An overview and critical analysis of the Graston technique for foot-related conditions a scoping review

Background The Graston technique (GT) is a popular soft tissue mobilization technique used to manage musculoskeletal pathologies, including those affecting the foot and ankle. This review aims to analyze the available literature on the use of GT in managing foot and ankle pathologies. Methods A comprehensive search was conducted in multiple electronic databases to identify relevant studies. Ten studies were included in the review. The studies were analyzed to assess the effectiveness of GT in managing foot and ankle pathologies, including plantar fasciitis, Achilles tendinopathy, and ankle sprains. Results The studies included in this review suggest that GT can be a useful adjunct to other interventions such as stretching exercises and eccentric training for managing foot and ankle pathologies. GT, when combined with stretching exercises, was found to significantly reduce pain and improve function in patients with plantar fasciitis. Similarly, patients with Achilles tendinopathy who received GT in addition to eccentric exercises showed significantly greater improvements in pain and function compared to those who received eccentric exercises only. Conclusion The findings of this review suggest that GT can be an effective treatment for foot and ankle pathologies when used in conjunction with other interventions. However, the quality of evidence is limited, and larger, well-designed randomized controlled trials are needed to further investigate the effectiveness of GT for foot and ankle pathologies.