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

Soft tissue mobilization in Bloomsdale, MO. Instrument assisted soft tissue mobilization is an evidence-backed treatment technique for many injuries, conditions, and disorders. This therapeutic approach, aimed at activating and relieving soft tissue like the muscles, ligaments, and tendons, doesn’t just alleviate pain the day of your appointment, but restores functionality and improves the body’s natural healing process, aiding our Bloomsdale, MO patients heal faster and more effectively. Soft tissue mobilization is ideal for Bloomsdale, MO patients looking for alternative treatments to surgery.

Axes Physical Therapy is locally owned and operated by a team of expert Bloomsdale, MO physical therapists. We combine our expertise with enhancing our patients’ lives with evidence-backed treatment methods to get Bloomsdale, MO residents back to the activities they love. Whether you were recently injured, suffer from a chronic condition, or are in post-surgical rehab, Axes Physical Therapy will form a team with you to create a treatment plan specific to your condition, lifestyle, and goals. Contact us online, call the Axes most convenient to 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 technique used in physical therapy to treat conditions affecting the soft tissues of the body, such as muscles, tendons, and ligaments. This approach incorporates various hands-on methods including gentle strokes to deeper pressure, tailored to your specific needs. It’s a key element in the treatment of musculoskeletal disorders, offering relief and bringing back 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 uses specialized tools for targeted and deeper tissue manipulation. Based on James Cyriax‘s deep friction massage, this method involves tools made from 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 diagnose and heal areas with soft tissue fibrosis or chronic inflammation. The application of these tools enhances the physical therapist’s ability to discover 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 encompasses an array of specific therapies, each designed to tackle specific injuries or conditions:

Manual Soft Tissue Mobilization Techniques

Massage: A widely recognized technique, massage includes manual pressure and strokes with a therapist’s hands. It can enhance circulation, relieve muscle tension, and promote relaxation.
Myofascial Release: This technique targets releasing tension in the connective tissue that surrounds muscles. Practitioners apply gentle, sustained pressure to ease fascial restrictions and increase mobility.
Trigger Point Dry Needling and Trigger Point Therapy: This method focuses on 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 adhesions in muscles and other soft tissues, intending to bring back free movement.
Cross-Friction Massage: A perpendicular massage technique applied perpendicular to the affected tissue. It’s commonly employed for tendons and ligaments to increase circulation and promote healing.
Lymphatic Drainage: A light technique aiming to stimulate the lymphatic system, assisting 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 passive (performed by the therapist).
Joint Mobilization: Consists of passive movement of a joint by the therapist to increase range of 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 eliminate unwanted scar tissue.
Graston Technique®: Involves stainless steel instruments to reduce restrictions by stretching connective tissues so that their structure is rearranged.
HawkGrips® Therapy: Utilizes an array of precision-engineered tools designed to decrease pain in minutes, increase range of motion, and reduce reliance on medication and surgery.

Each of the listed techniques has been validated by peer-backed studies to have its particular uses and benefits, and one of our licensed Bloomsdale, MO physical therapists can customize these techniques to the condition affecting you and your lifestyle goals. We’ll use these techniques, in tandem with other therapies and patient education, to aid in your recovery and get you back to the activities you love.

Benefits of Soft Tissue Mobilization for Bloomsdale, MO Patients

Soft tissue mobilization, when carried out by professional Bloomsdale, MO physical therapists such as those at Axes, offers a plethora of benefits to Bloomsdale, 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 improve blood flow to the affected area, bringing essential nutrients and oxygen to injured areas, thus speeding up the healing process.
- Reduced Inflammation: These techniques contribute to minimizing inflammation and swelling in the injured areas, which is vital for healing.
- Breakdown of Scar Tissue: Particularly with IASTM, the breakdown of scar tissue promotes quicker healing of healthy tissue.
Improvement in Tissue Alignment and Function —
- Restoration of Normal Tissue Function: By releasing tension and restrictions in soft tissues, these techniques re-establish normal function and range of motion.
- Improved Flexibility: Regular soft tissue mobilization can cause improved flexibility and strength in the muscles, tendons, and ligaments.
- Alignment Correction: These methods can aid in correcting collagen fibers and better 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 connected 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 paired with Axes Physical Therapy’s all-encompassing and individualized approach to care in Bloomsdale, MO, are profound. When you partner with us, you’ll not only experience relief from your present ailments but also enjoy an improved quality of life with enhanced physical function.

Soft Tissue Mobilization | Instrument Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization | IASTM

Conditions Treated with Soft Tissue Mobilization in Bloomsdale, MO

Axes Physical Therapy utilizes 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 different types of injuries and conditions in Bloomsdale, MO:

Acute Injuries

Acute injuries mean 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 stability. Instrument assisted soft tissue mobilization and other soft tissue mobilization techniques play a crucial role in reducing inflammation, enhancing 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 ongoing stress or long-term wear and tear on the body. These injuries are marked by continuous pain, stiffness, and often a gradual onset. Soft tissue mobilization is effective in these scenarios for breaking down scar tissue, relieving pain, and enhancing function.

Common chronic injuries treated include:

Tendonosis
ITB Syndrome
Plantar Fasciitis

Post-Surgical Rehabilitation

Following surgery and in post-surgical rehab, patients often face challenges like scar tissue formation and restricted flexibility. Soft tissue mobilization, especially IASTM, is invaluable in these situations for enhancing tissue healing, lessening 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 using soft tissue mobilization techniques effectively, Axes Physical Therapy adequately manages a broad array of conditions, helping Bloomsdale, MO patients in their journey towards wellness, better quality of life, and coming back to the activities they cherish.

Other services we offer in Bloomsdale, MO include:

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

Axes Physical Therapy in Bloomsdale, MO combines expertise, compassion, and a client-focused approach to provide optimal results in soft tissue mobilization. Choosing Axes means entrusting your treatment to a team that focuses on your health and wellbeing, striving not just for immediate relief but for sustained functional improvement that brings you back to the activities you cherish securely and effectively. Don’t let pain or mobility issues hold you back any longer. Reach out to Axes Physical Therapy in Bloomsdale, 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.