Compressive Versus Decompressive Soft Tissue Therapy on Acute Hamstring Flexibility and Pain in Male Athletes With Perceived Hamstring Tightness

An abstract of a study by Barger et al comparing the acute effects of Graston Technique® (GT) and Myofascial Decompression (MFD) on hamstring flexibility, strength, and patient-reported outcome measures of perceived function and pain is presented. Both GT and MFD methods were effective in increasing hamstring flexibility and strength and improvements in perceptions of flexibility, pain and performance immediately following treatments. Subjects in both groups responded positively to treatment according to Global Rating of Change Scale measures. Considering there were no significant differences between interventions, it can be recommended that GT and MFD are useful treatment strategies for patients experiencing hamstring tightness or pain.