INSTRUMENT ASSISTED SOFT TISSUE MOBILIZATION

How ASFCA can Help!

Instrument Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization is a type of manual therapy that utilizes specific instruments to break down adhesions, scar tissue, loosen up muscular knots and aid in alleviating painful areas of the body while increasing circulation to promote healthy healing. Instrument Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization does this by breaking up the adhesions around the muscle fibers that are causing pain, cramping and knotting. This therapy targets scared and inflamed tissues and increases the blood flow to the affected area and eases the pain of movement.

Instrument Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization requires tools. Depending on the clinic will depend on the material of the tool. Most facilities either use stainless steel, hard plastics or even bull horn, as seen here. (This tool is used on larger areas of the body such as legs, back and feet). There are different sizes for different parts of the body such as the face, hands and neck. The therapist applies pressure and glides the instrument along the treated area and most often a lotion or lubricant is applied to the skin for ease gliding over the skin. They will be able to feel the difference with the motion when the tool crosses over adhesions, scarred or inflamed tissue.

Is IASTM Painful?

Instrument Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization is not painful, but for some it may be a bit uncomfortable depending on the severity of the adhesiveness, scarred tissue or inflammation of the treated area. In many instances, it is common for the area to be red for a while or even slightly bruise with the breaking up of the adhesied tissue. This is normal and the slight redness usually go away within a day or two.

Can IASTM be Combined with other Therapies?

Absolutely, Chiropractic, Acupuncture and other therapies such as Cupping Therapy, Cold Laser, Disc Decompression Therapy and other offered therapies are meant to flow together for whole body holistic care and healing.

Testimony
“I was recently diagnosed with Planter Fasciitis that developed from walking long distances with the wrong shoes. I also suffer from CRPS (Complex Regional Pain Syndrome) which makes me extremely sensitive to certain therapies. Since doing IASTM, things have dramatically improved; I have less pain when walking.

I must admit that it is a little uncomfortable depending upon how bad things are below the surface, for example one of my feet or legs may hurt less than the other during treatment. But, if I don’t get the therapy done each week, I can feel it cramping up and causing more pain.

The first few times were the hardest because of how tight my muscles were and the damage caused by my CRPS and walking with unsupportive shoes, but each time I did the therapy, there was less pain. I also found that using BIO Freeze on my feet afterwards really helps with the recovery as well the next morning.

Another thing that I have found helpful is the combination of Instrument Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization with Cold Laser. Cold Laser increases the recovery time for me”.
~ William Rock