Instrument Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization (IASTM)
Clinicians use various instruments with different shapes and sizes to achieve deeper mobilization of tissue in various parts of the body.
What is IASTM?
Instrument Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization is a technique where by physiotherapists or chiropractors use stainless steel instruments with bevelled edges and contours that can conform to different anatomical locations and allows for deeper penetration to assist with soft tissue mobility on a patient. In other words, as oppose to just using their hands, clinicians use various instruments with different shapes and sizes to achieve deeper mobilization of tissue in various parts of the body.
How does it work?
Instruments effectively break down deeper layers of fascial restrictions and scar tissue in and around muscles, joints and ligaments. The ergonomic design of these instruments provides the clinician with the ability to locate restrictions and allows them to treat the affected area with a desired amount of pressure. The introduction of controlled micro trauma to affected body regions causes the stimulation of a local inflammatory response. Micro trauma initiates reabsorption of inappropriate fibrosis or excessive scar tissue and facilitates healing processes resulting in remodeling of affected soft tissue structures.
What conditions can IASTM be used for?
- Tennis Elbow/Golfers Elbow
- Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
- Neck Stiffness/Pain
- Plantar Fascitis
- Rotator Cuff Tendinitis
- Patellar Tendinitis
- Tibialis Posterior Tendinitis
- Heel Pain /Achilles Tendinitis
- Post-Surgical and Traumatic Scars
- Myofascial Pain and Restrictions
- Post-Surgical and Traumatic Scars
- Myofascial Pain and Restrictions
- Chronic Joint Pain
- Ligament Sprains
- Muscle Strains
- Back Pain
- IT Band Syndrome
- Shin Splints
- Scars (Surgical, Traumatic)
Benefits of IASTM
Massaging muscle, joint and ligament tissue on a deeper level has been shown to increase inflammatory response, increase collagen fiber production and promote healing. In doing so, athletes, chronic pain patients, acutely injured individuals can return to do the things the love, faster.
Other benefits of IASTM include:
- Modulating pain
- Restoring proper muscular function
- Speeding up recovery time
- Reducing inflammation
- Improved mobility and range of motion
- Alleviating chronic pain conditions
- Improved tissue remodeling
What to expect from the IASTM treatment
A clinician will thoroughly describe the risks and benefits of IASTM treatment. During treatment controlled micro trauma will essentially re-create an inflammatory response in the body to promote healing and recovery. During the treatment, patients may have some discomfort, and may have some soreness in the area that was treated for several days after. There may also be some discoloration on the surface of the skin when treatment is completed.
In many instances a combination of various treatment(s) may provide the best outcomes, which may include:Â Massage Therapy, Chiropractic Care, Dry Needling/Acupuncture, Custom Bracing for affected joints, Cupping or Kinesiotaping.
