Improve your mobility and reduce your discomfort
Kintsugi Physical Therapy & Wellness offers IASTM!
Are you suffering from a soft tissue injury? Do you have scars or adhesions that are causing pain and limiting your movement? If so, then the IASTM may be the answer you’ve been searching for! IASTM, or instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization, is a manual therapy technique that involves the use of specialized tools to detect and treat soft tissue dysfunctions in the body. It is effective in treating other conditions such as lower back pain, carpal tunnel syndrome, rotator cuff tears, quadricep pain, tennis elbow, plantar fasciitis, and even headaches. The practice of IASTM aims to promote better movement and reduce discomfort in your muscles, tendons, ligaments, fascia, and scar tissue. Call our Normandy Park, WA clinic today to learn more and schedule your first appointment.
Conditions That Our Physical Therapists Treat With IASTM
IASTM can help improve symptoms from various musculoskeletal conditions. Some of the conditions that our physical therapists iin Normandy Park, WA treat with this manual technique include:
Scar tissue/adhesions
Scar tissue can form after surgery, injury, or trauma as the body attempts to repair itself. IASTM breaks down scar tissue and improves the mobility of the affected area.
Adhesions are bands of scar tissue. In some cases, the myofascial layers become restricted due to adhesion formation. Areas of tension in muscles can be felt as “trigger points.” These areas of muscle tightness can cause pain and discomfort. IASTM can help release trigger points and improve muscle function.
Soft tissue injuries
When the soft tissue of ligaments and tendons become damaged, it can cause someone to experience pain, swelling, tension, and restriction in the tissue. Soft-tissue injuries include the following:
- Sprains and strains: Stretching or tearing of ligaments (fibrous tissue that connects bones and joints).
- Contusions (bruises): Contusions result from a direct blow to some part of the body. This force crushes underlying muscle fibers and connective tissue without breaking the skin. In some cases, these injuries don’t heal properly and lead to adhesions and scar tissue formation, which can benefit from IASTM.
Overuse soft-tissue injuries
Overuse Injuries are caused by repetitive stress. Examples of overuse soft-tissue injuries that we treat at Kintsugi Physical Therapy & Wellness include:
- Tendinitis: Tendinitis results in the inflammation of a tendon and can cause pain and reduced range of motion.
- Bursitis: Painful inflammation of the bursae (small, fluid-filled sacs that act as a protective layer between the bones, tendons, and muscles near your joints.)
Chronic pain
There are several forms of chronic pain, such as:
- Osteoarthritis: Degeneration of joint cartilage and the underlying bone. Osteoarthritis is most common among women 50 years and older. Symptoms include pain and stiffness, especially in the hip, knee, and thumb joints.
- Chronic back pain: Pain that continues for 12 weeks or longer, even after an initial injury or underlying cause of back pain has been treated.
Types Of IASTM Treatments
There are several forms of IASTM that are used in physical therapy, including the following:
Graston Technique
The Graston Technique helps to break down scar tissue, reduce pain, and improve range of motion. This form of IASTM focuses on treating specific areas of soft tissue adhesions and scar tissue with deep pressure to improve mobility, decrease pain and promote healing.
Our physical therapists perform this technique with six different stainless steel instruments in order to help diagnose and treat soft tissue fibrosis and chronic inflammation.
Augmented Soft Tissue Manipulation (ASTYM)
ASTYM is another type of IASTM that involves the use of three specially designed tools to stimulate the healing process in the body. It treats various soft tissue injuries, such as tendinitis, plantar fasciitis, and chronic pain.
ASTYM is a more comprehensive approach that involves identifying and treating underlying causes of pain and dysfunction.
Functional and Kinetic Treatment and Rehab (FAKTR)
FAKTR treats a range of musculoskeletal conditions, including sports injuries, chronic pain, and joint dysfunction.
FAKTR instruments are crafted from high-quality surgical stainless steel and have double-beveled edges. This allows our practitioners to apply treatments quickly and easily without having to change positions.
In addition to these specialized techniques, our physical therapists will integrate holistic and wellness methods to complement your IASTM therapy. It is important to note that IASTM cannot be done alone; it must always be combined with other treatments, such as targeted stretching and strengthening exercises, to ensure proper healing and recovery.
What To Expect From Our Team
During your evaluation, our physical therapists in Normandy Park, WA will review your medical history to identify factors that may contribute to your current condition. This vital information helps us to create a personalized treatment strategy. Our hands-on assessment allows us to palpate and examine the affected areas, providing crucial insight into the nature and extent of your pain or injury.
Next, our team will conduct a range of motion and strength testing to pinpoint areas of weakness or restriction. This essential step in the evaluation process helps us to set realistic goals and measure progress over time. Specialized testing is also performed to determine if IASTM therapy is appropriate for your needs.
Achieve Greater Mobility and Pain Relief with Our Holistic Therapy Approach
At Kintsugi Physical Therapy & Wellness we treat you with a holistic, patient-centered approach. This means that we consider all aspects of your physical, emotional, and cognitive health rather than your symptoms alone. If you’re experiencing mobility issues or discomfort in your soft tissues, IASTM at Kintsugi Physical Therapy & Wellness may be able to help. Don’t let soft tissue dysfunctions hold you back from living your life to the fullest. Call us today to learn more about IASTM and schedule an appointment.
Your Next Steps…
Request An Appointment
Receive A Custom Treatment Plan
Work Hard and Progress In Your Recovery
Recover & Enjoy Life Pain-Free!