Soft Tissue Mobilization in Affton, MO | Instrument Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization | Physical Therapy

Soft tissue mobilization in Affton, MO. Instrument assisted soft tissue mobilization is crucial for treating various injuries, conditions, and disorders. This treatment method, aimed at stimulating and easing soft tissue including the muscles, ligaments, and tendons, doesn’t just alleviate pain short term, but brings back functionality and enhances the body’s natural healing process, helping our Affton, MO patients recover faster and more effectively. Soft tissue mobilization is highly useful for Affton, MO patients in need of non-invasive treatment methods.

Axes Physical Therapy is run by a group of local Affton, MO physical therapists. We combine our passion with improving our patients’ lives with research-supported treatment methods to get Affton, MO residents back to the activities they love. Whether you’re dealing with an acute injury, chronic discomfort, or post-surgical rehabilitation, Axes Physical Therapy will partner with you to develop a treatment plan tailored to your unique needs and goals. Contact us online, call the Axes location nearest you, or come to any location for a free injury screening to start on your road to recovery today.

What Is Soft Tissue Mobilization?

Soft tissue mobilization is a therapeutic treatment method used in physical therapy to treat conditions impacting the soft tissues of the body, such as muscles, tendons, and ligaments. This approach involves various hands-on methods including gentle strokes to deeper pressure, depending on what condition or injury you’re ailing from. It’s a key element in the treatment of musculoskeletal disorders, delivering relief and bringing back function to areas affected by injury, a medical condition, or chronic conditions.

What Is Instrument Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization?

Instrument assisted soft tissue mobilization (IASTM) is an advanced form of soft tissue mobilization that uses specialized tools for targeted and deeper tissue manipulation. Inspired by James Cyriax‘s deep friction massage, this method employs tools crafted from materials like stainless steel or hard plastic. Configured to adapt to different parts of the body, these tools are designed to effectively break down scar tissue and fascial restrictions. IASTM techniques allow therapists to find and manage areas with soft tissue fibrosis or chronic inflammation. The application of these tools enhances the physical therapist’s ability to detect adhesions and restrictions in the soft tissues, and exerts precise pressure to facilitate optimal tissue repair and mobility.

Soft Tissue Mobilization and Instrument Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization (ISTYM) Techniques

Soft tissue mobilization includes a range of specific therapies, each tailored to address specific injuries or conditions:

Manual Soft Tissue Mobilization Techniques

Massage: A popular method, massage includes various strokes and pressures to manipulate soft tissues. It can enhance circulation, relieve muscle tension, and promote relaxation.
Myofascial Release: This technique concentrates on releasing tension in the connective tissue that surrounds muscles. Practitioners apply gentle, sustained pressure to alleviate fascial restrictions and improve mobility.
Trigger Point Dry Needling and Trigger Point Therapy: This method targets trigger points, which are hyperirritable muscles that cause pain and discomfort. Pressure is applied to these points to stimulate blood flow and healing and reduce pain.
Active Release Techniques (ART): ART integrates patient movement with manual therapy to break up adhesions in muscles and other soft tissues, striving to bring back range of motion.
Cross-Friction Massage: A perpendicular massage technique performed perpendicular to the affected tissue. It’s often used for tendons and ligaments to enhance circulation and promote healing.
Lymphatic Drainage: A gentle technique aiming to stimulate the lymphatic system, helping to remove waste products and reduce swelling, usually for patients with lymphedema.
Stretching and Range of Motion Exercises: These are commonly incorporated into manual soft tissue mobilization to enhance flexibility and range of motion. They can be passive (performed by the therapist).
Joint Mobilization: Involves passive movement of a joint by the therapist to enhance motion and reduce pain. It’s commonly used in combination with other soft tissue techniques.

Instrument Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization (IASTM) Techniques

Astym® Therapy: Employs specific protocols and instruments to restore healthy soft tissues and clear away unwanted scar tissue.
Graston Technique®: Involves stainless steel instruments to reduce restrictions by stretching connective tissues so that their structure is realigned.
HawkGrips® Therapy: Employs an array of precision-engineered tools intended to decrease pain in minutes, increase flexibility, and diminish need for medication and surgery.

Each of the listed techniques has been confirmed by science to have its specific applications and benefits, and one of our professional Affton, MO physical therapists can tailor these methods to the condition affecting you and your lifestyle goals. We’ll employ these techniques, in tandem with other therapies and patient education, to assist in your healing and get you back to what you love doing most.

