Instrument-Assisted Soft-Tissue Mobilization (IASTM) at FYZICAL Albuquerque
A soft-tissue injury is the possible result of several different types of insult to the body. It can happen when there has been a sprain, strain, or contusion that causes damage to the ligaments, tendons, muscles, or fascia in the body. Overuse or repetitive work tasks can also result in soft-tissue damage, which often creates localized pain, swelling, bruising, and loss of function. As the injury begins to heal, scar tissue forms and frequently causes the tissues in the area to “stick together,” causing scar adhesions (tissue damage). Another cause of soft-tissue injury is surgery, as scar adhesions can come from the incisions made to repair a damaged body part.
What is Instrument-Assisted Soft-Tissue Mobilization (IASTM)?
IASTM is a technique that enables a physical therapist to detect and treat myofascial restrictions to improve range of motion, restore any strength loss, improve function, and decrease pain.
IASTM is performed with ergonomically designed medical-grade stainless steel tools that help the therapist detect and treat these restrictions. The addition of exercises, muscle imbalance stretches, and other techniques, complements the comprehensive treatment plan. The following is a list of conditions that IASTM is used for:
- Medial or Lateral Epicondylitis
- Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
- Neck Pain &/or whiplash injuries.
- Plantar Fasciitis
- Rotator cuff Tendinitis or Impingement.
- Patellar Tendonitis
- Tibialis Posterior Tendinitis
- Heel Pain /Achilles Tendinitis
- DeQuervain's Syndrome
- Post-Surgical and Traumatic Scars
- Myofascial Pain and Restrictions
- Musculoskeletal Imbalances
- Chronic Joint Swelling Associated with Sprains/Strains
- Ligament Sprains
- Muscle Strains
- Non-Acute Bursitis
- RSD (Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy)
- Back Pain &/or Post-operative back surgeries
- Trigger Finger
- Hip Pain (Replacements)
- IT Band Syndrome
- Shin Splints
- Chronic Ankle Sprains
- Acute Ankle Sprains (Advanced Technique)
- Scars (Surgical, Traumatic)
How does IASTM work?
IASTM initiates a repair process:
- Inflammation Phase - The introduction of this treatment into the targeted tissue stimulates a local inflammatory response. In this phase, the following will occur:
- Pain, swelling, redness, and an increase in tissue temperature
- Muscle relaxation
- Reabsorption of excess scar tissue and fibrosis
- Tissue adhesions break down allowing full functional restoration of the target tissues to occur
- Proliferation Phase - Lasts anywhere from two days to six weeks depending on the severity of the tissue damage
- Maturation Phase - Lasts anywhere from three weeks to twelve months
- Effects on the Nervous system:
- Inhibition of pain receptors and release of Endorphins (opioids produced by the body) through nervous system pathways
- The immediate effects are neurological
- Most physiological changes occur 4+ hours post-treatment
What is happening to your body during IASTM?
- Microtrauma from the treatment
- Stimulation of localized inflammatory response
- Potential reabsorption of fibrotic tissue
- Facilitates the healing process
- Possible reduction in scar tissue adhesions because of the induced inflammatory response
- Repair, regeneration, and maintenance
- Increase in circulation, nutrition, and perfusion
- Potential excretion of Hyaluronic acid between fascial layers which reduces the necessary glide between tissue layers
The addition of IASTM to any soft-tissue treatment plan helps the physical therapist address the myofascial structures in and around the injured area so that the rehabilitative process’s speed and quality are enhanced, thus giving the patient a better outcome.
If you are suffering from a soft-tissue injury, call FYZICAL Therapy & Balance Centers Albuquerque at (505) 292-3317 to learning about adding IASTM treatment to your rehabilitation today!