Soft tissue mobilization in Augusta, MO. Instrument assisted soft tissue mobilization is an evidence-backed treatment technique for various injuries, conditions, and disorders. This treatment method, focused on working on and easing soft tissue including the muscles, ligaments, and tendons, doesn’t just alleviate pain momentarily, but reestablishes functionality and boosts the body’s natural healing process, helping our Augusta, MO patients recover faster and more effectively. Soft tissue mobilization is well-suited for Augusta, MO patients who prefer to avoid surgery or medications.
Axes Physical Therapy is run by a group of local Augusta, MO physical and occupational therapists. We combine our passion with improving our patients’ lives with scientifically-proven treatment methods to get Augusta, MO residents back to the things they love doing most. Whether you were recently injured, suffer from a chronic condition, or are in post-surgical recovery, Axes Physical Therapy will partner with you to create a treatment plan tailored to your condition, lifestyle, and goals. Get in touch 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 healing treatment method used in physical therapy to treat conditions impacting the soft tissues of the body, which are the muscles, tendons, and ligaments. This approach incorporates various hands-on methods ranging from gentle strokes to deeper pressure, depending on what condition or injury is affecting you. It’s a key element in the treatment of musculoskeletal disorders, offering relief and re-establishing function to areas compromised by injury, a medical condition, or chronic conditions.
About Instrument Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization (IASTM)
Instrument assisted soft tissue mobilization (IASTM) is a sophisticated form of soft tissue mobilization that utilizes specialized tools for more precise and deeper tissue manipulation. Based on James Cyriax‘s deep friction massage, this method involves tools constructed of materials like stainless steel or hard plastic. Configured to adapt to different anatomical areas, these tools are aimed to effectively break down scar tissue and fascial restrictions. IASTM techniques enable therapists to identify and treat areas with soft tissue fibrosis or chronic inflammation. Using these instruments enhances the physical therapist’s ability to uncover adhesions and restrictions in the soft tissues, and exerts precise pressure to facilitate the body’s natural healing process.
Soft Tissue Mobilization and Instrument Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization (ISTYM) Techniques
Soft tissue mobilization covers a range of techniques, all intended to address specific types of tissue issues and patient needs:
Manual Soft Tissue Mobilization Techniques
- Massage: A widely recognized technique, massage includes various strokes and pressures to manipulate soft tissues. It can improve circulation, relieve muscle tension, and promote relaxation.
- Myofascial Release: This technique aims at releasing tension in the fascia. Practitioners utilize gentle, sustained pressure to release fascial restrictions and improve mobility.
- Trigger Point Dry Needling and Trigger Point Therapy: This method addresses trigger points, which are tight knots within 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 pressure to break up adhesions in muscles and other soft tissues, aiming to restore free movement.
- Cross-Friction Massage: A perpendicular massage technique performed perpendicular to the affected tissue. It’s often used for tendons and ligaments to improve circulation and promote healing.
- Lymphatic Drainage: A gentle technique designed to stimulate the lymphatic system, aiding to remove waste products and reduce swelling, especially in patients with lymphedema.
- Stretching and Range of Motion Exercises: These are commonly incorporated into manual soft tissue mobilization to enhance flexibility and movement. They can be active (performed by the patient).
- Joint Mobilization: Consists of passive movement of a joint by the therapist to increase motion and reduce pain. It’s regularly 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 remove unwanted adhesions.
- Graston Technique®: Employs stainless steel instruments to minimize restrictions by stretching connective tissues so that their structure is realigned.
- HawkGrips® Therapy: Utilizes a range of precision-engineered tools intended to decrease pain in minutes, increase flexibility, and reduce reliance on medication and surgery.
Each of the listed treatment methods has been validated by research to have its unique uses and benefits, and one of our professional Augusta, MO physical therapists can adapt these methods to your individual needs. We’ll use these techniques, in combination with other therapies and patient education, to assist in your healing and get you back to the activities you love.
