Instrument Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization (IASTM)

What is IASTM?

IASTM refers to a technique that uses instruments to remove scar tissues from injured soft tissues and facilitate healing process through formation of new extracellular matrix proteins such as collagen. Recently, frequent use of this instrument has increased in the fields of sports rehabilitation and athlete training.

Reference: J Exerc Rehabil. 2017 Feb; 13(1): 12–22. Therapeutic effectiveness of instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization for soft tissue injury: mechanisms and practical application

The benefits of IASTM include the following, but not limited to:

  • Decreased overall time per course of care.
  • Faster rehabilitation/recovery from injury and/or syndromes.
  • Reduced need for anti-inflammatory medication.
  • It may help resolve chronic conditions thought to be long standing.
  • Increased range of motion
  • Increased blood flow.
  • Decreased pain.

Common symptoms, syndromes, conditions, and diagnoses that may benefit from IASTM include the following, but not limited to:

  • Neck Pain
  • Trigger Finger
  • Back Pain
  • Muscle Strains
  • Post-Surgical and Traumatic Scars
  • IT Band Syndrome
  • Shin Splints
  • Hip Pain (Replacements)
  • Chronic Ankle Sprains
  • Acute Ankle Sprains (Advanced Technique)
  • Scars (Surgical, Traumatic)
  • Tennis Elbow & Golfer's Elbow (Medial Epicondylitis, Lateral Epicondylitis)
  • Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS)
  • Plantar Fasciitis
  • Rotator Cuff Tendinitis
  • Patellar Tendinitis
  • Tibialis Posterior Tendinitis
  • Heel Pain /Achilles Tendinitis
  • DeQuervain's Syndrome
  • Myofascial Pain and Restrictions
  • Musculoskeletal Imbalances
  • Chronic Joint Swelling Associated with Sprains/Strains
  • Ligament Sprains
  • Non-Acute Bursitis
  • RSD (Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy)