Dr. Bryan D. Royer of Toledo, OH recently completed testing to be certified as a Graston Technique Specialist (GTS) and continues to treat patients with GT at Harmony Chiropractic Center, Inc. Although Dr. Royer was the first healthcare provider in the Toledo area to be certified in Graston Technique, a new certification was recently announced and Dr. Royer completed the examination to achieve the credentials

The advanced training included lecture and lab applications of the Graston Technique^® in the diagnosis, treatment and rehabilitation of soft-tissue lesions of the upper and lower extremities as well as the spine. many hours of coursework incorporated the use of weight, resistance and motion in treatment as well as current trends in treating myofascial restrictions.

GT is used to treat injuries like tennis and golfer’s elbow, plantar fasciitis, and IT Band Syndrome, a condition common among runners. “Graston Technique^® allows me to target these conditions with a high degree of specificity and return patients to their lives pain free,” said Dr. Royer.

Graston Technique^® is a unique, evidence-based form of instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization that enables clinicians to effectively and efficiently address soft tissue lesions and fascial restrictions resulting in improved patient outcomes. GT uses specially-designed stainless steel instruments with unique treatment edges and angles to deliver an effective means of manual therapy. The technique uses specially-designed stainless steel instruments with unique treatment edges and angles to deliver an effective means of manual therapy. The use of the GT instruments, when combined with appropriate therapeutic exercise, leads to the restoration of pain-free movement and function.

The instruments are not meant to replace a clinician’s hands, but to complement them. Historically, the Graston Technique® has had positive outcomes in 75-90 percent of all conditions treated. It is equally effective in restoring function to acute and chronic injuries, and pre- and post-surgical patients. The Technique also:

• Improves diagnostic treatment
• Increases patient satisfaction by achieving notably faster and better outcomes
• Speeds rehabilitation and recovery
• Reduces the need for anti-inflammatory medication
• Allows the patient to continue to engage in everyday activities

“Graston Technique® can be used to treat any movement system dysfunction that has been determined to have a soft tissue component,” said Dr. Royer. Being a Graston Technique Specialist sets Dr. Royer apart in that others providers claim to do soft tissue work and myofascial release, but may have not been properly trained. This credential sets Dr. Royer apart in that he has the training and qualification to use instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization with at a higher level of skill due to the advanced training and the thousands of treatments that he has performed since 2004.

Dr Royer also took advanced IASTM coursework using the FAKTR concept in 2015. FAKTR stands for Functional and Kinetic Treatment with Rehabilitation and is more of a treatment concept than it is a specific technique. It is a complement to the Graston Technique and was developed by a longtime Graston Technique instructor with the intention of it being an additional course.

The Graston Technique® instruments, while enhancing the clinician’s ability to detect fascial adhesions and restrictions, have been clinically proven to achieve quicker and better outcomes in treating both acute and chronic conditions, including:

• Neck Pain – Cervical Sprain/Strain
• Ankle Pain – Achilles Tendinitis/osis
• Low Back Pain – Lumbar Sprain/Strain
• Shoulder Pain – Rotator Cuff Tendinitis/osis
• Golfer’s Elbow – Medial Epicondylitis/osis
• Tennis Elbow – Lateral Epicondylitis/osis
• Wrist Pain – Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
• Knee Pain – Patellofemoral Disorders
• Foot Pain – Plantar Fasciitis/osis
• Fibromyalgia
• Scar Tissue
• Shin Splints
• Trigger Finger
• Scarring: Post-mastectomy
• Scarring: Caesarean Scarring

The Technique provides patients with an evidence-based option in the treatment of musculoskeletal complaints.  For further information or to schedule an appointment, contact Dr. Royer at 419-517-5055.

For more information, go to GrastonTechnique.com.