IASTM Therapy

What is IASTM Therapy?

Instrument-Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization (“IASTM”) therapy is a myofascial release and massage technique used in orthopedic physical therapy on soft tissue injuries to muscles, tendons and ligaments. IASTM treatment uses tools and methods to scrape the skin over the muscles to help minimize scar tissue and improve mobility and flexibility in that area. Many patients who have experienced a soft tissue injury can benefit from IASTM. Some of the benefits of IASTM therapy include faster rehabilitation, a decrease in treatment time and continuation of day-to-day activities.

What does IASTM Do?

IASTM helps break down restrictions, reduce pain, and facilitate healing by addressing musculoskeletal problems at the cellular level. Restriction is often a combination of scar tissue and adhesions built up over time which prevent the muscle or other tissue from lengthening properly. IASTM is a way for physical therapists to stimulate a natural inflammatory response. When your body produces an inflammatory response, it triggers a series of events that include reabsorption of excess scar tissue that is causing restriction. It also triggers a vascular response resulting in increased blood flow and improved healing and a neural effect throughout pain receptors along the skin responsible for managing pain.

Conditions that Benefit from IASTM

Some of the conditions that benefit from IASTM are neck/shoulder/back/hip/knee/ankle and heel pain, carpal tunnel syndrome, IT band syndrome, plantar fasciitis, achilles tendonitis, shin splints, rotator cuff tendonitis, musculoskeletal imbalances, and myofascial pain. If you are experiencing movement restrictions, pain or tension, call 1st Choice Physical Therapy to schedule an appointment and reclaim your mobility without pain.