20 Weeks - Graston Technique
20 Weeks Post Op
It has now been 20 weeks since my second Achilles surgery. Progress is occurring, but it is slow. Definitely testing my patience. I’m still dealing with some discomfort at the distal end of the tendon and a bit of overall stiffness in the ankle which is probably a cause of the slow progress. I continue to work with a physical therapist about once a week and do plenty of daily exercises at the gym and in the pool.
I had a follow up appointment yesterday with my surgeon. It was a good chance to discuss my progress in person. Like my PT, the surgeon wasn’t too concerned about the discomfort/tenderness/pain as he felt everything looked like it was healing properly. He reiterated that my tendon has gone through a lot of trauma in the last two years, and it will likely just take some more time to feel more comfortable. While I understood his response and know that time is definitely a part of the healing process, I pressed him a little further to see if there wasn’t anything more I could do besides the PT exercises and playing the waiting game. After a bit more discussion he suggested trying the Graston technique of tissue massage to help break down some of the scar tissue.
I am somewhat familiar with the Graston technique from reading about the process following my first surgery, although I never pursued it further. I understand the technique can be a bit painful the first few times, but that’s not a concern if it helps my healing. I am definitely eager to give something else a try.
So, now I’m searching for a therapist who is qualified to administer the Graston technique. I will keep you posted on the results. Cheers!
Filed under: Uncategorized
Glad to see you are still improving.
I had an email from Smish yesterday and she asked if I was going to have Graston treatment, she knows people who have had it. It isn’t something I have heard about here in the UK but I will ask my physio tomorrow.
Best of luck, your deserve an extra special Christmas.
Annie
Hey Tom: I had Graston done and it was pretty painful. A good therapist will not push you with more than you can take and I would expect some additional bruising after each treatment. I also had to do additional icing post treatment. I most definitely got more mobility that I noticed starting after the second treatment.
[WORDPRESS HASHCASH] The poster sent us ‘0 which is not a hashcash value.
Tom, good to read an update from you. I have been looking for an update the last couple of days wondering how you are doing. As for Graston, I’ve had it. I have to say it was a bit uncomfortable, but I think it helped. My therapist never did it for more than 5 min or so. My entire leg was red after, but I always felt like I had more snap in my tendon and calf after the procedure. It did loosen me up, and noticeably softened the scar tissue. I never looked forward to it, but I always felt better afterward. Let us know if you find a therapist near you.
Jim - Sorry I’ve been slow with the updates. Unfortunately the progress has been slow, so there hasn’t been much to share. Thanks for the insight on Graston. I’ve heard it can be painful and leaves you a bit bruised, but it seems like it’s worth trying. I was able to find a PT who’s Graston certified in a clinic that’s only a few miles away from home and work. I have any appointment next Tues. so I’ll let you know how it goes. How have you been? Any more strength returning to the calf?
Tom, I have been well. I still am making slow gains in the calf. It doesn’t keep me from doing anything but I can still get my heel only an inch or so off the ground. I don’t think about it as much as I used to, but some days it really frustrates me, and others I’m thankful that this is my only physical problem. I liked the graston, let us know what you think. Have a great Holiday.
Jim
I had my cast off last tuesday, it had been on for 6 weeks. I had PT the same day and since then have had two other appointments within the week. The PT has been adminerstring the Graston Technique which is quite painful, but in the week I have been stretching the tendon, swimming every morning and am actually walking around the house without crutches now, the swelling is hardly noticable, the difference in one week of PT has been incredible. The PT showed me how to massage my own calf to get rid of the fluid that causes the swelling.
Anybody doubting PT’s, don’t they do a world of good.
Good luck to all and be safe over the festive season.
Graston technique works wonders for these types of conditions. However, I found better results when combining Graston with post-treatment exercise and at times even utilizing Graston during exercise. Something to keep in mind.
Best wishes.