CARMEL, Ind. -- An athlete's invention benefits many people who have suffered a break, strain or tendonitis.

Graston Technique is a non-invasive procedure that can help athletes and others get back in the game quickly, 6News' Stacia Matthews reported.

The procedure involves six stainless steel instruments, special-shaped tools that allow therapists to reach deep into the soft fibrous tissue to work out the kinks. It takes several treatments, but they last only 10 minutes.

Soccer means everything to Charlie Painchaud. When he broke his leg in a couple of places, Painchaud thought he might not play again.

"It was really disheartening because for the past few years, soccer's been my life. I don't know what I'd be doing without it," Painchaud said.

Surgery fixed Painchaud's broken bones, but scar tissue limited his range of motion and caused excruciating pain. His position on Carmel's varsity soccer team was in serious jeopardy.

"After the first week, I could feel dramatic differences in how flexible my leg was, and improved on the soccer field, too," Painchaud said.

Therapist Mike Ploski utilizes the technique.

"I'm able to get patients better, and quicker than I did before using traditional techniques," Ploski said.

Graston Technique is also used to treat carpal tunnel syndrome, plantar fasciitis, tennis elbow and rotator cuff tendonitis. A doctor's referral is required for treatment.