The effect of mechanical load on degenerated soft tissue.

OBJECTIVE To present a form of therapeutic mechanical load, Graston Technique (GT)-an instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization method) in three case studies including supraspinatus tendinosis, Achilles tendinosis, and plantar fasciosis. METHOD In each case study, case history and functional testing confirmed the presence of a condition characterized by degenerated soft tissue. Each condition was treated according to the GT protocol. GT is a patented form of treatment using stainless steel instruments designed with a unique curvilinear treatment edge, contoured to fit various shapes of the body. RESULTS The GT method of load deformation to soft tissue resulted in the elimination of pain and normalization of the positive functional tests that revealed the conditions of supraspinatus tendinosis, Achilles tendinosis, and plantar fasciosis. CONCLUSION This method of mechanical deformation load on soft tissue lesions is unique for its ability to both detect and treat areas of degenerated tissue. It deserves further consideration for basic research.