A health fad championed by Justin Bieber and described as resembling ‘medieval torture’ has been slammed by experts who warn it could do more harm than good.
Muscle-bound pin-up Bieber posted an image to Instagram showing red blotches on his neck which looked suspiciously like love bites.
But the tattooed crooner, 22, wrote an explanation, saying : “In case people think these were hickeys I’ve been having neck problems and it’s from this tool called Graston to scrape the stagnant blood and scar tissue lol.”
He was referring to the Graston Technique, a therapeutic method developed in Indianapolis, US, where a blunt stainless steel tool is dragged across a person’s skin to break down scar tissue in the muscles and tendons lying underneath.
Bieber’s admission has seen interest in the Graston Technique soar all over the world, including Britain, despite the implements resembling crude weapons.
But health and exercise specialist Victoria Wills, founder of the NuBeginnings fitness plan, says those looking to follow in the singer’s footsteps should think twice.
She said: “Any new training methods which can aid a person’s weight loss journey has got to be a good thing in principal.
“But sorry, Justin, I have to admit that when I heard about the Graston Technique I actually laughed.
“The people behind this method make bold claims about how it can treat chronic muscle injuries and alter spinal reflex activity.
“It’s particularly popular with those who are pushing their bodies to the limit, and prone to picking up soft tissue injuries, or those recovering from surgery.
“But research behind the technique is pretty thin on the ground and done with very small sample groups.
“Instead, evidence appears to be anecdotal rather than scientific.
“It is also important to note that the technique is always used in conjunction with other therapies – compression and ice being the most frequently used – so it makes it harder still to be certain of the Graston Technique’s efficacy.
“With no proof that it does work, and no proof that it doesn’t, let’s just say the jury is out. It’s a fitness fad I certainly won’t be endorsing.”
The Graston Technique – a form of ‘cross-friction massage’ – was first created by former competitive water skier David Graston, who suffered a nasty knee injury which failed to respond to surgery, prompting him to explore alternative solutions.
The official website features testimonials from happy patients as well as an endorsement by US Olympic swimmer Michael Phelps .
It’s thought the medics in the American national soccer team also use the Graston Technique to treat injuries.
A blurb boasts how GT can be used to treat common ailments such as carpal tunnel syndrome, fibromyalgia, tennis elbow, shin splints, as well as manner of neck and back aches and pains.
But sceptical Ms Wills isn’t the only critic to highlight a lack of definitive studies to show that it actually works in the way claimed.
British fitness writer Simon Whyatt, founder of the evidence-based health website Live Now Thrive Later.co.uk , says Graston Technique could ‘slow the healing process’.
And the UK’s Science Media Centre – an independent charity set up to counter scientific ‘confusion and misinformation’ in the field – has also heeded caution.
Les Rose, Clinical Science Consultant, said of the Graston Technique: “On the PubMed website, there is only one randomised controlled trial of this technique, which found no difference from placebo.
“In other words, there’s no effect of the technique.”
Prof Edzard Ernst, Emeritus Professor of Complementary Medicine, University of Exeter, added: “Although the Graston Technique is popular with manual therapists of various types, there is no good evidence that it is an effective treatment.”
Dr Harriet Hall, 70, is a retired GP from Washington, US, criticised GT on the website ‘Science Based Medicine’, branding it ‘bull’.
Ms Wills added: “When you’re pushing down on fibrotic tissue hoping to break it with a piece of metal, you need to be sure you know what you’re doing.
“And while this all might sound highly appealing to Justin Bieber, I think I’ll stick to an old fashioned massage after an intensive workout.”
A spokeswoman for the Graston Technique said the method had been proven to be effective all over the world and said their website boasts research to prove its worth.
She said: “GT is the modern-day inventor of Instrument Assisted Soft Tissue Modality (IASTM). Many have tried to imitate, but we are the original.
“Patients ask for Graston Technique by name. There is no better critic than a patient in pain, and they rave about the outcomes they’ve experienced with GT treatment.
“There is a wealth of information you can reference to show GT is highly effective and is evidence-based.
“GT has been in use for over 20 years. We have trained nearly 30,000 clinicians from all over the world.
“GT has proven to be an invaluable resource in any treatment room.”
[Source:- Miror]
