Breaking Through Pain and Stiffness With IASTM

Whether you’re an athlete recovering from an injury, a weekend warrior that constantly feels tight and stiff, or somewhere in between, Instrument-Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization (IASTM) can be a game changer in your journey to recovery. This article will explore what IASTM is, how it works and most importantly, how it can help you feel better!

What is IASTM?

Instrument-Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization (IASTM) is a specialized form of manual therapy that involves using handheld tools to detect and treat soft tissue dysfunction. Several different types of healthcare providers utilize IASTM including chiropractors and physical therapists. During IASTM therapy, your practitioner will glide various instruments (usually plastic or stainless steel), over certain areas. This helps trigger the body's natural healing process by creating low grade inflammation in the area, and decrease tightness by removing adhesions. While you may feel mild discomfort during and after the treatment, in addition to a characteristic reddening of the skin, both of these side effects are expected and should reside within a few days. 

What is Graston?

While IASTM refers to a broad category of manual therapy that implements various hand held tools, Graston Technique is a trademarked form of IASTM that uses specially designed tools and protocols. Both Graston and IASTM are used to break down adhesions, promote blood flow and enhance mobility but their approaches and applications can vary based on the provider and the specific condition being treated. Neither Graston nor IASTM is inherently “better,” it just depends on the individual’s condition and treatment goals. 

How Can IASTM Help Me? 

IASTM can be an effective tool in a variety of situations. Here are some examples:

• Chronic Pain Relief- Whether you’re suffering from chronic pain in the neck, back, feet, or somewhere in between, IASTM can help reduce pain and discomfort by promoting the body's natural healing response, modulating and decreasing muscular tension.

• Post-Surgery Recovery- When the body heals damaged tissue from surgery it uses scar tissue, which will limit your mobility long term. IASTM is effective at breaking up these sticky spots where the muscle doesn’t glide as it should, referred to as ‘adhesions.’. This is an important factor to address for increasing flexibility and range of motion. 

• Sports Injuries- From a sprained ankle to a strained hamstring, IASTM can help promote healing and speed up your recovery to ensure you can return as quickly as possible. Increased blood flow and tissue flexibility will also help increase performance. 

More specifically, some conditions that can benefit from IASTM include:

• Tennis elbow- Overuse injury causing pain on outer part of elbow

• Golfer’s elbow- Inner elbow pain from wrist and repetitive forearm movement

• Carpal Tunnel Syndrome- Nerve compression leading to pain and numbness

• Rotator Cuff Tendinitis- Shoulder pain from inflamed or overused tendons

• Plantar fasciitis- Heel pain from inflammation of tissues in foot

• Ankle sprains- Damage to ligaments in the ankle

  
  

From dealing with pain, to bouncing back from a sports injury, IASTM can be a valuable tool. By breaking down adhesions, promoting blood flow, and enhancing mobility, this technique helps your body heal more efficiently and function optimally. At Thryve Chiropractic we use IASTM in conjunction with other types of manual therapy, to create an individualized care plan based on your specific goals. Schedule your free discovery visit here to take your first step toward relief and a better functioning you.