Soft Tissue Modalities Including Graston Technique, Cupping & Dry Needling
What Are Soft Tissue Modalities?
Soft tissue modalities are specialized hands-on or instrument-assisted techniques used to assess and treat muscles, tendons, ligaments, fascia, and connective tissues. These methods are commonly integrated into chiropractic care to enhance mobility, reduce pain, improve circulation, and promote tissue healing.
Soft tissue dysfunction is often at the root of chronic pain, tightness, and restricted movement. Addressing these issues directly allows for faster recovery, better outcomes, and more sustainable improvements.
Benefits of Soft Tissue Modalities
- Release muscle tension and knots
- Restore healthy movement patterns
- Enhance joint function and flexibility
- Support injury recovery and reduce inflammation
- Relieve nerve entrapments and reduce referred pain
- Break down scar tissue and adhesions
- Promote relaxation and improve overall comfort
Types of Soft Tissue Modalities We Use
Graston Technique
Graston involves using stainless steel tools to gently glide over the skin and detect areas of scar tissue or restrictions. Once identified, these tools are used to break up adhesions, stimulate healing, and increase local blood flow to support tissue repair.
Great for: Chronic tendonitis, scar tissue, IT band syndrome, plantar fasciitis, post-surgical rehab, tight muscles
Dry Needling
Dry needling uses fine, sterile needles inserted directly into trigger points/muscle knots to reduce pain, release tension, and improve movement. It works by resetting overactive muscles,
improving blood flow, and stimulates the body’s natural healing process.
Great for: Muscle spasms, headaches, sports injuries, chronic pain, plantar fasciitis
Ischemic Compression
This technique involves applying sustained pressure directly to a trigger point to temporarily reduce blood flow to the area. When the pressure is released, oxygen-rich blood rushes in —
helping flush toxins, reduce tension, and break down the trigger point.
Great for: Neck/shoulder tightness, trigger points/knots
Myofascial Release
Myofascial release targets restrictions in the fascia — the connective tissue that surrounds and supports muscles and organs. Gentle, sustained pressure is applied to areas of tension to release tight fascia, improve mobility, and restore body alignment.
Great for: Fibromyalgia, postural issues, muscle tightness/spasm, generalized muscular pain
Cupping Therapy
Cupping is a form of myofascial therapy that uses specialized suction cups to gently lift the skin and underlying tissue. This suction promotes increased blood flow, lymphatic drainage, and soft tissue release. The different type of cupping therapies include:
Dry cupping: Cups are applied to the skin and remain stationary.
Gliding cupping: Cups are gently moved along tight muscle groups.
Great for: tight muscle, Chronic tendonitis, scar tissue, IT band syndrome,
Integrated Treatment Approach
At our practice, soft tissue modalities are often used in conjunction with chiropractic adjustments, rehab exercises, and lifestyle support. This whole-body approach ensures your care plan addresses not only your symptoms but the root causes behind them.