IASTM (Instrument-Assisted Soft Tissue Manipulation)
Understanding Instrument-Assisted Soft Tissue Manipulation
Instrument-Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization, commonly known as IASTM, is a therapeutic technique enabling clinicians to effectively pinpoint and treat individuals experiencing soft tissue dysfunction. It's gaining rapid popularity due to its non-invasive nature and remarkable efficacy.
Utilizing ergonomically designed instruments, IASTM aims to:
- Identify and address fascial restrictions
- Facilitate swift localization and treatment of areas with soft tissue fibrosis
- Promote beneficial inflammatory responses to aid in healing
- Mitigate tissue degeneration
In conjunction with IASTM, manual therapy treatment often includes exercises and additional modalities like joint mobilization to rectify biomechanical deficiencies and address musculoskeletal imbalances across the entire kinetic chain.
How Does IASTM Work?
These instruments effectively break down fascial restrictions, inducing controlled microtrauma to affected soft tissue structures. This prompts a local inflammatory response, leading to the reabsorption of inappropriate fibrosis or excessive scar tissue and triggering a cascade of healing processes resulting in the remodeling of affected soft tissue structures.
Common Indications for IASTM Include:
- Limited range of motion
- Pain during movement
- Motor control issues
- Muscle recruitment issues
IASTM Is Often Utilized For Conditions Such As:
- Medial and Lateral Epicondylitis
- Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
- Neck Pain
- Plantar Fasciitis
- Rotator Cuff Tendinitis
- Patellar Tendinitis
- 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
- Trigger Finger
- Hip Pain Including Impingement
- IT Band Syndrome
- Shin Splints
- Chronic Ankle Sprains
- Acute Ankle Sprains (Advanced Technique)
- Scars (Surgical, Traumatic)
- And More!