Hand Therapists Have Edge With Graston Technique

By Jessica Polley

At McKenzie-Willamette Hand Therapy Center, our two Certified Hand Therapists:

Jude Emmanere, OTR/L, CHT

Carrie Meadowcroft, OTR/L, CHT

as well as Certified Therapy Assistant, Kathie Umenhofer, COTA

have completed their training and certificiation to use Graston Technique™.

The Graston Technique is a scientifically advanced method of instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization that enables the clinician to break down scar tissue and restrictions.

This Technique utilizes a specially designed stainless steel instrument to detect and effectively treat problematic areas. Because the instruments greatly enhance the ability to detect and isolate specific areas causing pain, weakness and limiting function, patients can return to a productive lifestyle more quickly with the best use of their hands.

“It’s important for the community that we are certified in this specialty technique,” explains Jude Emmanere. “It greatly benefits our patients by contributing to a reduction in the amount of time and expense related to therapy.”

With more than four years experience with the Graston instruments, the therapists at the Center use Graston Technique and instruments for post-operative scarring and/or adhesions, pulled muscles and conditions such as tennis elbow, as well as other injuries prohibiting hand and arm function.

The Graston Technique was created in 1994 and is now practiced by more than 2500 clinicians throughout the World. All clinicians must go through two module sessions for certification.

“We have seen the number of treatment visits a patient needs decrease with great outcomes for our patients,” Emmanere says