Soft tissue mobilization in Bridgeton, MO. Instrument assisted soft tissue mobilization is crucial for treating many musculoskeletal conditions. This therapeutic approach, focused on working on and smoothing out soft tissue including the muscles, ligaments, and tendons, doesn’t just help reduce pain short term, but restores functionality and enhances the body’s natural healing process, helping our Bridgeton, MO patients get better safely and successfully. Soft tissue mobilization is ideal for Bridgeton, MO patients who want to avoid surgery or medications.

Axes Physical Therapy is run by a group of local Bridgeton, MO physical therapists. We blend our passion with enhancing our patients’ lives with evidence-backed treatment methods to get Bridgeton, MO residents back to the activities they love. Whether you were recently injured, suffer from a chronic condition, or are in post-surgical rehabilitation, Axes Physical Therapy will form a team with you to develop a treatment plan tailored to your condition, lifestyle, and goals. Contact us 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, such as muscles, tendons, and ligaments. This approach incorporates various hands-on methods ranging from gentle strokes to deeper pressure, depending on your specific needs. It’s a vital element in the treatment of musculoskeletal disorders, offering relief and re-establishing function to areas compromised by injury, surgery, or chronic conditions.

What Is Instrument Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization?

Instrument assisted soft tissue mobilization (IASTM) is an advanced form of soft tissue mobilization that employs specialized tools for deeper and more targeted tissue manipulation. Inspired by James Cyriax‘s deep friction massage, this method involves tools made from materials like stainless steel or hard plastic. Configured to adapt to different parts of the body, these tools are aimed to effectively break down scar tissue and fascial restrictions. IASTM techniques enable therapists to find and manage areas with soft tissue fibrosis or chronic inflammation. The application of these tools enhances the physical therapist’s ability to uncover adhesions and restrictions in the soft tissues, and exerts precise pressure to promote optimal tissue repair and mobility.

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

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

Manual Soft Tissue Mobilization Techniques

• Massage: A popular method, massage includes various strokes and pressures to manipulate soft tissues. It can enhance circulation, relieve muscle tension, and promote relaxation.
• Myofascial Release: This technique focuses on releasing tension in the fascia. Practitioners apply gentle, sustained pressure to release fascial restrictions and boost mobility.
• Trigger Point Dry Needling and Trigger Point Therapy: This method focuses on trigger points, which are tight knots within muscles that result in pain and discomfort. Pressure is applied to these points to stimulate blood flow and healing and reduce pain.
• Active Release Techniques (ART): ART melds patient movement with soft tissue mobilization to break up scar tissue in muscles and other soft tissues, aiming to restore range of motion.
• Cross-Friction Massage: A crosswise 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 designed to stimulate the lymphatic system, aiding to remove waste products and reduce swelling, usually for patients with lymphedema.
• Stretching and Range of Motion Exercises: These are frequently incorporated into manual soft tissue mobilization to enhance flexibility and range of motion. They can be active (performed by the patient).
• Joint Mobilization: Consists of passive movement of a joint by the therapist to enhance 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 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 modified.
• HawkGrips® Therapy: Employs an array of precision-engineered tools designed to decrease pain in minutes, increase flexibility, and diminish need for medication and surgery.

Each of the above techniques has been validated by peer-backed studies to have its specific uses and benefits, and one of our professional Bridgeton, MO physical therapists can tailor 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 assist in your healing and get you back to the activities you love.

Advantages of Soft Tissue Mobilization for Bridgeton, MO Patients

Soft tissue mobilization, when conducted by licensed Bridgeton, MO physical therapists such as those at Axes, offers a array of benefits to Bridgeton, MO patients facing various musculoskeletal conditions. Here’s a detailed look at some of the key advantages:

• Accelerated Healing Process —
  • Improved Blood Flow: Soft tissue mobilization techniques boost circulation, bringing essential nutrients and oxygen to injured areas, allowing the body to heal itself more effectively.
  • Reduced Inflammation: These techniques aid in reducing inflammation and swelling in affected areas, which is essential for healing.
  • Breakdown of Scar Tissue: Particularly with instrument assisted soft tissue mobilization, the breakdown of scar tissue promotes quicker regeneration of healthy tissue.
• Better Tissue Alignment and Function —
  • Restoration of Normal Tissue Function: By easing tension and restrictions in soft tissues, these techniques bring back normal function and range of motion.
  • Improved Flexibility: Regular soft tissue mobilization can cause increased flexibility and strength in the muscles, tendons, and ligaments.
  • Alignment Correction: These methods can help in realigning collagen fibers and improve 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 connected to various conditions.
  • Increased Mobility: By tackling 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 contribute to preventing future injuries by ensuring healthy, supple tissues.

The benefits of soft tissue mobilization, especially when coupled with Axes Physical Therapy’s holistic and personalized approach to care in Bridgeton, MO, are profound. When you partner with us, you’ll not only find relief from your present ailments but also relish an elevated quality of life with better physical function.

Conditions Treated with Soft Tissue Mobilization in Bridgeton, MO

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

Acute Injuries

Acute injuries refer to 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 commonly involve sudden pain, swelling, and loss of function. Advanced soft tissue mobilization and other soft tissue mobilization techniques play a crucial role in minimizing 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 ongoing stress or long-term wear and tear on the body. These injuries are marked by ongoing pain, stiffness, and often a gradual onset. Soft tissue mobilization is beneficial in these scenarios for breaking down scar tissue, relieving pain, and improving range of motion.

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 flexibility. Soft tissue mobilization, especially IASTM, is crucial in these situations for enhancing 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 appropriately, Axes Physical Therapy successfully treats a vast array of conditions, helping Bridgeton, MO patients in their road towards wellness, enhanced quality of life, and getting back to the activities they love most.

Other conditions we treat in Bridgeton, 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 Bridgeton, MO Today

Axes Physical Therapy in Bridgeton, MO brings together experience, passion, and a personalized approach to provide optimal results in soft tissue mobilization. Choosing Axes means becoming part of a team that values your health and wellbeing, working not just for immediate relief but for long-term functional improvement that brings you back to the activities you cherish safely and effectively. Don’t let pain or mobility issues keep you down any longer. Reach out to Axes Physical Therapy in Bridgeton, 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.