Soft Tissue Mobilization

Instrument assisted soft tissue mobilization

What is a Soft-tissue injury?

A soft tissue injury involves damage to the muscles, ligaments, tendons and/or fascia somewhere in the body. Common soft-tissue injuries usually occur from a sprain, strain, or overuse of a particular body part. Soft-tissue injuries can result in pain, swelling, bruising or loss of function. Adhesions or scar tissue, which form within the soft-tissue, may develop during the healing process.

Soft Tissue Mobilization

What is Instrument Assisted Soft-Tissue Mobilization (IASTM)?

IASTM involves using a range of tools, with a smooth, beveled edge, to enable clinicians to efficiently locate and treat individuals with soft-tissue dysfunction. Lotion or oil is applied to the skin and the tools are used to break up the scar tissue or adhesions which have formed. By doing so, blood along with oxygen is rushed to the affected tissue to reactivate the healing process.

IASTM can be used to help alleviate the following symptoms:

  • Limited motion
  • Pain during motion
  • Motor control issues (muscle activation/coordination)
  • Muscle recruitment issues

Cupping

Another form of Instrument Assisted Soft-Tissue Mobilization, cupping therapy is an alternative therapeutic method that has been popular in China since around 1000 B.C. By creating suction and negative pressure, cupping therapy is used to soften tight muscles and tone attachment sites. This technique is also used to facilitate lymph and blood flow to treat stagnation, break up scar tissue and increase range of motion.