What is IASTM
Instrument-Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization necessitates the use of instruments manufactured from materials such as stainless steel or plastic. Different shapes and edges on these instruments enable therapists to target specific areas of soft tissue dysfunction. The therapist addresses muscle, tendon, ligament, and fascial restrictions by applying controlled pressure and gliding the instrument over the affected area.
How does Soft Tissue Mobilisation with Instruments work?
Instrument-Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization employs multiple healing and tissue function-enhancing mechanisms. Here is how it operates:
- Breaking down scar tissue and adhesions: By applying controlled pressure, the therapist assists in breaking down scar tissue and adhesions that may have formed as a result of an injury, surgery, or repetitive stress. This increases tissue flexibility, improves movement, and decreases pain.
- Increasing blood flow and tissue repair: The instruments’ mechanical pressure stimulates blood flow to the treated area, thereby promoting tissue repair. This increased circulation delivers oxygen, nutrients, and growth factors to the tissues, thereby accelerating tissue repair and facilitating the healing process.
- Stimulating the central nervous system: Instrument-Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilisation stimulates the tissues’ sensory and nervous receptors. This may have a pain-modulating effect, reducing pain and enhancing overall function.
Who Can Benefit from Soft Tissue Mobilization Using Instruments?
Instrument-Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization offers a variety of advantages, including the following:
- Athletes: Instrument-Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization is frequently used in sports medicine to improve athletic performance, prevent injuries, and assist in recovery for athletes. It assists athletes in optimizing muscle function, enhancing flexibility, and minimizing the risk of overuse injuries.
- Individuals with soft tissue injuries: Instrument-Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization can be beneficial for both acute and chronic soft tissue injuries. In conditions such as tendinitis, muscle strains, and ligament sprains, it alleviates discomfort, improves range of motion, and promotes tissue healing.
- Post-surgical Facilities: Following surgery, scar tissue formation can impede proper healing and limit functional recovery in patients. Instrument-Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization facilitates post-surgical rehabilitation by reducing scar tissue, increasing circulation, and restoring normal tissue mobility.
- Individuals with chronic pain: When coupled with other therapeutic approaches, Instrument-Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization provides relief for patients with chronic pain conditions such as fibromyalgia, myofascial pain syndrome, and repetitive strain injuries.
Supporting Evidence for Instrument-Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization:
Multiple studies have demonstrated the efficacy of Instrument-Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization:
- A randomized controlled trial published in the Journal of Manual & Manipulative Therapy demonstrated that Instrument-Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization significantly decreased pain and enhanced function in patients with chronic lateral epicondylitis (tennis elbow).
- The Journal of Back and Musculoskeletal Rehabilitation reported that the combination of Instrument-Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization and exercise improved pain, function, and pressure pain threshold in chronic low back pain patients.
- A study published in the Journal of Bodywork and Movement Therapies revealed that the application of Instrument-Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilisation to the quadriceps enhanced knee range of motion and decreased knee pain in patients with knee osteoarthritis.
Note: Instrument-Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization has emerged as an efficient method for treating musculoskeletal disorders, promoting tissue regeneration, and enhancing overall function. Using specialised instruments, clinicians can target specific areas of soft tissue dysfunction, thereby breaking down scar tissue, enhancing circulation, and reducing pain. Athletes, individuals with soft tissue injuries, post-surgical patients, and those with chronic pain conditions can benefit from this technique. Instrument-Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization continues to acquire recognition as a valuable modality in physical therapy and sports medicine, offering new opportunities for enhanced recovery and enhanced quality of life.