So I’ve had a rather lengthy problem with one of my calves. After yet another trip to the PT and on the suggestion of another person I ended up going to a chiro that does Graston. The first 2 sessions seemed to help a little but nothing major. On the 3rd session I reiterated where the problem was and he did some more aggressive treatment in that area. This appeared to work like a miracle at first . For the first time in probably a year and a half I was waking up without pa dull ache in the area affected. This lasted for about 3 days and the pain came back a little.
That however is not my problem but I thought th e situation needed some background. The following week a couple days after the pain started coming back I developed a MASSIVE knot in the calf. This was unlike any other knot I’ve every had in the sense that it was MUCH harder, like a freakin’ rock and larger. I went back for the fourth session and he worked almost entirely on this knew knot and was VERY aggressive, IOW it really hurt like a b&^#$.
Afterward I was bruised and very sore for 3-4 days and still have lingering pain. The pain issue is that I’m feeling more knots although not as large. These are small pebble sized, and like a pebble hard, about dime size. I’m wondering if I’m simply not reacting to the treatment well or if this is normal or what. I’ve NEVER had knots of this type, this nature or accrue this quickly. My training right now is really minimal and very easy compared to the volume and intensity that in the past has caused muscle knots, of the other more pliable nature.
I plan on making another appointment with my PT to get his opinion on the “normality” of these new knots, but was wondering if anyone here had heard of similar reactions to Graston. I’ve asked the chiro and he says he has no idea why these knots developed, but he can get them out. Which he can and does but at this rate I would need to go see him after every other run.
Without Graston, I would not be able to run today. My chiro is great, but he says some can get a little rough and aggressive with the technique, which causes bruising, etc.
I’m unfamiliar with the Graston technique per sae, but as a chiro, there are a zillion different technique systems offered on weekend courses, some good, some bad, many over lapping, but each usually claiming that theirs is the best. I’ve taken a bunch of these type seminars over the years but have never limited myself to any one way of doing things in practise.
Having said that, it’s possible that you could have had a reaction to the treatment, that happens sometimes to a small % of chiro patients. I wouldn’t necessarily blame it on the technique he used, but as mentioned, I’m not familiar with the Graston methods.
Not trying to “Blame” anyone for anything just trying to find out if anyone has had similar experiences. As stated the technique appears to be working for one issue, but also seems to be causing another. I’m wondering if indeed maybe the application is just to aggressive and my muscles are simply “Re-adhering” to themselves for some reason.
Again looking for answers not to blame. No doubt in my mind that the technique works, removes knots like a miracle, but I’m wondering if to intense may cause other issues.
Could also be that I’m in that small % as my mother has a history of adhesions, which I understand to be an affinity for shiznitz to stick together ones it’s been injured. Could be I’m experiencing something similar.
I’ve been plagued with calf strains on and off for 4 years. I finally tried a PT who did graston. After 3-4 sessions, the 2nd one just about killed me and I was bruised for about a week, but I haven’t had anymore calf issues since then. I’ve never had new knots develop as a result of any of the sessions however.
just had graston done on hamstring one week ago. painful to be sure and “most” of the bruising is finally gone. the two days after were actually worse than the initial treatment. but, it has helped. did not get any knots or other adverse reaction to it and it was a large area that she worked over. the adhesions i had seem to be significantly lessened, although i’m scheduled for another torture session next week and likely need it to finish the job.
sounds like maybe you got too much bruising and some clotting perhaps?