Benefits of Soft Tissue Mobilization for Affton, MO Patients

Soft tissue mobilization, when performed by qualified Affton, MO physical therapists such as those at Axes, offers a array of benefits to Affton, MO patients facing various musculoskeletal conditions. Here’s an in-depth look at some of the key advantages:

Kickstart the Body’s Natural healing Process —
- Improved Blood Flow: Soft tissue mobilization techniques boost circulation, bringing essential nutrients and oxygen to injured areas, thus accelerating the healing process.
- Reduced Inflammation: These techniques contribute to lessening inflammation and swelling in the injured areas, which is vital for healing.
- Breakdown of Scar Tissue: Especially with instrument assisted soft tissue mobilization, the breakdown of scar tissue encourages faster regeneration of healthy tissue.
Improvement in Tissue Alignment and Function —
- Restoration of Normal Tissue Function: By easing tension and restrictions in soft tissues, these techniques bring back normal function and range of motion.
- Improved Flexibility: Regular soft tissue mobilization can lead to enhanced flexibility and strength in the muscles, tendons, and ligaments.
- Alignment Correction: These methods can assist in realigning collagen fibers and better the overall structure of soft tissues.
Reduction of Pain and Increased Mobility —
- Pain Relief: Soft tissue mobilization is helpful in minimizing chronic pain and discomfort associated with various conditions.
- Increased Mobility: By tackling the underlying causes of stiffness and immobility, these techniques help patients achieve their full range of motion.
- Prevention of Future Injuries: Regular treatment can also contribute to preventing future injuries by keeping healthy, supple tissues.

The benefits of soft tissue mobilization, especially when coupled with Axes Physical Therapy’s holistic and personalized approach to care in Affton, MO, are extensive. When you partner with us, you’ll not only achieve relief from your present ailments but also relish an elevated quality of life with enhanced physical function.

Soft Tissue Mobilization | Instrument Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization | IASTM

Conditions Treated with Soft Tissue Mobilization in Affton, MO

Axes Physical Therapy employs soft tissue mobilization, including IASTM techniques, to treat a broad spectrum of conditions, each with its own challenges and requirements. Here’s how these approaches are used across different types of injuries and conditions in Affton, MO:

Acute Injuries

Acute injuries refer to sudden physical traumas to the body, usually resulting from accidents or a collision or incident of some sort during activities, like sports injuries. These injuries typically involve sudden pain, swelling, and loss of function. Advanced soft tissue mobilization and other soft tissue mobilization techniques play a crucial role in lessening inflammation, facilitating healing, and regaining function in these cases.

Common acute injuries treated include:

Sprains
Strains
Fasciitis
Tendonitis

Chronic Injuries

Chronic injuries form over time, usually due to repetitive stress or long-term wear and tear on the body. These injuries are marked by persistent pain, stiffness, and frequently a gradual onset. Soft tissue mobilization is beneficial in these scenarios for breaking down scar tissue, relieving pain, and enhancing mobility.

Common chronic injuries treated include:

Tendonosis
ITB Syndrome
Plantar Fasciitis

Post-Surgical Rehabilitation

Following surgery and in post-surgical rehab, patients commonly face challenges like adhesions and restricted mobility. Soft tissue mobilization, notably IASTM, is essential in these situations for promoting tissue healing, reducing scar tissue formation, and aiding to regain lost motion and function.

Common issues we treat with soft tissue mobilization in post surgical rehabilitation include:

Excessive scarring
Adhesions/Fibrosis
Loss of motion

By applying soft tissue mobilization techniques properly, Axes Physical Therapy adequately manages a wide array of conditions, aiding Affton, MO patients in their journey towards wellness, better quality of life, and coming back to the activities they cherish.

Other conditions we treat in Affton, MO include:

Call Axes Physical Therapy for Your Soft Tissue Mobilization in Affton, MO Today

Axes Physical Therapy in Affton, MO combines experience, passion, and a patient-centered approach to provide optimal results in soft tissue mobilization. Choosing Axes entails entrusting your care to a team that prioritizes your health and wellbeing, working not just for immediate relief but for sustained functional improvement that returns you back to the activities you cherish safely and effectively. Don’t let pain or mobility issues hold you back any longer. Reach out to Axes Physical Therapy in Affton, MO and take the first step towards a more active life. Contact us online, call the Axes location nearest you, or come to any location for a free injury screening to get started today.