Soft tissue mobilization in Beaufort, MO. Instrument assisted soft tissue mobilization is essential for treating numerous injuries, conditions, and disorders. This treatment method, aimed at activating and relieving soft tissue including the muscles, ligaments, and tendons, doesn’t just help reduce pain short term, but reestablishes functionality and boosts the body’s natural healing process, helping our Beaufort, MO patients recover faster and more effectively. Soft tissue mobilization is ideal for Beaufort, MO patients who want to avoid surgery or medications.

Axes Physical Therapy is run by a group of local Beaufort, MO physical therapists. We blend our expertise with bettering our patients’ lives with scientifically-proven treatment methods to get Beaufort, 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 develop a treatment plan tailored to your condition, lifestyle, and goals. Get in touch through our website, call the Axes most convenient to you, or come to any location for a complimentary injury screening to get started today.

What Is Soft Tissue Mobilization?

Soft tissue mobilization is a healing treatment method used in physical therapy to treat conditions affecting the soft tissues of the body, such as muscles, tendons, and ligaments. This approach entails various hands-on methods including gentle strokes to deeper pressure, depending on what condition or injury is affecting you. It’s a vital element in the treatment of musculoskeletal disorders, delivering relief and restoring function to areas compromised by injury, surgery, or chronic conditions.

About Instrument Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization (IASTM)

Instrument assisted soft tissue mobilization (IASTM) is an advanced form of soft tissue mobilization that employs specialized tools for targeted and deeper tissue manipulation. Based on James Cyriax‘s deep friction massage, this method uses tools crafted from materials like stainless steel or hard plastic. Configured to adapt to different parts of the body, these tools are intended to effectively break down scar tissue and fascial restrictions. IASTM techniques allow therapists to identify and treat areas with soft tissue fibrosis or chronic inflammation. Using these instruments enhances the physical therapist’s ability to detect 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 includes an array of techniques, each designed to tackle specific types of tissue issues and patient needs:

Manual Soft Tissue Mobilization Techniques

• Massage: A popular method, massage involves various strokes and pressures to manipulate soft tissues. It can improve circulation, relieve muscle tension, and promote relaxation.
• Myofascial Release: This technique targets releasing tension in the connective tissue that surrounds muscles. Practitioners employ gentle, sustained pressure to release fascial restrictions and boost 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 encourage blood flow to the area and reduce pain.
• Active Release Techniques (ART): ART combines patient movement with soft tissue mobilization to break up scar tissue in muscles and other soft tissues, intending to restore range of motion.
• Cross-Friction Massage: A crosswise massage technique applied perpendicular to the affected tissue. It’s often used for tendons and ligaments to increase circulation and promote healing.
• Lymphatic Drainage: A soothing technique aiming to stimulate the lymphatic system, which carries waste away from tissues and minimizes inflammation, usually for patients with lymphedema.
• Stretching and Range of Motion Exercises: These are often incorporated into manual soft tissue mobilization to improve flexibility and movement. They can be active (performed by the patient).
• Joint Mobilization: Entails passive movement of a joint by the therapist to enhance range of motion and reduce pain. It’s commonly used in combination with other soft tissue techniques.

Instrument Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization (IASTM) Techniques

• Astym® Therapy: Uses specific protocols and instruments to rejuvenate healthy soft tissues and eliminate unwanted scar tissue.
• Graston Technique®: Employs stainless steel instruments to alleviate restrictions by stretching connective tissues so that their structure is rearranged.
• HawkGrips® Therapy: Makes use of an array of precision-engineered tools designed to decrease pain in minutes, increase range of motion, and lessen reliance on medication and surgery.

Each of the listed techniques has been validated by science to have its specific applications and benefits, and one of our licensed Beaufort, MO physical therapists can customize 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.

Advantages of Soft Tissue Mobilization for Beaufort, MO Patients

Soft tissue mobilization, when performed by licensed Beaufort, MO physical therapists such as those at Axes, offers a plethora of benefits to Beaufort, MO patients experiencing various musculoskeletal conditions. Here’s a comprehensive look at some of the key advantages:

• Kickstart the Body’s Natural healing Process —
  • Improved Blood Flow: Soft tissue mobilization techniques boost blood flow to the affected area, delivering essential nutrients and oxygen to injured areas, allowing the body to heal itself more effectively.
  • Reduced Inflammation: These techniques help in minimizing inflammation and swelling in the injured areas, which is vital for healing.
  • Breakdown of Scar Tissue: Specifically with IASTM, the breakdown of scar tissue promotes quicker regeneration of healthy tissue.
• Improvement in Tissue Alignment and Function —
  • Restoration of Normal Tissue Function: By releasing tension and restrictions in soft tissues, these techniques bring back normal function and range of motion.
  • Improved Flexibility: Regular soft tissue mobilization can result in enhanced flexibility and strength in the muscles, tendons, and ligaments.
  • Alignment Correction: These methods can help in realigning collagen fibers and better the overall structure of soft tissues.
• Reduction of Pain and Increased Mobility —
  • Pain Relief: Soft tissue mobilization is effective in alleviating 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 play a role in preventing future injuries by keeping healthy, supple tissues.

The benefits of soft tissue mobilization, especially when paired with Axes Physical Therapy’s holistic and custom-tailored approach to care in Beaufort, MO, are extensive. When you collaborate with us, you’ll not only experience relief from your present ailments but also appreciate an enhanced quality of life with improved physical function.

Conditions Treated with Soft Tissue Mobilization in Beaufort, MO

Axes Physical Therapy uses soft tissue mobilization, including instrument assisted techniques, to treat a vast spectrum of conditions, each with its specific challenges and requirements. Here’s how these approaches are applied across multiple types of injuries and conditions in Beaufort, MO:

Acute Injuries

Acute injuries are 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 usually involve sudden pain, swelling, and loss of function. The use of instrument assisted soft tissue mobilization and other soft tissue mobilization techniques play a crucial role in lessening 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 ongoing stress or prolonged wear and tear on the body. These injuries are characterized by continuous pain, stiffness, and often a gradual onset. Soft tissue mobilization is beneficial in these scenarios for dissolving scar tissue, relieving pain, and increasing 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 scar tissue formation and restricted mobility. Soft tissue mobilization, especially instrument assisted soft tissue mobilization, 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 utilizing soft tissue mobilization techniques effectively, Axes Physical Therapy successfully treats a broad array of conditions, aiding Beaufort, MO patients in their journey towards healing, enhanced quality of life, and returning to the activities they love most.

Other services we offer in Beaufort, 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 Beaufort, MO Today

Axes Physical Therapy in Beaufort, MO combines experience, compassion, and a client-focused approach to achieve 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 sustained functional improvement that brings you back to the activities you enjoy the most efficiently and effectively. Don’t let pain or mobility issues stop you any longer. Reach out to Axes Physical Therapy in Beaufort, 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.