Instrument assisted soft tissue mobilization (IASTM) is a new form of non-invasive practice modality that enables clinicians to treat suspected soft tissue dysfunction. After identifying a potential restriction within the tissue clinicians mobilize the target area utilizing an implement for the purposes of normalizing tissue health and biomechanics. Previous studies have shown that the application of IASTM has measureable morphological changes in the fibroblast activity and therefore tissue organization and health.

Considering these things, the current authors sought to investigate the role, if any, that graston technique would have on patients with chronic low back pain (CLBP). Overall, it was shown that when treated with IASTM for a four week period there was a significant increase in mobility and decrease in pain in patients with CLBP.