Why would you want to try instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization?

Have you ever tried to undo a nut or turn a screw with your fingers? Odds are that, unless it was already loose, you tried to turn it in vain. But with the right tool, this job became much, much easier. This is the same relationship that physical therapists have with a technique called instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization (IASTM). 

Physical therapists often use their hands to perform a technique called soft tissue mobilization (STM). Performing this technique is rather like giving soft tissue a massage, but it’s much more directed and is based on scientific principles. 

However, there are times when scar tissue, knots of muscle tension and other soft tissue problems are just too much for a physical therapist’s hands. That’s when they reach for specially designed metal tools to help them apply more pressure and friction to the area. It’s the use of these tools that’s known as IASTM. 

What can IASTM be used to treat?

Physical therapists can use instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization to help treat a variety of conditions; it is often used independently, but it can also be combined with other PT techniques. It can be used to treat a smorgasbord of musculoskeletal injuries. It may also help with many acute and chronic conditions. 

Examples of some of these issues include:

1. Tennis and golfer’s elbow.
2. Soft tissue trigger points. 
3. Plantar fasciitis. 
4. Patellar tendinitis (jumper’s knee). 
5. Carpal tunnel syndrome.
6. Ligament strains.
7. Muscle sprains.
8. Back pain.
9. Musculoskeletal imbalances.
10. Chronic soft tissue pain.

Benefits you could get from IASTM

Having the ability to treat many injuries and conditions is far from the only benefit instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization can offer. Here are a few of the additional benefits this PT technique can offer: 

1. It can help bring needed nutrients to the area in need of treatment, and it aids in healing.
2. The technique is designed to increase the flow of blood to sore muscles.
3. This form of therapy is intended to relax muscles and reduce muscle restrictions.
4. It can also help break up areas of scarring, or adhesions. 
5. It also has the potential to decrease swelling and improve range of motion.
6. This PT method can slash pain by stimulating nerves in the injured area so they release natural painkilling chemicals.

Are you ready to take advantage of IASTM’s benefits? Advent PT can help

Are you interested in learning more about instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization and its benefits? Our team at Advent Physical Therapy is primed to help you. Our physical therapists can do a free screening to assess your condition and needs. We can then determine which PT techniques may be the most beneficial for you, such as IASTM. We’ll also ensure you know as much as possible about the treatments we include in your personalized PT plan. 

Contact us today to learn more about this beneficial treatment option or to schedule an initial appointment with our experienced physical therapists.