Description of Massage Treatments
IASTM (Instrament Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization) – What exactly is it?
There are many established methods of treatment for both acute and chronic soft tissue injuries. Examples of treatments methods (non inclusive) are massage, dry needling, active release technique, heat, ice, vibration, taping, exercise, including stretching, and other passive modalities like therapeutic ultrasound. Instrument Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization (IASTM) and Soft Tissue release (STR) is one of those methods.
What exactly is IASTM?
IASTM or tools assist in reducing adhesions and increase healing rates of targeted tissue.
At Custom Bodies Fitness and Massage, we use specially designed tools to apply longitudinal pressure along the course of tissue. The tools facilitate our ability to detect altered tissue properties, as well as facilitate the client’s awareness of altered sensations within the treated tissues. Additionally, the tools are believed to provide a mechanical advantage that allows the therapist to achieve greater depth of mechanical force transmission than can be produced with hands. Tools also reduce compressive stress on the therapist’s hands which can prolong the career of a manual therapist.
Instrument Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization (IASTM) can be incorporated into any type of massage where there is limited range of motion, pain during range of motion, motor control issues and muscle recruitment issues. However, there are conditions that are not treated at all with IASTM and they are:
*DVT
*Cervical carotid sinus
*Active implants such as a pacemaker, internal defibrillator, picc/pump lines
*Compromised tissue integrity such as an open wound, infection or tutor
If you present with any of the above conditions, please let your therapist know so that the massage with instrument Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization (IASTM) can be modified as needed.
