As mentioned above, IASTM is a type of instrument assisted soft tissue mobilization (IASTM). In short, this means that instruments are utilized to mobilize and manipulate tissues rather than just the therapists’ own hands.

There are several techniques that fall within the category of IASTM. This includes techniques like Graston® Technique, Gua Sha and cupping or myofascial decompression. Depending on the technique, the instruments used will be different.

Graston® Technique tools are made of stainless steel and have beveled edges and contours to better match the contours of the human body. Gua Sha tools are typically made of jade or quartz but can come in plastic also and are flatter, more rounded tools. Therapists use these tools to apply pressure to an area of impaired tissue or scar tissue and scrape it along the area to induce an inflammatory response and a change in nervous system activity in the area.

Modern day cups used in cupping or myofascial decompression are often made of plastic but can also be made of glass. The cups are placed over the area to be treated and suction is created on top of the skin using a special tool that attaches to the top of the cup. This suction is strong enough to decompress the fascial layers beneath the skin. Cups can be used passively but are often more effective when active movement is included during the treatment.

WHAT ARE SOFT TISSUE AND FASCIA AND HOW DOES IASTM AFFECT THEM?

• Fat
• Nerves
• Ligaments
• Tendons
• Muscles
• Blood vessels
• Lymph tissues
• Connective tissue

As you can see, soft tissues play many different roles in the body depending on their type. Soft tissues such as connective tissue, tendons, ligaments and muscles are often targets of the IASTM as they are involved in movement and musculoskeletal function. Soft tissue dysfunction can develop due to injury, scarring, following surgery, as part of a medical condition or due to impairments in movement.

Fascia is a thin casing of connective tissue that courses through the body and encapsulates every organ, muscle, nerve, blood vessel and fiber. When first discovered, fascia was thought to simply be a support structure for the body. Over time, however, scientists have realized that fascia plays a much more important role in the structure and function of the body including the ways in which the body moves. Inflammation and trauma can affect the fascia causing pain and impeding movement both locally and further away in the body.

Scar tissue and other facial restrictions and soft tissue impairments can not only restrict movement but have larger effects on the nervous system. They alter sensory perception in the tissue which can induce a cycle of centralized pain in the body. In many of these cases the presence of pain does not actually signal the presence of injury but the nervous system becomes stuck in a cycle of perceived pain which then alters the body's movement and motor output. One goal of IASTM is to alter the abnormal sensory input and interrupt the pain cycle to allow the person to restore normal movement. Another goal is to induce an inflammatory response via microtrauma to the tissue that helps usher in the cells that break down injured tissue and build healthy, more organized tissues.

If you decide to work with a physical therapist to help correct your MSK related issues, your entire treatment plan could consist of around 8-20+ different physical therapy sessions that will each last 60-90 minutes. Once you complete your customized physical therapy treatment plan, you will be able to continue to do the prescribed stretches and exercises utilized during your PT sessions yet in the comfort of your own home.

WHAT CONDITIONS MIGHT BENEFIT FROM IASTM?

Your therapist may opt to use the IASTM in areas where they feel the soft tissue or fascia are affected or restricted. While this is not a complete list, here are some examples of conditions that may benefit from the use of the IASTM:

• Postural dysfunction
• Tendonitis or tendinopathy- Examples: achilles tendonitis, rotator cuff tendinopathy, medial epicondylitis (golfer’s elbow), lateral epicondylitis (tennis elbow)
• Plantar fasciitis
• Shin splints/medial tibial stress syndrome
• Cervicothoracic strain (neck strain)
• Lumbosacral strain (low back strain)
• Patellofemoral disorders (knee pain)
• Scar tissue after injury or surgery
• Post joint-replacement or other surgery
• Myofascial pain syndrome or Fibromyalgia

HOW DO I KNOW IASTM IS RIGHT FOR ME?

Since IASTM is just one part of a comprehensive physical therapy treatment plan, you should discuss your interest in this technique when you meet with your therapist for the initial evaluation. At that time they can advise you on whether they feel you are a good candidate for this treatment technique and how it will fit into the larger treatment plan. If you are experiencing pain or difficulties moving, call our clinic today to learn how our physical therapists can help.