Soft Tissue Therapy
Instrument assisted soft tissue mobilisation (IASTM) is a term used synonymously with Graston, FAKTR, Vyne, Hawk Grip and more. Typically these are all brands but while the style and technique may be taught a particular way by a certain company, IASTM’s foundation and principle is the same and that is to break up fibrotic adhesions causing neuromusculoskeletal restriction.
The origins of IASTM’s concept of cross fiber massage is not new. IASTM is grounded in the works of Dr. James Cyriax, an English orthopedic surgeon. IASTM has become standard protocol in universities and hospital-based outpatient facilities as well as industrial on-site treatment settings and by NBA, NHL and Major League Baseball.
What does all this mean? It means that IASTM is an excellent technique used in the diagnosis and treatment of a variety of conditions that most individuals will endure or take prescription medication instead. IASTM is a non- invasive manner which to remove adhesions and pain in a permanent manner.
Some common soft tissue conditions that can be successfully treated with IASTM are:
IT Band Syndrome
IT band syndrome is often felt as knee pain that cannot be diagnosed. It is common in but not limited to runners, especially when a lot of downhill running is involved. IASTM can be utilized to break up adhesions between the IT band and quadriceps and break up myofascial trigger points within the quadriceps. Most patients can expect to see results within the first three treatments.
Plantar Fasciitis
The plantar fascia lies on the bottom (plantar surface) of the foot. You can feel extreme pain when this fascia becomes restricted and inflamed. IASTM has been proven extremely effective in the treatment of plantar fasciitis. Patients experience relief within the first couple weeks of IASTM treatment and are able to return to their normal activities.
The origins of IASTM’s concept of cross fiber massage is not new. IASTM is grounded in the works of Dr. James Cyriax, an English orthopedic surgeon. IASTM has become standard protocol in universities and hospital-based outpatient facilities as well as industrial on-site treatment settings and by NBA, NHL and Major League Baseball.
What does all this mean? It means that IASTM is an excellent technique used in the diagnosis and treatment of a variety of conditions that most individuals will endure or take prescription medication instead. IASTM is a non- invasive manner which to remove adhesions and pain in a permanent manner.
Some common soft tissue conditions that can be successfully treated with IASTM are:
IT Band Syndrome
IT band syndrome is often felt as knee pain that cannot be diagnosed. It is common in but not limited to runners, especially when a lot of downhill running is involved. IASTM can be utilized to break up adhesions between the IT band and quadriceps and break up myofascial trigger points within the quadriceps. Most patients can expect to see results within the first three treatments.
Plantar Fasciitis
The plantar fascia lies on the bottom (plantar surface) of the foot. You can feel extreme pain when this fascia becomes restricted and inflamed. IASTM has been proven extremely effective in the treatment of plantar fasciitis. Patients experience relief within the first couple weeks of IASTM treatment and are able to return to their normal activities.
Tendonosis
Tendonosis has previously been referred to as tendonitis or tendonopathy. This is any disease of a tendon (connects muscle to bone). This is a chronic, degenerative, not necessarily inflammatory condition. IASTM works by stimulating fibroblast activity within tendons to increase proper collagen formation and increase blood flow. |
Scar Tissue Formation
After any injury/ trauma (including surgery), your body will lay down scar tissue as part of the healing process. However, improper movement or lack of movement of the region will result in improper collagen formation. This may lead to dysfunction and further pain. IASTM breaks down the improper collagen formation and allows your body to heal in the proper manner, increasing blood flow and function of the region of dysfunction.
When viewed under a microscope, normal tissue can take a couple of different fashions: dense, regular elongated fibers running in the same direction, such as tendons and ligaments; or dense, irregular and loose with fibers running in multiple directions. In either instance, when tissue is damaged it will heal in a haphazard pattern–or scarring–that results in a restricted range of motion and, very often, pain.
This is why it is vital to ensure normal tissue is laid down as opposed to irregular formation. Pain is not normal. It is our bodies way of telling us something is wrong.
After any injury/ trauma (including surgery), your body will lay down scar tissue as part of the healing process. However, improper movement or lack of movement of the region will result in improper collagen formation. This may lead to dysfunction and further pain. IASTM breaks down the improper collagen formation and allows your body to heal in the proper manner, increasing blood flow and function of the region of dysfunction.
When viewed under a microscope, normal tissue can take a couple of different fashions: dense, regular elongated fibers running in the same direction, such as tendons and ligaments; or dense, irregular and loose with fibers running in multiple directions. In either instance, when tissue is damaged it will heal in a haphazard pattern–or scarring–that results in a restricted range of motion and, very often, pain.
This is why it is vital to ensure normal tissue is laid down as opposed to irregular formation. Pain is not normal. It is our bodies way of telling us something is wrong.
Other conditions treated with IASTM:
- Cervical sprain/strain (neck pain)
- Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (wrist pain)
- Lateral Epicondylitis (tennis elbow)
- Rotator Cuff Tendinosis (shoulder pain)
- Achilles Tendinosis (ankle pain)
- Scar Tissue
- Shin Splints
- Lumbar sprain/strain (back pain)
- Plantar Fasciitis (foot pain)
- Medial Epicondylitis (golfer’s elbow)
- Patellofemoral Disorders (knee pain)
- Fibromyalgia
- Trigger Finger
- Women’s Health (post-mastectomy and Caesarean scarring)
Bruising, redness and swelling can be expected after treatment. This is a part of the normal healing process and physical activities are not limited as a result.