By Joelie Flynn, SPT
If you have ever been to physical therapy, you may have experienced a type of “massage” using a strange-looking metal tool – we call this Instrument Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization (IASTM) – Here’s a quick explanation on what IASTM is and how it is helping with your rehabilitation and healing!
What is Instrument Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization (IASTM)?
The proposed definition of IASTM is as follows, “IASTM is a skilled intervention that includes the use of specialized tools to manipulate the skin, myofascia, muscles, and tendons by various direct compressive stroke techniques.” Put simply, IASTM is a hands-on technique which uses a specialized tool to treat soft tissue injury, allowing the clinician to provide a more localized treatment to deeper tissue.
How does IASTM Work?
Soft tissue refers to the structures beneath the skin including muscles, tendons, ligaments, fibrous tissue, fascia, and other deep skin structures. Soft tissue is composed primarily of collagen which, in healthy tissue, has a lattice type structure which makes it strong and pliable.
When there is trauma to the soft tissue, the body tries to heal itself as quickly as possible by replacing the damaged collagen with new collagen; however, this rapid response often results in tissue which is disorganized and lacks structure. When the collagen within the scar tissue becomes disorganized, the soft tissue loses its integrity and adhesions form which contribute to pain and tissue restrictions.
This is where IASTM comes in- the design of the tool allows the clinician to more accurately locate the affected area and penetrate deeper into the tissues. The tool is used to stroke the skin with various amounts of pressure which creates controlled microtrauma, or microscopic disturbances in the tissue, which will restart the healing process. Since the IASTM is inducing microscopic trauma rather than a large trauma to the tissue, the body will take the necessary time to properly regenerate the collagen within the tissue, rather than rushing and creating disorganization.
As a result, any scar tissue or adhesions will be broken down, fluid buildup will be reduced, and the tissue will be lengthened, all of which facilitate improved strength, range of motion, and pain following the treatment.
When is IASTM Used?
IASTM is not a stand-alone treatment and should be used in conjunction with other interventions which help to reinforce the tissue healing. IASTM is commonly used with any injury affecting the soft tissue including:
- Epicondylitis
- Plantar fasciitis
- Tendinitis
- Ligament sprains
- Muscle strains
- Post-surgical / scar treatment
- Carpal tunnel syndrome
- Generalized muscle aches / tightness
Physical Therapy Massage
At Capital Area Physical Therapy, we are committed to providing the latest treatments and techniques available for our patients. We actively and consistently work to provide our patients with the highest standards in physical therapy care. Call us at (518) 289-5242 to schedule an appointment at one of our physical therapy clinics in Queensbury, Malta and Saratoga Springs NY, serving the Warren, Washington, Saratoga County regions.
