Soft tissue mobilization in Boles, MO. Instrument assisted soft tissue mobilization is an evidence-backed treatment technique for many injuries, conditions, and disorders. This therapeutic approach, aimed at stimulating and relieving soft tissue including the muscles, ligaments, and tendons, doesn’t just alleviate pain momentarily, but restores functionality and boosts the body’s natural healing process, assisting our Boles, MO patients heal faster and more effectively. Soft tissue mobilization is ideal for Boles, MO patients looking for alternative treatments to surgery.

Axes Physical Therapy is run by a group of local Boles, MO physical therapists. We merge our passion with bettering our patients’ lives with research-supported treatment methods to get Boles, 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 partner with you to develop a treatment plan tailored to your condition, lifestyle, and goals. Contact us online, call the Axes most convenient to you, or come to any location for a complimentary injury screening to start on your road to recovery today.

About Soft Tissue Mobilization

Soft tissue mobilization is a restorative 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, suited to your specific needs. It’s a key element in the treatment of musculoskeletal disorders, providing relief and restoring 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 refined form of soft tissue mobilization that uses specialized tools for more precise and deeper tissue manipulation. Based on James Cyriax‘s deep friction massage, this method employs tools crafted from materials like stainless steel or hard plastic. Designed to fit to different anatomical areas, these tools are intended 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. Their use enhances the physical therapist’s ability to detect adhesions and restrictions in the soft tissues, and delivers precise pressure to encourage 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 address specific types of tissue issues and patient needs:

Manual Soft Tissue Mobilization Techniques

• Massage: A popular method, massage involves manual pressure and strokes with a therapist’s hands. It can improve circulation, relieve muscle tension, and promote relaxation.
• Myofascial Release: This technique focuses on releasing tension in the fascia. Practitioners apply gentle, sustained pressure to ease fascial restrictions and boost mobility.
• Trigger Point Dry Needling and Trigger Point Therapy: This method targets trigger points, which are taut bands within 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 manual pressure to break up scar tissue in muscles and other soft tissues, intending to restore free movement.
• Cross-Friction Massage: A perpendicular massage technique applied perpendicular to the affected tissue. It’s frequently utilized for tendons and ligaments to increase circulation and promote healing.
• Lymphatic Drainage: A soothing technique designed to stimulate the lymphatic system, helping to remove waste products and reduce swelling, especially in patients with lymphedema.
• Stretching and Range of Motion Exercises: These are often incorporated into manual soft tissue mobilization to improve flexibility and range of motion. They can be performed either with active involvement from the patient on by the therapist themselves.
• Joint Mobilization: Consists of passive movement of a joint by the therapist to increase flexibility and reduce pain. It’s regularly used in combination with other soft tissue techniques.

Instrument Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization (IASTM) Techniques

• Astym® Therapy: Utilizes specific protocols and instruments to restore healthy soft tissues and eliminate unwanted adhesions.
• Graston Technique®: Uses stainless steel instruments to reduce restrictions by stretching connective tissues so that their structure is rearranged.
• HawkGrips® Therapy: Employs a range of precision-engineered tools aimed at decrease pain in minutes, increase range of motion, and diminish need for medication and surgery.

Each of the listed techniques has been validated by research to have its specific applications and benefits, and one of our qualified Boles, MO physical therapists can tailor these methods to the condition affecting you and your lifestyle goals. We’ll utilize these techniques, in combination with other therapies and patient education, to assist in your healing and get you back to the activities you love.

Advantages of Soft Tissue Mobilization for Boles, MO Patients

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

• Accelerated Healing Process —
  • Improved Blood Flow: Soft tissue mobilization techniques improve blood flow to the affected area, supplying essential nutrients and oxygen to injured areas, allowing the body to heal itself more effectively.
  • Reduced Inflammation: These techniques contribute to minimizing inflammation and swelling in the injured areas, which is crucial for healing.
  • Breakdown of Scar Tissue: Especially with IASTM, the breakdown of scar tissue encourages quicker regeneration of healthy tissue.
• Better 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 result in improved flexibility and strength in the muscles, tendons, and ligaments.
  • Alignment Correction: These methods can help in adjusting collagen fibers and improve the overall structure of soft tissues.
• Reduction of Pain and Increased Mobility —
  • Pain Relief: Soft tissue mobilization is effective in reducing chronic pain and discomfort related to 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 be instrumental in preventing future injuries by ensuring healthy, supple tissues.

The benefits of soft tissue mobilization, especially when combined with Axes Physical Therapy’s all-encompassing and custom-tailored approach to care in Boles, MO, are far-reaching. When you form a treatment team with us, you’ll not only experience relief from your present ailments but also appreciate an elevated quality of life with enhanced physical function.

Conditions Treated with Soft Tissue Mobilization in Boles, MO

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

Acute Injuries

Acute injuries are sudden physical traumas to the body, often resulting from accidents or specific incidents during activities, like sports injuries. These injuries usually involve sudden pain, swelling, and loss of stability. Advanced soft tissue mobilization and other soft tissue mobilization techniques play a key 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 develop over time, often due to repetitive stress or long-term wear and tear on the body. These injuries are characterized by continuous pain, stiffness, and frequently a gradual onset. Soft tissue mobilization is beneficial in these scenarios for reducing scar tissue, alleviating 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 frequently face challenges like adhesions and restricted flexibility. Soft tissue mobilization, particularly IASTM, is essential in these situations for improving 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 effectively, Axes Physical Therapy successfully treats a broad array of conditions, helping Boles, MO patients in their journey towards recovery, enhanced quality of life, and returning to the activities they cherish.

Other services we offer in Boles, 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 Boles, MO Today

Axes Physical Therapy in Boles, MO combines experience, compassion, and a patient-centered approach to achieve optimal results in soft tissue mobilization. Choosing Axes entails becoming part of a team that focuses on your health and wellbeing, aiming not just for immediate relief but for long-term functional improvement that gets you back to the activities you cherish safely and effectively. Don’t let pain or mobility issues stop you any longer. Reach out to Axes Physical Therapy in Boles, MO and take the first step towards a healthier life. Contact us online, call the Axes location nearest you, or come to any location for a free injury screening to get started today.