What is IASTM?
Instrument Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization (IASTM) is a skilled muscle, tendon and fascia intervention used for soft-tissue treatment. Muscle is the soft tissue which contracts and relaxes in order to move our bodies. Tendons are found at the ends of muscles and is the soft tissue which connects muscles to bones. Fascia is a thin, soft tissue mesh which separates and connects each different muscle throughout our entire body.
There are many types of instruments use in this therapy but most common is a stainless-steel instrument with a beveled edge.
The ergonomic design of these IASTM instruments provides the clinician with the ability to assess and locate restrictions in the soft tissues of the body. Having located these problem areas, the instrument is then used to treat the affected area with the appropriate amount of pressure.
IASTM therapy essentially creates microtrauma within the soft tissue to break up adhesions or scar tissue which forms from old injury, surgery, immobilization, repeated strain or other mechanisms. The microtrauma in turn causes the body to initiate its own healing response which will remodel and /or absorb the adhesions.
Conditions Commonly Treated with IASTM
- Heel Pain /Achilles Tendinitis
- Post-Surgical and Traumatic Scars
- Myofascial Pain and Restrictions
- Musculoskeletal Imbalances
- Ligament Sprains
- Muscle Strains
- Neck Pain
- Back Pain
- Hip Pain
- Chronic Ankle Sprain
- IT Band Syndrome
- Tibialis Posterior Tendinitis
- Chronic Joint Swelling Associated with Sprains/Strains
To find out more, please contact our office.