Benefits of Soft Tissue Mobilization for Augusta, MO Patients
Soft tissue mobilization, when conducted by licensed Augusta, MO physical therapists such as those at Axes, offers a multitude of benefits to Augusta, MO patients experiencing various musculoskeletal conditions. Here’s a detailed 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 hastening the healing process.
- Reduced Inflammation: These techniques aid in minimizing inflammation and swelling in the injured areas, which is crucial for healing.
- Breakdown of Scar Tissue: Particularly with instrument assisted soft tissue mobilization, the breakdown of scar tissue encourages faster healing of healthy tissue.
- Improvement in Tissue Alignment and Function —
- Restoration of Normal Tissue Function: By relieving tension and restrictions in soft tissues, these techniques restore normal function and range of motion.
- Improved Flexibility: Regular soft tissue mobilization can lead to improved flexibility and strength in the muscles, tendons, and ligaments.
- Alignment Correction: These methods can aid in adjusting collagen fibers and enhance the overall structure of soft tissues.
- Reduction of Pain and Increased Mobility —
- Pain Relief: Soft tissue mobilization is beneficial in reducing chronic pain and discomfort related to various conditions.
- Increased Mobility: By targeting the underlying causes of stiffness and immobility, these techniques help patients regain their full range of motion.
- Prevention of Future Injuries: Regular treatment can also be instrumental in 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 Augusta, MO, are profound. When you partner with us, you’ll not only achieve relief from your existing ailments but also appreciate an improved quality of life with improved physical function.
Conditions Treated with Soft Tissue Mobilization in Augusta, MO
Axes Physical Therapy utilizes soft tissue mobilization, including IASTM techniques, to treat a broad spectrum of conditions, each with its unique challenges and requirements. Here’s how these techniques are applied across different types of injuries and conditions in Augusta, MO:
Acute Injuries
Acute injuries refer to sudden physical traumas to the body, often 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 key role in minimizing inflammation, promoting healing, and restoring function in these cases.
Common acute injuries treated include:
- Sprains
- Strains
- Fasciitis
- Tendonitis
Chronic Injuries
Chronic injuries arise over time, often due to repetitive stress or prolonged wear and tear on the body. These injuries are identified by continuous pain, stiffness, and usually a gradual onset. Soft tissue mobilization is helpful in these scenarios for breaking down scar tissue, alleviating pain, and enhancing strength and mobility.
Common chronic injuries treated include:
- Tendonosis
- ITB Syndrome
- Plantar Fasciitis
Post-Surgical Conditions
Following surgery and in post-surgical rehab, patients often face challenges like scar tissue formation and restricted flexibility. Soft tissue mobilization, particularly IASTM, is essential in these situations for improving tissue healing, reducing scar tissue formation, and assisting 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 using soft tissue mobilization techniques effectively, Axes Physical Therapy adequately manages a vast array of conditions, aiding Augusta, MO patients in their road towards recovery, enhanced quality of life, and returning to the activities they love most.
Other conditions we treat in Augusta, MO include:
- Hip Replacement Physical Therapy
- Workers Comp' Physical Therapy
- Migraine Relief
- Sprain and Strain Treatment
- Geriatric Physical Therapy
- Injury Rehabilitation
- Pain Management Services
- TMJ Treatment
- Herniated Disc Treatment
- Rotator Cuff Tear Treatment
Call Axes Physical Therapy for Your Soft Tissue Mobilization in Augusta, MO Today
Axes Physical Therapy in Augusta, MO integrates experience, compassion, and a client-focused approach to deliver optimal results in soft tissue mobilization. Choosing Axes signifies becoming part of a team that prioritizes your health and wellbeing, striving not just for immediate relief but for ongoing functional improvement that brings you back to the activities you enjoy the most efficiently and effectively. Don’t let pain or mobility issues keep you down any longer. Reach out to Axes Physical Therapy in Augusta, MO and take the first step towards a better life. Contact us online, call the Axes location nearest you, or come to any location for a free injury screening to get started today.
