Therapists’ Specialties

Graston Technique

The Graston Technique is a patented form of instrument assisted soft tissue mobilization that enhances a clinician’s hands in the releasing of acute or chronically inflamed /fibrotic tissue.  This technique utilizes six uniquely shaped stainless steel instruments that act like a stethoscope for the tissue.  Passing over areas of scar tissue, spasm, or swelling the “tools” as referred to by patients vibrate in the clinician’s hands identifying the exact locations needed for treatment. The curvilinear edges of the “tools” do not compress like the fat pads of the fingers during manual therapy mobilization allowing for multi-level penetration.  The increased sensitivity to palpation allows for precise and deeper penetration facilitating improved circulation, re-generation and re-modeling of the tissue.

The technique separates and breaks down collagen cross – links, splaying and stretching connective tissue and muscle fibers. Increased cellular activity in the region includes fibroblasts and mast cells.  Histamine response is increased secondary to mast cell activity. Improved circulation, skin temperature, and facilitation of reflex changes in the chronic muscle holding pattern are also produced by applying the Graston Technique.

The Graston Technique (GT) was developed in the early 90’s by a former athlete who experienced knee stiffness and tightness following a water skiing accident.  He coupled his knowledge of machining with researchers at Ball State University in Indiana to develop the GT instruments and treatment protocols. The technique of cross fiber massage is grounded in the works of James Cyriax, an English Orthopedist.

Conditions that are effectively treated with GT “Tools” are:

• Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
• DeQuervain’s Syndrome
• Golfer’s/Tennis Elbow
• Medial/Lateral Epicondylitis
• Rotator Cuff Tendonitis
• Cervical Sprain / Strain
• Lumbar Sprain /Strain
• Patellofemoral Disorders
• Shin Splints
• Achilles Tendonitis
• Plantar Fasciitis
• Post- surgical scarring

Advantages to the patient:

• Promotes quicker rehabilitation/recovery time
• Reduces need for anti-inflammatory medications
• Resolves chronic conditions thought to be permanent
• Able to engage in every day activities.

Patient testimonials:

“This technique was very effective in helping me regain the flexibility in my wrist. I no longer am scared of it…. I welcome it!!”  Stacy D.

“I feel between 50 – 100% improvement in my knee stiffness and tightness. I have less tension and strain performing my daily activities and chores.”  Tressa W.

“I am able to walk on uneven ground, go up and down stairs and drive easier because of the mobility I achieved through the Graston Technique sessions.“ Dawn C.

This innovative technique is now available to residents of Greater Lansing. Pam Gordon PT,  a Certified Graston Technique Provider has recently joined the staff of Orthopaedic Rehab Specialists. P.C.  in Holt, MI.  The use of the “tools” continues to expand.  It is a part of the curriculum at 32 respected colleges and universities. At the present time over 7500 clinicians, 825 outpatient facilities and 120 professional/amateur sport organizations utilize the Graston Technique. Pam is one of only 8 CERTIFIED PROVIDERS in the state of Michigan.  She maybe reached at 517-268-9040.

Women's Health Therapy

The pelvic floor is a major component of the musculoskeletal system, but the most overlooked.  Cheryl Kennedy DPT, is trained in women’s health therapy and can help you take control through re-training of in-coordinated muscles, electrical stimulation, biofeedback and pelvic floor exercises.

Ask your doctor for a referral and start your journey to relief today!

Woman’s health therapy is private, confidential therapy that can help evaluate and treat the problem of:

• Sexual discomfort
• Urinary incontinence
• Pelvic pain
• Painful bowel movements or constipation
• Restricted movement of hips or lumbar spine

WellWave Therapy 

WellWave is Acoustic Compression Therapy  (ACT)™

A sound approach to treating acute and chronic musculoskeletal pain. Acoustic Compression Therapy is widely used in the treatment of acute and chronic pain in muscles, tendons, and joints. ACT describes the use of acoustic waves to target tissue at varying depths to compress and manipulte tissue resulting in a focused and precise deep tissue massage. The results of the mechanical stimulus delivered by ACT can lead to increased circulation and pain relief-key components in the healing process.

The acoustic waves generated by the WellWave painlessly pass through the body and converge at a point deep within the soft tissue to produce intense, extremely short duration compression event. The focused acoustic compression is translated to tissue to provide a massage with pin-point accuracy to the affected area.

A typical WellWave treatment takes between 10 and 20 minutes. Normally, 1-2 treatments per week are perfomed with a total of three to five treatments may be necessary before lasting improvement is achieved. With acute pain, a single session is often successful. 

What to expect during your Acoustic Compression Therapy treatment: 

1. Your therapist will identify the treatment site or sites. They may mark these sites. 
2. They will then apply a thin coat of coupling gel. This gel helps to translate the acoustic sound waves generated by the therapy head to the body. 
3. The therapist will start the treatment at a very low output setting and increase the power to a level that you help define and is best suited for your condition. The output level and acoustic wave frequency rate may vary from location to location based on the depth and type of tissue being treated. 
4. As the therapist moves the therapy source around the treament area, you may feel a deep, dull ache that is familiar to you as being like the feeling your condition produces. The therapist will ask you to report when you feel the ache and will adjust the output of the device to the appropriate level for your treatment. They may also ask you to confirm that the therapy source is still creating the ache and may adjust the location of the treament based on your feedback. If at anytime the treatment becomes uncomfortable, mention this to the therapist and they will adjust the output level. 
5. After the treatment is completed, the coupling gel will be removed and you can return to your normal activities. You may experience some minor aches or discomfort after treatment. It is not unusual for patients to notice flushed or reddened skin around the treatment site. '

Physical Therapist, Jerry Malone PT, is trained in Acoustic Compression Therapy and is located at our Total Joint and Aquatic Center.