IASTM is a non-invasive manual therapy approach that is performed with a special designed instrument or tool typically of stainless steel. The ergonomic design of these instruments provides the clinician with the ability to locate myofascial restrictions and attempt to break up scar tissue and adhesions. IASTM enables effective treatment to areas exhibiting soft tissue fibrosis, chronic inflammation, or degeneration with the appropriate amount of pressure.
The introduction of controlled microtrauma to affected soft tissue structures causes stimulation of a local inflammatory response and facilitates 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 full functional restoration to occur.
The general goals of the therapy are to reduce the patient’s pain and increase function through a combination of:
- Breaking down scar tissue and fascia restrictions usually associated with some form of trauma to soft tissue (e.g., a strained muscle, ligament, tendon, or fascia).
- Reducing restrictions by stretching connective tissue in attempt to rearrange the structure of soft tissue being treated (e.g., muscle, fascia, tendons, ligaments).
- Promote better healing environment for injured soft tissue.
Conditions IASTM typically used:
- Medial Epicondylitis, Lateral Epicondylitis
- Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, DeQuervain’s Syndrome
- Neck, Back Pain
- Plantar Fascitis
- Rotator Cuff Tendinitis
- Patellar Tendinitis
- Tibialis Posterior Tendinitis
- Heel Pain /Achilles Tendinitis
- Post-Surgical and Traumatic Scars
- Myofascial Pain and Restrictions
- Chronic Joint Swelling Associated with Sprains/Strains
- Muscle Strains – Ligament Sprains
- Trigger Finger
- Hip Pain (Replacements)
- IT Band Syndrome
- Shin Splints
For more information on IASTM please contact Dr. Tew at 907-770-6683