Soft tissue mobilization in Calverton Park, MO. Instrument assisted soft tissue mobilization is an evidence-backed treatment technique for numerous injuries, conditions, and disorders. This treatment method, aimed at working on and smoothing out soft tissue like the muscles, ligaments, and tendons, doesn’t just help reduce pain momentarily, but restores functionality and boosts the body’s natural healing process, assisting our Calverton Park, MO patients get better faster and more effectively. Soft tissue mobilization is ideal for Calverton Park, MO patients in need of alternative treatments to surgery.
Axes Physical Therapy is run by a group of local Calverton Park, MO physical therapists. We merge our passion with bettering our patients’ lives with evidence-backed treatment methods to get Calverton Park, MO residents back to the activities they love. Whether you’re facing an acute injury, chronic discomfort, or post-surgical recovery, Axes Physical Therapy will work closely with you to create a treatment plan specific to your condition, lifestyle, and goals. Get in touch through our website, call the Axes location nearest 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 affecting the soft tissues of the body, which are the muscles, tendons, and ligaments. This approach incorporates various hands-on methods ranging from 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 bringing back function to areas affected by injury, surgery, 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 utilizes specialized tools for deeper and more targeted tissue manipulation. Drawing from James Cyriax‘s deep friction massage, this method employs tools constructed of materials like stainless steel or hard plastic. Designed to fit to different parts of the body, 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. Their use enhances the physical therapist’s ability to discover adhesions and restrictions in the soft tissues, and applies precise pressure to promote optimal tissue repair and mobility.
Soft Tissue Mobilization and Instrument Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization (ISTYM) Techniques
Soft tissue mobilization covers an array of techniques, each designed to address specific injuries or conditions:
Manual Soft Tissue Mobilization Techniques
- Massage: One of the most well-known forms, 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 focuses on releasing tension in the connective tissue that surrounds muscles. Practitioners employ 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 melds patient movement with manual therapy to break up adhesions in muscles and other soft tissues, intending to restore range of motion.
- Cross-Friction Massage: A crosswise massage technique performed perpendicular to the affected tissue. It’s often used for tendons and ligaments to improve circulation and promote healing.
- Lymphatic Drainage: A light technique aiming 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 improve flexibility and movement. They can be active (performed by the patient).
- Joint Mobilization: Involves passive movement of a joint by the therapist to increase motion and reduce pain. It’s often used in combination with other soft tissue techniques.
Instrument Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization (IASTM) Techniques
- Astym® Therapy: Employs specific protocols and instruments to rejuvenate 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: Makes use of a range of precision-engineered tools designed to decrease pain in minutes, increase flexibility, and diminish the necessity of medication and surgery.
Each of the above treatment methods has been proven by peer-backed studies to have its unique uses and benefits, and one of our licensed Calverton Park, MO physical therapists can adapt these techniques to your individual needs. We’ll use these techniques, in concert 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 Calverton Park, MO Patients
Soft tissue mobilization, when conducted by professional Calverton Park, MO physical therapists such as those at Axes, offers a plethora of benefits to Calverton Park, MO patients experiencing various musculoskeletal conditions. Here’s a detailed look at some of the key advantages:
- Accelerated Healing Process —
- Improved Blood Flow: Soft tissue mobilization techniques enhance circulation, bringing essential nutrients and oxygen to injured areas, thus hastening the healing process.
- Reduced Inflammation: These techniques contribute to reducing inflammation and swelling in the injured areas, which is crucial for healing.
- Breakdown of Scar Tissue: Especially with instrument assisted soft tissue mobilization, 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 lead to increased flexibility and strength in the muscles, tendons, and ligaments.
- Alignment Correction: These methods can assist in adjusting collagen fibers and better the overall structure of soft tissues.
- Reduction of Pain and Increased Mobility —
- Pain Relief: Soft tissue mobilization is helpful in alleviating chronic pain and discomfort associated with various conditions.
- Increased Mobility: By targeting 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 maintaining healthy, supple tissues.
The benefits of soft tissue mobilization, especially when paired with Axes Physical Therapy’s comprehensive and individualized approach to care in Calverton Park, MO, are far-reaching. When you form a treatment team with us, you’ll not only find relief from your existing ailments but also enjoy an improved quality of life with better physical function.
Conditions Treated with Soft Tissue Mobilization in Calverton Park, MO
Axes Physical Therapy uses 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 techniques are implemented across multiple types of injuries and conditions in Calverton Park, 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 typically involve sudden pain, swelling, and loss of stability. The use of instrument assisted soft tissue mobilization and other soft tissue mobilization techniques play a vital role in lessening inflammation, promoting healing, and reestablishing function in these cases.
Common acute injuries treated include:
- Sprains
- Strains
- Fasciitis
- Tendonitis
Chronic Injuries
Chronic injuries develop over time, usually due to repetitive stress or prolonged wear and tear on the body. These injuries are characterized by ongoing pain, stiffness, and usually a gradual onset. Soft tissue mobilization is helpful in these scenarios for reducing scar tissue, easing pain, and enhancing range of motion.
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, particularly IASTM, is invaluable in these situations for enhancing tissue healing, lessening scar tissue formation, and helping 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 adequately manages a broad array of conditions, helping Calverton Park, MO patients in their journey towards wellness, enhanced quality of life, and returning to the activities they cherish.
Other services we offer in Calverton Park, 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 Calverton Park, MO Today
Axes Physical Therapy in Calverton Park, MO integrates experience, passion, and a client-focused approach to achieve optimal results in soft tissue mobilization. Choosing Axes means entrusting your recovery to a team that focuses on your health and wellbeing, working not just for immediate relief but for ongoing 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 Calverton Park, 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.
