Home / Fees and hours / Graston Technique & Active Release

Graston Technique

Graston Technique is an instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization technique that enables clinicians to effectively break down scar tissue and fascial restrictions. It is a technique that is successful in treating all soft tissue conditions, whether they are chronic, acute, or post surgical. The Graston Technique offers many advantages to the patient such as:

  • Decreased overall time of treatment
  • Fosters faster rehabilitation/recovery
  • Reduces need for anti-inflammatory medications
  • Resolves chronic conditions

Active Release Technique

Active Release Technique (ART) is a hands on, soft tissue technique that successfully locates and breaks up scar tissue and fascial adhesions/restrictions. “ART is a patented advanced, movement-based massage system, that is extremely effective for accurately locating the cause of soft-tissue conditions and effectively resolving (or greatly improving) over-use and sprain/strain conditions.”

A proactive approach

“I had an excellent initial visit with Brandon. He was extremely thorough and answered all my many questions satisfactorily. The program of exercises he provided was clearly explained with a followup email containing instructions and videos to help me. I was particularly impressed that he.focussed not only on the specific problem I came in with but he explained how this could affect other areas of my body and prescribed exercises to prevent any further damage to these other areas, a proactive approach.

Pauline Samoszynski
A photo of Pauline Samoszynski.

One of the most medically rewarding journeys I’ve been through

“I’ve been to plenty of physiotherapists across Victoria, and none of them have lived up to the standard that Connor Willis delivers! I was referred from Babylon Telus to Dr. Thibodeau (who is also incredibly amazing), who suggested I go to physio. From Dr. Thibodeau’s suggestion, I decided to try their in house physiotherapists, since the location was near enough to be convenient. And I’m incredibly glad I did.

If you’re looking for a physiotherapist who is knowledgeable, patient, and good at what they do – Connor’s got your back! (Literally, if you have a back injury, which I began to work on with him in the last week). For the past 2 months, we’ve been working on my first injury, which has been my ankle, and for the first time ever, I don’t dread coming to physio or doing the exercises. Working together on our progress has been one of the most medically rewarding journeys I’ve been through. Connor tells you what we’re working on, why we’re working on it, and what to expect. In fact, he drafts up a game plan for you from the start, and it gives you a rough estimate of what things are going to look like if you keep up with the appointments/exercises for the set time. Physio is difficult, and it’s not an easy thing to stay on top of. But with the help of an app, with consistent appointments, and great availability of the office, it’s been an easily manageable experience with a cluttered schedule on my end. Also, every time I go into the office I’m warmly greeted, and the front staff do an awesome job of dealing with insurance (they direct bill) and appointment arrangement. Zoë always remembers me and it’s the best feeling. So forgive my novel of a review, but honestly, if you’re on the fence about physio or have had poor experiences in the past, Connor is a great physiotherapist to start your recovery with! 😊

Edit: At this time too, they’re doing all they can with Covid guidelines, especially with their clinic being such a hands on, physical treatment experience. I’ve never once felt uncomfortable or dubious about their efforts to keep their clients safe – so thank you!”

Kaitlyn Ann
kaitlyn ann review

What our patients say about us

Suvi Teigen takes a selfie with her black doodle dog, while wearing a black toque that says, "You got this."

Flexible and thorough

“I contacted Arbutus Physio in desperation for a last-minute appointment while visiting from out of town due to significant pain. Josh accepted me for a same-day appointment and did a thorough assessment and treatment that left me feeling MUCH better immediately. Obviously, healing takes time and I’ll need to continue once I return home, but…
A person walking toward a sunset wearing pink sneakers, by Daniel-Reche.

Great service, thorough

“Great service. Thorough and professional.” Linda Biddington
Chantelle van den Berg

Feeling so much relief

“Beautiful clinic, friendly and professional. PT Shannon was great and as a PT myself I really appreciated her experienced hands and knowledgeable help in relieving my neck muscle spasms with great tips and home exercises to continue with. I’m feeling so much relief already since my appointment, thank you again.” Chantelle van den Berg
markus Schnell review

In good hands

“Thank you so much. You’re all so amazing, even during this difficult time. You are in good hands there.” Markus Schnell
A blue antique sports car sits on the grass with trees behind it.

Getting me back to pre-injury status

“Remy is doing an excellent job at getting me back to pre-injury status.” M Max
A person stands atop a mountain range looking out over the clouds and sunset light.

Nice and professional

“Nice people to deal with. Very professional.” Doug Drinkwater