What Is IASTM?
Instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization (IASTM) is a manual therapy approach that uses specialized stainless-steel tools to identify and treat soft tissue dysfunctions. It aims to enhance mobility and alleviate pain in affected areas, including muscles, tendons, ligaments, fascia, and scar tissue.
By breaking down adhesions or scar tissue caused by injury, chronic inflammation, or overuse, IASTM promotes tissue pliability, local blood flow, and range of motion. This technique is often combined with other manual therapies, stretching, and exercise for optimal results.
There are many different IASTM techniques, such as the Graston, RockTape®, and HawkGrips®. IASTM has become widely recognized and used by many physiotherapy practices, including our team at Momentum Health.
Call our clinic at (403) 455-0025 today to learn more about IASTM and schedule your assessment!
Conditions That Our Physiotherapists Treat with IASTM
IASTM can help improve symptoms from several musculoskeletal conditions. Some of the conditions that our physiotherapists treat in Creekside, Deerfoot, Mahogany, Ogden, Seton, Westbrook, West Springs, Evidence North, Evidence South and National Spine & Wellness with this manual technique include:
- Scar tissue/adhesions: Scar tissue and adhesions are common following surgery, injuries, or trauma. IASTM can be used to break down scar tissue and improve the mobility of the affected area.
- Soft tissue injuries: Soft tissue injuries can occur when the soft tissue of ligaments and tendons becomes damaged. These injuries include the following:
- Sprain: Stretching or tearing of ligaments, the fibrous tissue that connects bones and joints.
- Strain: Stretching or tearing of a muscle or a tendon tissue connecting muscle to bone
- Contusions (bruises): Contusions damage the underlying blood vessels and tissues, causing bleeding and inflammation in the affected area. In some cases, these injuries don’t heal properly, leading to adhesions and scar tissue formation, which can benefit from IASTM.
- Overuse soft-tissue injuries: Overuse Injuries are caused by repetitive stress. These include:
- Tendinitis: Inflammation of a tendon and with pain and reduced range of motion.
- Bursitis: Painful inflammation of the bursae (small, fluid-filled sacs that act as a protective layer between the bones, tendons, and muscles near your joints.)
- Chronic pain: There are several forms of chronic pain, such as:
- Osteoarthritis: Osteoarthritis is the most common form of arthritis, affecting millions of people worldwide. Symptoms include pain and stiffness, especially in the hip, knee, and thumb joints.
- Chronic back pain: Pain that persists for at least 12 weeks, even after an initial injury or underlying cause has been treated.
Our patients can achieve the pain-free life they deserve by utilizing an evidence-based approach to physiotherapy with effective treatments like IASTM.
Are you experiencing pain or discomfort? Contact us today to learn more about our treatment plans and book an assessment!
IASTM Treatments in Physiotherapy & Chiropractic
To design a treatment plan, our physiotherapists and chiropractors at Momentum Health will begin by reviewing your medical history and identifying factors that may contribute to your current condition. Our hands-on assessment allows us to locate and examine the affected areas, providing vital insight into the extent of your pain or injury.
We may conduct a range of motion and strength testing to pinpoint areas of weakness or restriction. This process helps us to set realistic goals and measure progress over time. Specialized testing is also performed to determine if IASTM therapy is best for your needs.
Several forms of IASTM are used in physiotherapy, including the following:
Graston Technique
The Graston Technique helps to break down scar tissue, reduce pain, and improve range of motion. This form of IASTM uses six different instruments that are specially designed to detect and treat soft tissue lesions. Patients with knee injuries, repetitive stress injuries, and chronic pain can all benefit from the Graston Technique.
Augmented Soft Tissue Manipulation (ASTYM)
ASTYM uses three specially designed tools to stimulate the healing process in the body for soft tissue injuries like tendinitis, plantar fasciitis, and chronic pain.
Functional and Kinetic Treatment and Rehab (FAKTR)
FAKTR can treat various musculoskeletal conditions, including sprains, strains, plantar fasciitis, shin splints, and post-surgical recovery.
IASTM is not typically performed alone; your treatment plan will likely involve other techniques, such as targeted stretching and strengthening exercises, to ensure optimal recovery and the best possible results.
Our mission at Momentum Health is to relieve your pain using innovative treatments, research-based practices, and personalized care. We will work closely with you to develop a treatment plan that is customized to your unique needs and helps you achieve a better quality of life.
Don’t wait to find relief. Call (403) 455-0025 today to learn more about IASTM and schedule an assessment!
Your Next Steps…
Book An Appointment
Determine Coverage
Get An Assessment
Start Treatment