Soft tissue mobilization in Berkeley, MO. Instrument assisted soft tissue mobilization is essential for treating numerous musculoskeletal conditions. This therapeutic approach, centered around activating and relieving soft tissue including the muscles, ligaments, and tendons, doesn’t just help reduce pain the day of your appointment, but brings back functionality and boosts the body’s natural healing process, helping our Berkeley, MO patients recover faster and more effectively. Soft tissue mobilization is highly useful for Berkeley, MO patients looking for alternative treatments to surgery.

Axes Physical Therapy is run by a group of local Berkeley, MO physical therapists. We blend our passion with bettering our patients’ lives with scientifically-proven treatment methods to get Berkeley, 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 rehabilitation, Axes Physical Therapy will work closely with you to develop a treatment plan specific 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 free injury screening to get started today.

About Soft Tissue Mobilization

Soft tissue mobilization is a restorative treatment method used in physical therapy to treat conditions involving the soft tissues of the body, which are the muscles, tendons, and ligaments. This approach involves various hands-on methods including gentle strokes to deeper pressure, suited to your specific needs. It’s a key element in the treatment of musculoskeletal disorders, delivering relief and re-establishing 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 utilizes 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. Shaped to conform to different anatomical areas, these tools are aimed to effectively break down scar tissue and fascial restrictions. IASTM techniques allow therapists to detect and address 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 delivers precise pressure to promote the body’s natural healing process.

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

Soft tissue mobilization includes an array of specific therapies, each designed to address specific types of tissue issues and patient needs:

Manual Soft Tissue Mobilization Techniques

• Massage: A widely recognized technique, massage entails manual pressure and strokes with a therapist’s hands. 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 employ gentle, sustained pressure to alleviate fascial restrictions and boost mobility.
• Trigger Point Dry Needling and Trigger Point Therapy: This method addresses trigger points, which are taut bands within muscles that lead to pain and discomfort. Pressure is applied to these points to relieve tension and reduce pain.
• Active Release Techniques (ART): ART combines patient movement with manual pressure to break up scar tissue in muscles and other soft tissues, aiming to restore range of motion.
• Cross-Friction Massage: A transverse massage technique applied perpendicular to the affected tissue. It’s frequently utilized for tendons and ligaments to enhance circulation and promote healing.
• Lymphatic Drainage: A light 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 increase flexibility and range of motion. They can be performed either with active involvement from the patient on by the therapist themselves.
• Joint Mobilization: Entails passive movement of a joint by the therapist to improve 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 remove unwanted adhesions.
• Graston Technique®: Involves stainless steel instruments to alleviate restrictions by stretching connective tissues so that their structure is modified.
• HawkGrips® Therapy: Employs an array of precision-engineered tools aimed at decrease pain in minutes, increase range of motion, and lessen need for medication and surgery.

Each of the listed techniques has been proven by science to have its specific uses and benefits, and one of our qualified Berkeley, MO physical therapists can tailor these techniques to your individual needs. We’ll employ these techniques, in combination with other therapies and patient education, to help heal you and get you back to what you love doing most.

Advantages of Soft Tissue Mobilization for Berkeley, MO Patients

Soft tissue mobilization, when conducted by professional Berkeley, MO physical therapists such as those at Axes, offers a multitude of benefits to Berkeley, MO patients dealing with various musculoskeletal conditions. Here’s a detailed look at some of the key advantages:

• Kickstart the Body’s Natural healing Process —
  • Enhanced Blood Flow: Soft tissue mobilization techniques improve blood flow to the affected area, delivering essential nutrients and oxygen to injured areas, thus accelerating the healing process.
  • Reduced Inflammation: These techniques help in lessening inflammation and swelling in affected areas, which is vital for healing.
  • Breakdown of Scar Tissue: Specifically with IASTM, the breakdown of scar tissue encourages 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 restore 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 aid in realigning collagen fibers and enhance the overall structure of soft tissues.
• Reduction of Pain and Increased Mobility —
  • Pain Relief: Soft tissue mobilization is helpful 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 restore their full range of motion.
  • Prevention of Future Injuries: Regular treatment can also play a role in preventing future injuries by maintaining healthy, supple tissues.

The benefits of soft tissue mobilization, especially when paired with Axes Physical Therapy’s holistic and individualized approach to care in Berkeley, MO, are profound. When you form a treatment team with us, you’ll not only find relief from your existing ailments but also appreciate an improved quality of life with better physical function.

Conditions Treated with Soft Tissue Mobilization in Berkeley, MO

Axes Physical Therapy utilizes soft tissue mobilization, including instrument assisted techniques, to treat a vast spectrum of conditions, each with its own challenges and requirements. Here’s how these methods are applied across various types of injuries and conditions in Berkeley, 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 commonly involve sudden pain, swelling, and loss of function. Instrument assisted soft tissue mobilization and other soft tissue mobilization techniques play a crucial role in reducing inflammation, promoting healing, and regaining function in these cases.

Common acute injuries treated include:

• Sprains
• Strains
• Fasciitis
• Tendonitis

Chronic Injuries

Chronic injuries form over time, frequently due to ongoing stress or extended wear and tear on the body. These injuries are identified by persistent pain, stiffness, and frequently a gradual onset. Soft tissue mobilization is beneficial in these scenarios for reducing scar tissue, easing pain, and increasing 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 instrument assisted soft tissue mobilization, is essential in these situations for improving tissue healing, minimizing 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 appropriately, Axes Physical Therapy adequately manages a vast array of conditions, helping Berkeley, MO patients in their journey towards healing, better quality of life, and getting back to the activities they enjoy.

Other services we offer in Berkeley, 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 Berkeley, MO Today

Axes Physical Therapy in Berkeley, MO combines experience, passion, and a patient-centered approach to provide optimal results in soft tissue mobilization. Choosing Axes entails becoming part of a team that prioritizes your health and wellbeing, aiming not just for immediate relief but for long-term functional improvement that gets you back to the activities you enjoy the most safely and effectively. Don’t let pain or mobility issues stop you any longer. Reach out to Axes Physical Therapy in Berkeley, 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.