Are you considering IASTM treatment in Queens to kickstart your journey to healing? ProMet Physical Therapy can help. We offer innovative treatment solutions and therapy modalities, including IASTM. Learn more about how the technique works, what to expect, and our approach to customized care to help you get back to your best self.
What is IAStM Treatment in Queens?
IASTM, or instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization, is a type of manual physical therapy. The treatment uses an instrument to remove scar tissue from injured soft tissues. Studies show that IASTM can help with an improvement in your range of motion, strength, and overall perception of pain. The concept behind this therapy is that it’s possible to induce repair and regeneration to facilitate the healing process.
How Can IASTM Treatment Help?
IASTM offers a range of benefits, including the ability to increase circulation to help the impaired area. It’s important to work with a trained physical therapist who can help break up scar tissue and fascia with connective tissue. Our goal is to stimulate connective tissue to help with the regeneration process.
IASTM targets excessive scar tissue and can help athletes treat issues like tendinitis, tendonopathy, achilles tendonitis, golfer’s elbow, and tennis elbow. Even if you’re not an athlete, IASTM can still help with muscle and ligament strains and running injuries such as plantar fasciitis. You end up with faster pain relief and quicker rehabilitation and recovery to get back on your feet and to your best self.
What Is the History Behind IASTM Treatment?
IASTM dates back nearly 2,000 years to a technique called Gua Sha, which means “scraping.” As part of traditional Chinese medicine, IASTM used jade or stones to scrape the person’s skin to help increase blood flow to the area and foster cell regeneration, growth, and repair. Over time, the tools were replaced with dense stainless steel that slides across tissues and abnormalities to manipulate the soft tissue with a variety of different-shaped tools to increase blood flow to the area and foster cell regeneration, growth, and repair.
Modern IASTM tools are designed with either single- or double-beveled edges. The unique shape allows for everything from superficial to deep work while choosing the level of pressure and aggression with the instrument. The body part and injury being treated should also dictate what type of tool is used.
Does IASTM Treatment Hurt?
It’s normal to feel a little apprehensive before any type of physical treatment that you’ve never experienced before. IASTM does require some force and pressure to reach the problematic scar tissue and may feel uncomfortable at times. However, you should not feel acute pain during the procedure. Because every patient’s pain level and injuries are unique, the team at ProMet Physical Therapy customizes your treatment plan to meet your needs. We don’t overwhelm you with methodologies that are painful and too much to handle. Instead, we collaborate with you to help foster your recovery.
Who Shouldn’t Use IASTM Treatment?
IASTM can be an effective choice for many people, especially if you’re dealing with excessive scar tissue or athletic injuries. Despite its efficacy and research-backed studies, IASTM isn’t necessarily appropriate for everyone. You may not be a good candidate if you have arthritis or a degenerative joint condition. It’s also not necessarily appropriate if you have a bone fracture, artery disease, or active forms of cancer. Talk to the team at ProMet PT to discuss whether or not IASTM is a good fit for your recovery.
What About Cupping?
Like IASTM, cupping is also a type of manual physical therapy. It’s designed to help suction and decompress muscles and connective tissue that’s designed to resolve pain and tightness. Depending on your injury and goals, your physical therapist at ProMet PT may recommend both IASTM and cupping to help with range of motion, pain reduction, and more.
Next Steps
The ProMet Physical Therapy team offers a unique style with a common focus on YOU. Our treatment plans take into consideration every aspect of your condition, life, and goals to help you heal your body and mind, not just the area with the injury. We’re here to help you reconnect to the real you with a personalized approach to healing. Ready to take control of your recovery with IASTM treatment in Queens? Call us at: (718)880-2385 or request an appointment here.