How passive treatments work

Do these items or techniques like Graston, massage, cupping, foam rolling, etc. break up scar tissue or lengthen muscle? No, but they do help! These items typically help your tissues relax, which in turn relieves tension and can allow more motion.

This is a neurophysiological response to a novel stimulus. I liken it to waking the tissue out of its usual stupor using a strange new sensation.

And because the effects are temporary and short lived, timing is a factor. These tools are best used before movement, activity, or a workout.

These techniques can also help with pain - you know when you bang your elbow and it feels better when you rub it? It’s because your brain focuses on the rubbing rather than the discomfort. The sensations felt from these items can override pain signals.

So while there is a lack of research evidence demonstrating the often purported magical effects of these treatments, I still utilize them - if it makes my client feel and move better. But it’s critical to me that clients understand why it’s being used and what it’s actually doing.