Graston Technique Strokes

8 Basic IASTM Strokes in M1

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Sweeping

Instruments: all

Scanning, edema

Contact points of an iastm instrument move in one direction at the same speed in a linear or curved path.

Fanning

Instruments: GT1, GT2, GT4, GT5

Localized scanning

While one end of the iastm tool is put still, serving as the fulcrum, the contact points move in an arched path. Hence the name.

Brushing

Instruments: GT3, Mobilization of superficial fascia and desensitization.

Linear superficial stroking motion with small amplitude in any direction. However, the direction should be maintained constant once chosen, not back and forth. It’s similar to gua sha scraping technique.

Strumming

Instruments: GT1, GT3, GT4, Mobilization of specific restrictions.

Linear deep stroking motion with small amplitude, perpendicular to fiber direction. To provide treatment specificity joints should be mobilized in one direction at a time.

Brushing VS Strumming = Superficial vs Deep, and Multidirectional vs Perpendicular to fibers

Don’t strum without prior brushing.

J-Stroke

Instruments: GT3, tip of GT6. Mobilization of deep or superficial restrictions.

Deep of superficial stroke in a J shaped motion.

Swivel

Instruments: GT1, knob of GT2, GT5, GT6.

Scooping

Instruments: GT1, GT2, GT4, GT5, GT6 – concave.

Framing

Instruments: GT2, GT3

Lifting soft tissues from bony landmarks, such as knee caps, ribs, etc., to release tissue tension. It is completed with small treatment edges (GT2 knobs or GT3 edges) in a series of scooping movements.