Graston Technique® Combined with Therapeutic Intervention as an Alternative Treatment for a Grade III UCL Thumb Sprain: A Disablement Model Case Study

Authors

Raul Anaya Jr., Lake Forest College, Lake Forest, IL
Kim Bacalla, Baptist Health South Florida, Coral Gables, FL
Annette D. Monk, Trinity International University, Deerfield, IL

Keywords

College and university patient population, patient-reported outcomes, therapeutic exercise

Abstract

Nonoperative measures have been shown to have positive effects on thumb ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) sprains considered less than complete. This case presents evidence supporting Graston Technique® (GT) plus therapeutic exercise in order to decrease pain and stiffness in a collegiate football athlete who sustained a grade III UCL sprain. The results showed that there was a reduction in pain level above the minimal clinically importance difference, and ROM improved throughout the three-week intervention. The findings of this case study provide minimal support for an alternative treatment to reduce pain and stiffness in a grade III UCL sprain, with further research needed.

Recommended Citation

Anaya, Raul Jr.; Bacalla, Kim; and Monk, Annette D. (2022) "Graston Technique® Combined with Therapeutic Intervention as an Alternative Treatment for a Grade III UCL Thumb Sprain: A Disablement Model Case Study," Clinical Practice in Athletic Training: Vol. 5: Iss. 1, Article 6.
Available at: https://scholars.indianastate.edu/clinat/vol5/iss1/6