Graston Technique in Burnsville, MN — instrument-assisted soft-tissue therapy that breaks down scar tissue and adhesions to restore motion and speed injury recovery.
Eagle Trace Spine & Sport
Graston Technique in Burnsville
When an injury heals, the body lays down scar tissue — and that scar tissue can leave a muscle or tendon stiff, weak, and prone to re-injury long after the original problem should be gone. Graston Technique at Eagle Trace Spine & Sport uses specially designed instruments to find and break down those adhesions so the tissue can heal properly. It's a go-to tool for stubborn overuse injuries and old strains that never quite resolved.
Your clinician glides the instruments over the area to locate the exact adhesions and scar tissue driving your pain and stiffness.
Step 2
Targeted instrument work
Controlled strokes break down the restrictions and trigger a fresh healing response — brief, focused, and matched to what your tissue can tolerate.
Step 3
Reinforce with movement
We pair Graston with stretching, rehab, and chiropractic care so the freed-up tissue rebuilds strong and the injury doesn't simply return.
Why patients choose it
Benefits of graston technique
Breaks down scar tissue and adhesions from old injuries
Restores normal motion to stiff, restricted tissue
Speeds recovery from stubborn overuse injuries
Reduces chronic tendon and muscle pain
Complements chiropractic adjustments and rehab
Helps prevent re-injury by restoring healthy tissue
The basics
About graston technique
Healthy muscle, tendon, and fascia glide smoothly against one another. After an injury, surgery, or chronic overuse, the body repairs the area with disorganized scar tissue and adhesions that bind those layers together. The result is a tissue that feels tight, hurts with use, and doesn't tolerate load the way it should — which is why so many overuse injuries become chronic.
Graston Technique uses stainless-steel instruments contoured to the body. As the clinician glides them across the tissue, they can detect the rough, restricted areas and apply controlled pressure to break down the adhesions. That kick-starts a fresh healing response, brings circulation back to the area, and lets the tissue reorganize along healthy lines. Paired with adjustments and rehab, it's one of the most effective ways to get a stubborn soft-tissue injury moving again.
What is Graston Technique?
Graston Technique is a form of instrument-assisted soft-tissue mobilization (IASTM). Using specially designed stainless-steel instruments, a trained clinician can detect and treat areas of scar tissue, adhesions, and fascial restriction in muscles, tendons, and ligaments — the kind of damage that keeps an injury feeling stiff and weak long after it should have healed.
At Eagle Trace Spine & Sport in Burnsville, Dr. Jeff Plaster pairs Graston with chiropractic care and rehab so the technique does more than provide temporary relief — it helps the tissue heal in a way that lasts.
What to expect
Your clinician begins by gliding the instruments over the affected area. Restricted, scarred tissue feels different under the instrument, which helps pinpoint exactly where the problem is. From there, controlled strokes break down the adhesions and stimulate a fresh healing response.
Sessions are short and focused. You may feel some tenderness, and minor short-term bruising is normal as circulation returns to the area. Most patients are surprised how much looser the tissue feels even after the first few visits — especially when Graston is combined with stretching and the right rehab exercises.
Who it helps
Graston Technique is a strong fit for patients dealing with:
Graston works best as part of an integrated plan — not a standalone fix. Dr. Jeff Plaster’s team combines it with chiropractic care, Active Release Technique, and targeted rehab so the freed-up tissue rebuilds strong. Visit our new patients page or contact us to find out whether Graston is right for your injury.
Still have questions? Contact us — we're happy to help.
Does Graston Technique hurt?+
You may feel pressure and some tenderness over restricted areas, and mild short-term bruising is normal. It shouldn't be sharp or unbearable — your clinician adjusts pressure to what you tolerate, and most patients find it very manageable.
What conditions does Graston help most?+
It works especially well for soft-tissue injuries with scar tissue or chronic tightness — plantar fasciitis, tennis and golfer's elbow, rotator-cuff issues, shin splints, and lingering strains that never fully healed.
How many sessions will I need?+
Many patients notice improvement within a few sessions; a typical course runs several visits over a few weeks, often paired with adjustments and rehab. Dr. Plaster will include a recommendation in your care plan after your exam.
Is the bruising normal?+
Light bruising or redness over treated areas can happen and fades within a few days. It's a normal part of the healing response the technique stimulates. Let your clinician know if you bruise easily so they can tailor the pressure.
“I started coming to Eagle Trace after a car accident because I was having a lot of back and neck pain. Dr. Jeff has been great to work with and has helped me feel much better over time. They offer many treatments, including spinal decompression, rehabilitation exercises, back roller machines, chiropractic adjustments, and massage therapy. The entire team is friendly, caring, and always takes the time to make sure you are comfortable. What I appreciate most is that I never feel rushed during my appointments. They truly listen and focus on helping you recover. I have always felt well taken care of here. I highly recommend Eagle Trace to anyone looking for quality care for back, neck, or injury-related pain.”
agabhishek guptaVerified review · Google”
“I walked in today and was treated fantastic by the entire staff. Dr. Jeff, seemed to genuinely care for my needs. He was able to adjust some stubborn areas that have been difficult for other Chiropractors. I left feeling so much better! I highly suggest and recommend this place. I will continue to seek care here! Thank you, Lance P.s They have an amazing Mike Tyson boxing glove up on the wall. Punch🥊”
LCLance ChristiansVerified review · Google”
“I had a deep tissue massage with Carol and it was exceptional. I had tightness, stiffness in specific areas and could not stand upright. After her 1hr session I could quickly, comfortably stand upright. I felt better but sore, need a day of recovery being an older gentleman. She very is professional. All of this through a Groupon I purchased. No downsizing in services because of the Groupon like another place ahem-Massage MN. 1 session and she got to the root cause. I definitely will book her services again and the location is not bad. 5 Stars for Carol. UPDATE: 6/3/26 I went in to see Dr. Jeff for Chiropractic Adjustments under my Groupon and I can confidently say Dr Jeff is an exceptional Doctor. He is one of the rare Physicians that has a deep passion for his profession. He utilizes new chiropractic techniques/technologies and is educated on the one that are bad for you. I came in with lower back, calf leg, tight glutes pain and his 1st adjustment made a difference that I can now as I typing this can feel. I am looking forward to his treatments in the future. From my recent past experience with a Groupon Chiropractor-HealthSource Edina I was treated substandard by comparison to Eagle Trace. Many businesses that decide to use Groupon as a way to get clients/customers in truth do not want to do so and it shows by the way they provide substandard service as I received through HealthSource. Eagle Trace Spine and Sport treats his clients/customers with respect, appreciation, enthusiasm, attention to detail and above all the massage and chiropractic services are EXCEPTIONAL. If you are seeking highly educated Chiropractic Services and immediately effective Massage Therapy Services I recommend Eagle Trace Spine and Sport-Burnsville, MN.”
