IASTM
Instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization.
How IASTM Works
Repetitive strain on a tissue (caused by posture, repetitive motion, etc.) creates tiny tears within it. These tiny tears are healed with tiny threads of scar tissue, which the body lays down in a random, haphazard pattern- also known as scarring. This pattern does not move as well as healthy, well-aligned tissue, and it cannot handle the load we need to place on our tissues to live our best, pain-free life. It also creates irritation to nearby nerves that causes pain.
Trained clinicians will draw the instruments over the affected tissues to identify and break apart these scar tissue adhesions, restart the healing process and stimulate tissue regeneration. This also results in increased blood flow to the area to deliver nutrients and oxygen essential for healing. Proper exercise and stretching afterward helps realign the new fibers in a more functional orientation that allows the tissue to move as it should.
Benefits of IASTM
- 2 minutes of IASTM is equivalent to 20 minutes of standard massage
- Fosters faster rehabilitation and recovery
- Reduces the need for anti-inflammatory medication
- Resolves chronic conditions thought to be permanent
What to Expect During IASTM Treatment
- Clinicians will use the instruments to treat not only painful areas, but also other problem areas that may contribute to your condition.
- During treatment, you may feel areas that are “rough” or “bumpy.” These are the dysfunctional tissues that need to be addressed.
- Over the course of treatment, you will notice that as these rough areas smooth out, your pain will decrease and your function will increase.
- Following treatment, you will likely notice bruising and soreness to touch in areas that were rough. This shows that the body is addressing the abnormal tissue through the natural healing process.
- You will receive a custom-designed stretching and exercise program to help your body rebuild healthy tissue and allow you to return to an active lifestyle.
- Most patients experience an immediate improvement in their symptoms after the first treatment, but most significant and lasting results occur after 3-4 more visits.
Diagnoses that Respond Well to the IASTM Technique
Patient who are experiencing pain, loss of motion and/or loss of function following surgery, injury, cumulative traumas and chronic irritation/tendinitis often benefit from the IASTM technique. The following are some of the many diagnoses that demonstrate excellent clinical results when treated with the IASTM technique:
- Neck Pain
- SI and Low Back Pain
- Headaches
- Shoulder Pain
- Elbow Tendonitis
- Trigger Finger
- Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
- Hip Pain/Bursitis
- Post-surgical Scarring and Fibrosis
- Patellar Tendinitis
- Plantar fasciitis
- Chronic Ankle Sprains
- Shin Splints
- IT band syndrome
- Muscle Strains
- Overuse Injuries
- Soft tissue changes associated with degenerative arthritis
Home Instruction Following Treatment
- Drink extra water! Good hydration is important in the healing process.
- Do your assigned exercises! Proper movement helps realign newly healed tissue fibers.
- Go for a walk or run. Good cardiovascular health helps get blood flow to your tissues.