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The Functions & Benefits of Instrument Aided Soft Tissue Mobilization

Physical Therapy

Instrument Aided Soft Tissue Mobilization (IASTM) is a type of soft tissue massage and technique to help decrease pain perception and improve blood flow to “tight” muscles. It helps to detect and treat fascial dysfunction by triggering a healing response. Developed by medical professionals over years of detailed research, IASTM breaks down capillary beds to induce the nutrition of tissues within the injured area. It has proven more precision, sensitivity, and depth in treating pain that hands, knuckles, and elbows can’t otherwise achieve. If you’re thinking of undergoing IASTM treatment, here’s everything you need to know about it.

How IASTM Works

By magnifying abnormalities such as scars, restrictions, and adhesions, IASTM makes it easier for professionals to locate the areas that need to be treated. It also allows for a more efficient treatment by focusing force with less friction, thus stimulating the production of more collagen, and promoting proper, functional healing.

As another tool in our toolbox, our Doctors of Physical Therapy in Glendale NY , Physical Therapy in Kew Gardens NY  and Physical Therapy in Manhasset NY utilize the IASTM approach. It boasts an ergonomic design that allows clinicians to treat affected areas with the right amount of pressure.

The Benefits of IASTM

Among the top benefits of IASTM are:

  • Faster rehabilitation and recovery
  • Improved pain and joint mobility through the  neurochemical benefits
  • Less need for anti-inflammatory medications like NSAIDs or Ibuprofen
  • Improved blood and lymphatic flow
  • Improved Range of Motion

Other, greater benefits include:

1. Cellular-Level Benefits

On a cellular level, IASTM can increase fibroblast proliferation, reduce scar tissue, increase more effective vascular responses, and remodel an unorganized collagen fiber matrix.

Considered the most important cell in the extracellular matrix (ECM) fibroblast can synthesize the ECM, which contains collagen, elastin, and proteoglycans, which are essential substances. Fibroblasts can also react as mechanotransducers, which can detect biophysical strains such as compression, torque, shear and fluid flow, and create mechanochemical responses.

2. Clinical Benefits

According to recent studies, IASTM can also provide clinical benefits that include an improvement in range of motion, strength, and pain perception. In a specific application, IASTM was found to reduce scar tissue surrounding the lateral malleolus and remodel it structurally. After 6 and 12 weeks of the treatment, IASTM was found to improve pain reduction and impairment scales.

3. Therapist Benefits

Not only does IASTM benefit patients, but also its applicators. Clinicians get a mechanical advantage that prevents the overuse of hands, specifically thumbs, and also reduces spinal pain. Because of thumb pain, the majority of therapists who weren’t using IASTM techniques had to turn to massages to modify their treatment methods.

Conclusion

IASTM has shown to provide great benefits when combined with other techniques and treatments that we provide here at ProMet.  When combining this treatment with our vast range of skills it has proven to be effective and long lasting.  Here, we don’t just treat the injury or body part BUT rather we treat YOU as a whole person !

Making it easier to detect and treat fascial dysfunction, IASTM is a treatment that is extremely useful

For physical therapy treatments that incorporate IASTM, reach out to us at ProMet Physical Therapy. We provide the highest level of physical therapy in Nassau County NY and treat all types of conditions affecting the body. Whether you’re looking for physical therapy in long island or physical therapy in queens NY – We Are Here For You!

 

Start Your Journey Today at ProMet Physical Therapy!

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