Instrument Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization (IASTM)

 

Instrument Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization (IASTM) is a technique that utilizes metal instruments to enable clinicians to efficiently and effectively locate and treat individuals with soft tissue dysfunction.  IASTM is a procedure that is rapidly growing in popularity due to its effectiveness and efficiency while remaining non-invasive.  IASTM is performed with ergonomically designed instruments that detect and treat fascial restrictions, promote healing, and effectively treat areas exhibiting soft tissue fibrosis, chronic inflammation, or degeneration.

 

How does it work?

 

Instruments effectively break down fascial restrictions and scar tissue. The ergonomic design of these instruments provides the clinician with the ability to locate restrictions and allows the clinician to treat the affected area with the appropriate amount of pressure.  The introduction of controlled microtrauma to the affected soft tissue structure causes the stimulation of a local inflammatory response. Microtrauma initiates reabsorption of inappropriate fibrosis or excessive scar tissue and facilitates a cascade of healing activities resulting in remodeling of affected soft tissue structures. Adhesions within the soft tissue which may have developed as a result of surgery, immobilization, repeated strain or other mechanisms, are broken down allowing for restored mobility.