Instrument Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization

What Is Instrument Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization (IASTM)?

Instrument assisted soft tissue mobilization (IASTM) is the use of specially designed tools to help treat soft tissue dysfunction or injuries. These tools help heighten the therapist’s treatment of soft tissue injuries. Some common brands of IASTM tools are HawkGrips® and Graston® Technique, both of which are used by therapists at OrthoBethesda Physical Therapy.

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Who Can IASTM Help?

Anyone with soft tissue conditions, injuries or pain can benefit from IASTM. Some common diagnoses that benefit from IASTM include:

• Tendinopathies (including Achilles tendinosis, golfers and tennis elbow)
• Rotator cuff injuries
• IT band syndrome
• Plantar fasciitis
• Muscle and ligament strains

Talk to your therapist to see if your condition would benefit from IASTM and if you are a good candidate for IASTM. Anyone with a soft tissue injury or who has excessive scar tissue, limited motion, pain during motion, motor control issues or muscle recruitment issues can benefit from IASTM.

How Does IASTM Work?

IASTM tools come in various shapes that your therapist can use to target your specific area of dysfunction. This treatment is non-invasive, and your therapist will use these tools to help remodel the soft tissue in the exact area needed. IASTM targets tissues in areas such as:

• Muscles
• Tendons
• Ligaments
• Fascia

You can receive IASTM treatment for large muscle groups or more specific spots. Your physical therapist will use different pressures, angles and tools to focus on the involved soft tissue layers bothering you most.

Benefits of IASTM

IASTM offers many benefits for patients, including:

• Increased range of motion.
• Improved strength.
• Reduced pain and stiffness.
• Improved pain perception.

Conditions and Injuries IASTM Treats

IASTM can treat many soft tissue conditions and injuries:

• Achilles tendinitis
• Golfer’s and tennis elbow
• Excessive scar tissue
• Ligament and muscle strains
• Plantar fasciitis
• Iliotibial band syndrome

Book Your IASTM Appointment Today

Increase the benefit of your soft tissue mobilization and reduce your pain by adding IASTM to your manual physical therapy at OrthoBethesda Physical Therapy. Our expert physical therapists have the instruments, expertise and training to provide the best care possible.

IASTM is offered to patients at our Bethesda, Maryland office. Start IASTM therapy by calling our office at (240) 482-2438.