Graston Technique acquired by new entity

May 13, 2013 — Graston Technique (GT), a leader in instrument-assisted soft tissue dysfunction treatment and rehabilitation, has been acquired by a newly formed Indianapolis-based entity, according to a joint announcement by the principals.

Michael I. Arnolt, president and co-founder of TherapyCare Resources Inc. (TCR), the owner of GT, and Todd R. Lugar, president and CEO of the acquirer, Graston Technique LLC (GTLLC), said the company will continue to operate in Indianapolis. GT employs approximately 30 people.

Graston Technique is an innovative form of instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization that enables clinicians to effectively break down scar tissue and fascial restrictions. The technique utilizes specially-designed stainless steel instruments to specifically detect and effectively treat areas exhibiting soft tissue fibrosis or chronic inflammation.

Originally developed by athletes, Graston Technique is now used by more than 16,000 clinicians in the U.S. and 22 countries worldwide — including physical and occupational therapists, chiropractors, hand therapists, and athletic trainers. The treatment is utilized at approximately 1,650 outpatient facilities and  55 industrial sites, by more than  250 professional and amateur sports organizations, and is part of the curriculum at  57 respected colleges and universities.

Lugar said he and his partners are excited to continue the company’s amplified efforts to increase the presence of GT in education and treatment facilities throughout the world. “Michael has done a tremendous job in laying a solid foundation here in the U.S,” Lugar said. “We hope to continue strengthening that foundation while also looking for strategic opportunities abroad.”

Arnolt, who will continue working with the company as a consultant, discovered the embryonic treatment protocol 20 years ago after sustaining a racquetball injury. “The torch, baton, and sword have been passed. I am very proud of what we have accomplished in 19 years — having gone from an unknown, to a little-known secret, to the recognized leader in the industry. It’s only fitting that we are the leader, since we were the first to create the instrument-assist system, the one against which all others have modeled themselves,” he said.

“I have every reason to believe that Todd and his team will continue to expand the GT footprint of training and treatment excellence among the most recognized entities in the world. GT truly has made a difference in hundreds of thousands of lives, giving everyone from the ordinary citizen to elite athletes the opportunity to function at a higher than expected level,” Arnolt added.

Founded in 1994, GT is acknowledged as a leader in providing manual therapists the ability to treat chronic and acute injuries more effectively, while also reducing/eliminating the clinician’s physical stress and repetitive stress injuries frequently sustained during typical patient treatment.

The company maintains training relationships with such notable organizations as Select Medical Corporation, Disney Entertainment, Veterans Administration Hospitals, U.S Naval Warfare, U.S. Olympic Training Centers, Indiana University, Baylor University, and Duke University.

“Without the independent research of well-known universities, such as Indiana University and University of Kansas, our level of achievement would be much slower,” Arnolt said. The initial research on GT was conducted at Ball State University and Ball Memorial Hospital.

Periculum Capital Corporation LLC assisted with the sale of the company.  Founded in 1998, Periculum is a leading Midwestern investment and merchant banking firm, serving the corporate finance needs of growth and other middle market companies.

TherapyCare Resources did not disclose its annual sales or the transaction price.

Source: Graston Technique, grastontechnique.com