Soft tissue mobilization in Brentwood, MO. Instrument assisted soft tissue mobilization is an evidence-backed treatment technique for various musculoskeletal conditions. This therapeutic approach, aimed at working on and relieving soft tissue including the muscles, ligaments, and tendons, doesn’t just alleviate pain short term, but brings back functionality and improves the body’s natural healing process, aiding our Brentwood, MO patients get better safely and properly. Soft tissue mobilization is well-suited for Brentwood, MO patients who want to avoid surgery or medications.
Axes Physical Therapy is locally owned and operated by a team of expert Brentwood, MO physical and occupational therapists. We combine our passion with bettering our patients’ lives with scientifically-proven treatment methods to get Brentwood, MO residents back to the activities they love. Whether you were recently injured, suffer from a chronic condition, or are in post-surgical recovery, Axes Physical Therapy will work closely with you to create a treatment plan specific to your unique needs and goals. Contact us online, call the Axes location nearest you, or come to any location for a free injury screening to get started today.
What Is Soft Tissue Mobilization?
Soft tissue mobilization is a restorative technique used in physical therapy to treat conditions involving the soft tissues of the body, which are the muscles, tendons, and ligaments. This approach incorporates various hands-on methods including gentle strokes to deeper pressure, depending on what condition or injury you’re ailing from. It’s a key element in the treatment of musculoskeletal disorders, providing relief and restoring function to areas impaired by injury, a medical condition, or chronic conditions.
What Is Instrument Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization?
Instrument assisted soft tissue mobilization (IASTM) is a refined form of soft tissue mobilization that utilizes specialized tools for deeper and more targeted tissue manipulation. Based on James Cyriax‘s deep friction massage, this method uses tools crafted from materials like stainless steel or hard plastic. Shaped to conform to different anatomical areas, these tools are intended 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 applies precise pressure to encourage the body’s natural healing process.
Soft Tissue Mobilization and Instrument Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization (ISTYM) Techniques
Soft tissue mobilization includes a range of specific therapies, all intended to address specific injuries or conditions:
Manual Soft Tissue Mobilization Techniques
- Massage: A popular method, massage includes manual pressure and strokes with a therapist’s hands. It can improve circulation, relieve muscle tension, and promote relaxation.
- Myofascial Release: This technique concentrates on releasing tension in the fascia. Practitioners apply gentle, sustained pressure to alleviate fascial restrictions and increase mobility.
- Trigger Point Dry Needling and Trigger Point Therapy: This method addresses trigger points, which are hyperirritable muscles that result in pain and discomfort. Pressure is applied to these points to relieve tension and reduce pain.
- Active Release Techniques (ART): ART integrates 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 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 gentle 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 movement. They can be passive (performed by the therapist).
- 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: Utilizes specific protocols and instruments to rejuvenate healthy soft tissues and eliminate unwanted scar tissue.
- Graston Technique®: Uses stainless steel instruments to alleviate restrictions by stretching connective tissues so that their structure is rearranged.
- HawkGrips® Therapy: Utilizes a range of precision-engineered tools aimed at decrease pain in minutes, increase flexibility, and lessen need for medication and surgery.
Each of the above techniques has been proven by science to have its particular applications and benefits, and one of our qualified Brentwood, MO physical therapists can adapt these methods to the condition affecting you and your lifestyle goals. We’ll utilize these techniques, in concert 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 Brentwood, MO Patients
Soft tissue mobilization, when conducted by licensed Brentwood, MO physical therapists such as those at Axes, offers a plethora of benefits to Brentwood, MO patients dealing with various musculoskeletal conditions. Here’s an in-depth look at some of the key advantages:
- Kickstart the Body’s Natural healing Process —
- Enhanced Blood Flow: Soft tissue mobilization techniques enhance 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 help in reducing inflammation and swelling in the injured areas, which is essential for healing.
- Breakdown of Scar Tissue: Especially with instrument assisted soft tissue mobilization, the breakdown of scar tissue facilitates quicker healing 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 cause improved flexibility and strength in the muscles, tendons, and ligaments.
- Alignment Correction: These methods can aid in correcting 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 associated with various conditions.
- Increased Mobility: By tackling 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 contribute to preventing future injuries by keeping healthy, supple tissues.
The benefits of soft tissue mobilization, especially when combined with Axes Physical Therapy’s all-encompassing and personalized approach to care in Brentwood, MO, are extensive. When you form a treatment team with us, you’ll not only experience relief from your existing ailments but also relish an improved quality of life with improved physical function.
Conditions Treated with Soft Tissue Mobilization in Brentwood, MO
Axes Physical Therapy utilizes soft tissue mobilization, including instrument assisted techniques, to treat a vast spectrum of conditions, each with its unique challenges and requirements. Here’s how these techniques are applied across various types of injuries and conditions in Brentwood, MO:
Acute Injuries
Acute injuries refer to sudden physical traumas to the body, commonly resulting from accidents or specific incidents during activities, like sports injuries. These injuries typically 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 reducing inflammation, promoting healing, and reestablishing function in these cases.
Common acute injuries treated include:
- Sprains
- Strains
- Fasciitis
- Tendonitis
Chronic Injuries
Chronic injuries form over time, often due to ongoing stress or extended wear and tear on the body. These injuries are identified by continuous pain, stiffness, and frequently 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 Rehab
Following surgery and in post-surgical rehab, patients often face challenges like scar tissue formation and restricted flexibility. Soft tissue mobilization, notably IASTM, is essential in these situations for enhancing 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 applying soft tissue mobilization techniques properly, Axes Physical Therapy effectively addresses a wide array of conditions, aiding Brentwood, MO patients in their road towards recovery, enhanced quality of life, and coming back to the activities they enjoy.
Other services we offer in Brentwood, 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 Brentwood, MO Today
Axes Physical Therapy in Brentwood, MO brings together experience, passion, and a patient-centered approach to deliver optimal results in soft tissue mobilization. Choosing Axes means entrusting your care to a team that values your health and wellbeing, working not just for immediate relief but for long-term functional improvement that returns you back to the activities you enjoy the most efficiently and effectively. Don’t let pain or mobility issues hold you back any longer. Reach out to Axes Physical Therapy in Brentwood, 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.
