Instrument-Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization
Soft-tissue injuries occur from strains, sprains, a blow that results in a ruptured blood vessel or bruising, or from overuse of a body part. Evolution Physical Therapy utilizes Instrument-Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization (IASTM) to locate and treat patients with soft tissue dysfunction effectively.
Where Can I Get Instrument-Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization?
Instrument-Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization is available for patients at all of our physical therapy locations. Find your nearest clinic to schedule an appointment for IASTM today!
What is Instrument-Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization?
Instrument-Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization is a soft tissue treatment which utilizes various tools that enable the clinician to efficiently locate and treat individuals diagnosed with soft tissue dysfunction. IASTM is performed with instruments that are specifically designed to detect and treat fascial restrictions or increased muscular tone. IASTM is a great adjunct to traditional physical therapy interventions prescribed to correct biomechanical deficiencies.
The introduction of controlled microtrauma to affected soft tissue structure causes the stimulation of a local inflammatory response. Microtrauma initiates reabsorption of inappropriate fibrosis or excessive scar tissue and facilitates a cascade of healing activities, resulting in remodeling of affected soft tissue structures. Adhesions within the soft tissue which may have developed as a result of surgery, immobilization, repeated strain or other mechanisms, are broken down allowing full functional restoration to occur.
Benefits of Instrument-Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization
IASTM focuses on specific areas of the body to relieve stiffness and improve range of motion. This allows you to effectively perform exercises recommended by your physical therapist to strengthen the injured area, promote healing, and restore normal function. The main benefits of IASTM include:
- Faster pain relief
- Improved mobility
- Quicker rehabilitation and recovery
- Decreased overall time of treatment
- Reduced need for anti-inflammatory medication
- Resolution of chronic conditions
Who Should Consider Instrument-Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization?
Anyone with soft-tissue pain, injuries, or conditions can benefit from IASTM therapy. Ideal candidates include athletes, warehouse workers and others, who perform a repeated motion several times per day. IASTM is clinically proven to achieve faster and better outcomes in treating the following:
- Excessive scar tissue
- Shin splints
- Trigger finger
- Forms of tendonitis or tendinopathy, including golfer’s elbow and Achilles tendonitis
- Fibromyalgia
- Women’s health
- Running injuries, including plantar fasciitis
Clinical Applications of IASTM
IASTM tools have been shown to effectively break down fascial restrictions and scar tissue. The ergonomic design of these instruments provides the clinician with the ability to locate restrictions, treat the affected area with the appropriate amount of pressure, and to treat the specific direction of restriction. Studies have also shown clinical benefits of IASTM, including improvements in range of motion, strength, and pain perception following treatment.
TJ Melham et al. found that IASTM significantly improved range of motion in a college football player following 7 weeks of IASTM and physical therapy. Melham et al. found that scar tissue surrounding the lateral malleolus was reduced and remodeled structurally following IASTM application. Wilson et al found improvement in pain reduction and impairment scale at 6 and 12 weeks following IASTM application for patellar tendonitis.
Learn More About Instrument-Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization at Your Nearest Evolution Location
IASTM works like a standard massage, however, our doctors of physical therapy use specialized equipment to allow more direct treatment. Contact us to learn more about IASTM today!
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