Khouri Chiropractic-Summerville offers Instrument Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization, or IASTM, which is a manual therapy that uses instruments with a specialized form of massage. This therapy is designed to help identify the areas of restriction and attempt to break up scar tissue.
IASTM Therapy Goals
- Breaking down scar tissue and fascia restriction that is usually associated with some form of trauma to the soft tissue such as a strained muscle, a pulled ligament, a tendon or fascia.
- Reducing restriction by stretching connective tissue in an attempt to rearrange the structure of the soft tissue being treated such as the muscle, fascia, tendon, or ligament.
- Promoting a better healing environment for the injured soft tissue.
Potential Benefits of IASTM Therapy
Most of the back is compromised of muscles, fascia, ligaments, and tendons. Injuries to these soft tissues play a significant role in the pain and dysfunction associated with back problems. While it may not sound like a serious injury, a simple back muscle strain or torn ligament in the back can cause excruciating pain and difficulty with movement.
IASTM offers several potential advantages to the patient suffering from injuries to the soft tissues (muscle, fascia, ligaments, and tendons).
- Decreasing overall treatment time
- Fostering faster rehabilitation
- Reducing the need for anti-inflammatory medication
- Resolving chronic conditions thought to be permanent
IASTM Tools & Technique
Instrument Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization uses unique handheld instruments with a specialized form of massage that is designed to help the practitioner identify areas of restriction and break up scar tissue. There are 6 core tools used in IASTM Therapy. These tools are made of stainless steel, concave and convex-shaped, with rounded edges that are not sharp and are used to scan over and detect areas of injured fibrotic tissue. The techniques used during therapy range from cross-friction massage which involves brushing or rubbing against the grain of the scar tissue. Re-introducing small amounts of trauma to the affected area. Which in turn increases the rate and amount of blood flow in and around the area. The theory is that this process helps initiate and promote the healing process of the affected soft tissues. The treatment is rendered along the kinetic chain and thus a patient presenting with back pain might also receive treatment to the hip flexors, abdomen, hamstrings, shoulders, and other
regions of the body which often seem remote but are connected through the fascial network.
During IASTM Therapy Treatment
- The practitioner will utilize the appropriate technique using the instruments to scan, then treat the affected area.
- treatment generally consists of rubbing the affected area or areas with handheld stainless steel instruments, using very specific and calculated massage techniques.
- treatment is usually 30 to 60 seconds per area treated.
- it is common for patients to experience some discomfort during the procedure.
After IASTM Therapy Treatment
Patients are advised they may be sore, bruised or exhibit small red dots over the treated area. It is recommended that an exercising, stretching, and strengthen program be used in conjunction with the IASTM therapy to rehabilitate the back and help injured tissues heal. Many patients report having an increased range of motion and reduced pain after their first treatment.
Acute & Chronic Condition IASTM Therapy can Help
- neck pain
- back pain
- wrist pain
- Plantar Fasciitis
- tennis/golfer’s elbow
- rotator cuff tendinitis
- knee/ankle pain
- fibromyalgia
- scar tissue
- shin splints
- trigger finger
- joint sprains
You can schedule an Instrument Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization appointment with Dr. Diana Herr at the Summerville office Monday through Saturday by calling or texting (843) 647-0509.