Qualified with experts from Hawkgrips, I use Instrument Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilisation as part of my soft tissue work with patients. This may be done with massage, mobilisations and exercise therapy.
How does it work?
Studies have shown clinical benefits of IASTM with improvements in range of motion, strength and pain perception following treatment.
From inefficient movement patterns, acute strain or repetitive injuries, soft tissue can break down resulting in pain and altered movement patterns. Scar tissue and adhesions are formed during the healing process. New cells are laid down in an excessively disorganised manner and without immediate intervention these can prevent the muscle or other tissues from lengthening appropriately – resulting in pain and altered movement patterns that create further abnormal strain on the soft tissue structures, leading to chronic painful conditions and then the search of medical interventions. It is often necessary, with chronic soft tissue injuries, to restart the healing process to aid remodelling of the soft tissues in the affected area. By controlled microtrauma to affected soft tissue, using IASTM, a local inflammatory response is stimulated and this microtrauma initiates reabsorption of inappropriate or excessive scar tissue and facilitates a remodelling of the affected area. After IASTM treatment, scar tissue can be remodelled so that the cells become organised in a direction that better promotes movement.
IASTM involves using a range of tools to efficiently locate and treat individuals diagnosed with soft-tissue dysfunction.
What should I expect after an IASTM treatment?
It is important to note that IASTM’s ability to reinitiate first-stage healing comes from the fact that it is essentially reinjuring the tissue in a controlled manner. This may cause mild discomfort during the procedure. Patients may experience soreness in the treatment area for a day or two following treatment and bruising.
IAMSTM may be used in conjunction with other treatment interventions such as exercise prescription to load the soft tissue appropriately to further facilitate healing.
