — never the only tool. We combine it with PT exercise, chiropractic adjustment, stretching protocols, and other modalities based on what your specific case needs.
Convenient Bergen County access. Three locations: Closter, Park Ridge, and Montvale — each with weekday hours and Saturday availability at Closter.
Insurance accepted. Most major plans cover Graston when performed by a licensed PT or chiropractor as part of a treatment plan; we verify benefits before your first visit.

Insurance & Cost

Is the Graston Technique covered by insurance? In most cases, yes. When Graston is performed by a licensed Doctor of Physical Therapy or chiropractor as part of a treatment plan, it’s typically covered under your existing chiropractic or physical therapy benefits. Coverage varies by plan; our front desk verifies your specific benefits before your first appointment so you know what to expect.

Plans we typically work with: Aetna, Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield, Cigna, Empire BlueCross BlueShield, Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield, Oxford, UnitedHealthcare, and most other major commercial plans, plus Medicare and several major workers’ compensation and motor vehicle accident insurers. Call any of our three locations to verify your specific coverage.

Out-of-pocket costs. For patients without insurance, or whose plans don’t cover the technique, transparent self-pay rates are available. Ask our front desk for current pricing during your initial call.

Schedule An Appointment!

If you’ve been searching for the Graston Technique near you and want relief from chronic adhesions, scar tissue, or stubborn soft-tissue pain that hasn’t responded to other treatments — we’re here to help.

📍 Visit us at one of our Bergen County locations:

Closter: 31 Vervalen St, Closter, NJ 07624
Park Ridge: 146 Kinderkamack Rd, Park Ridge, NJ 07656
Montvale: 32 Philips Pkwy, Montvale, NJ 07645

We see patients from across northern New Jersey — Bergen County, Passaic County, and the NYC metro area — Monday through Saturday. Same-week appointments are typically available; for athletes in-season or patients with acute injuries, we prioritize fast scheduling.

FAQs About the Graston Technique®

Is the Graston Technique painful?

Most patients feel mild discomfort during treatment, similar to deep tissue massage. Pressure is always adjusted for comfort.

How many sessions will I need?

Most conditions improve within 4–6 sessions, though chronic injuries may require more.

Can the Graston Technique cause bruising?

Mild redness or temporary bruising can occur—it’s a normal part of the healing response.

Who can benefit from the Graston Technique?

Athletes, post-surgical patients, and anyone experiencing chronic soft tissue pain can benefit from this therapy.

Is Graston the same as massage therapy?

No. While both address soft tissue tension, Graston uses specialized instruments to reach deeper adhesions and promote long-term healing.

Is the Graston Technique covered by insurance?

It’s often included under physical therapy or chiropractic benefits. Our staff will confirm your coverage before treatment.

Does the Graston Technique have any side effects?

The most common side effect is mild bruising or temporary skin redness over treated areas — this is a normal local response and usually clears within 5 to 7 days. Some patients also feel mildly sore for 24 to 48 hours, similar to post-exercise muscle fatigue. Severe pain, spreading bruising, numbness, or signs of infection are NOT typical and should be reported to your provider.

How long does it take to see results from the Graston Technique?

Most patients notice meaningful change within 3 to 6 sessions. Acute issues often resolve faster (2 to 4 sessions); chronic restrictions that have been building for years may take 6 to 10 sessions. The pattern we see most often is a noticeable improvement after session 2 or 3, steady progress through session 6, and a maintenance discussion around session 8 to 10.

External Resource

Learn more about Graston certification, the official protocol, and the evidence base for the technique at the Official Graston Technique® website. The technique was developed in the 1990s and is now used by clinicians and athletic programs worldwide.

Service Areas

We proudly serve patients from across northern New Jersey and the NYC metro area, including:

Bergen County, NJ: Closter, Park Ridge, Montvale, Westwood, Hillsdale, Woodcliff Lake, Alpine, Englewood, Dumont, Hackensack, Tenafly, Demarest, Cresskill, Norwood, and surrounding towns
Passaic County, NJ: Wayne, Totowa, Hawthorne, North Haledon, and surrounding areas
New York City metro: Manhattan, the Bronx, and the broader NYC area — convenient by the George Washington Bridge or Lincoln Tunnel

Patients regularly travel 20 to 40 minutes to our clinics for the Graston Technique because it’s not widely available — only a small fraction of physical therapists and chiropractors are Graston-certified, and very few clinics offer the integrated, multi-specialty care we provide alongside it.

SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT →

SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT: