IASTM
Instrument Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilisation
IASTM is performed with ergonomically designed instruments that help to treat soft tissue restriction and pain.
The technique itself is said to be a modern evolution from Traditional Chinese Medicine called Gua Sha. However, Gua Sha was not used to treat Musculoskeletal conditions but was traditionally applied along meridians to move bad chi out through the skin.
IASTM can be used to help alleviate the following symptoms;
Limited range of motion
Pain during movement
Muscle recruitment issues
Motor control issues
Common conditions that can be treated with IASTM are: tendinopathies, rotator cuff injuries, achilles tendinosis, plantar fascilitis, IT band syndrome, ankle sprains, post-surgical and traumatic scars, shin splints and many more.
After an injury has occurred our body can form scar tissue and adhesions, this is part of your bodies normal healing process. However, left untreated scar tissue and adhesions can cause reduced range of motion and pain.
The purpose of using the tools is to help restart the bodies natural healing process to allow us to help remodel the soft tissue that has been affected.
We do this by introducing controlled microtrauma to the affected area using the IASTM, a local inflammatory response is stimulated, this new microtrauma allows reabsorption of inappropriate or excessive scar tissue and helps to facilitate the remodelling of the soft tissue structure.
Helping to breakdown the scar tissue and realign the fibres will promote better movement patterns, reduce pain, and improve strength.
It can sound a little terrifying, causing trauma to the body using metal instruments, but rest assured this is done in a very controlled manner.
You may feel some discomfort when pressure is applied but it shouldn’t feel unbearable, some redness is common after treatment and the area may feel sore for a couple of days.
Its important to continue with light exercise in conjunction with IASTM to gain the best results; mobilising and stretching to build flexibility and strengthening in the area of the injury will greatly help to accelerate the overall healing process.