Soft tissue mobilization in Chesterfield, MO. Instrument assisted soft tissue mobilization is essential for treating various injuries, conditions, and disorders. This therapeutic approach, aimed at activating and relieving soft tissue including the muscles, ligaments, and tendons, doesn’t just help reduce pain short term, but restores functionality and improves the body’s natural healing process, assisting our Chesterfield, MO patients recover faster and more effectively. Soft tissue mobilization is well-suited for Chesterfield, MO patients seeking alternative treatments to surgery.

Axes Physical Therapy is run by a group of local Chesterfield, MO physical therapists. We merge our expertise with enhancing our patients’ lives with evidence-backed treatment methods to get Chesterfield, 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 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 therapeutic 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 vital element in the treatment of musculoskeletal disorders, delivering 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 utilizes specialized tools for deeper and more targeted tissue manipulation. Drawing from 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 allow therapists to identify and treat 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 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 specific therapies, all intended to tackle specific types of tissue issues and patient needs:

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 employ gentle, sustained pressure to ease fascial restrictions and improve mobility.
• Trigger Point Dry Needling and Trigger Point Therapy: This method addresses trigger points, which are tight knots within muscles that result in 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 soft tissue mobilization to break up scar tissue in muscles and other soft tissues, aiming 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, helping 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 improve flexibility and range of motion. They can be performed either with active involvement from the patient on by the therapist themselves.
• Joint Mobilization: Entails passive movement of a joint by the therapist to enhance range of motion and reduce pain. It’s often 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 clear away unwanted adhesions.
• Graston Technique®: Involves stainless steel instruments to reduce restrictions by stretching connective tissues so that their structure is realigned.
• HawkGrips® Therapy: Utilizes an array of precision-engineered tools intended to decrease pain in minutes, increase range of motion, and reduce reliance on medication and surgery.

Each of the listed treatment modalities has been validated by science to have its particular uses and benefits, and one of our licensed Chesterfield, MO physical therapists can tailor these techniques to your individual needs. We’ll employ these techniques, in combination with other therapies and patient education, to assist in your healing and get you back to what you love doing most.

Advantages of Soft Tissue Mobilization for Chesterfield, MO Patients

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

• Accelerated Healing Process —
  • Enhanced Blood Flow: Soft tissue mobilization techniques enhance circulation, bringing 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 affected areas, which is essential for healing.
  • Breakdown of Scar Tissue: Specifically with instrument assisted soft tissue mobilization, the breakdown of scar tissue encourages faster healing of healthy tissue.
• Better Tissue Alignment and Function —
  • Restoration of Normal Tissue Function: By releasing tension and restrictions in soft tissues, these techniques bring back 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 assist in realigning collagen fibers and enhance 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 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 play a role in preventing future injuries by ensuring healthy, supple tissues.

The benefits of soft tissue mobilization, especially when coupled with Axes Physical Therapy’s all-encompassing and personalized approach to care in Chesterfield, MO, are profound. When you collaborate with us, you’ll not only experience relief from your current ailments but also appreciate an improved quality of life with enhanced physical function.

Conditions Treated with Soft Tissue Mobilization in Chesterfield, MO

Axes Physical Therapy employs soft tissue mobilization, including instrument assisted techniques, to treat a wide spectrum of conditions, each with its unique challenges and requirements. Here’s how these techniques are implemented across different types of injuries and conditions in Chesterfield, MO:

Acute Injuries

Acute injuries refer to sudden physical traumas to the body, usually resulting from accidents or specific incidents during activities, like sports injuries. These injuries commonly involve sudden pain, swelling, and loss of stability. Advanced soft tissue mobilization and other soft tissue mobilization techniques play a vital role in lessening 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, often due to continuous stress or extended 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 dissolving scar tissue, easing pain, and improving function.

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, particularly instrument assisted soft tissue mobilization, is essential in these situations for enhancing tissue healing, lessening 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 adequately manages a wide array of conditions, aiding Chesterfield, MO patients in their road towards wellness, improved quality of life, and getting back to the activities they enjoy.

Other services we offer in Chesterfield, 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 Chesterfield, MO Today

Axes Physical Therapy in Chesterfield, MO integrates expertise, compassion, and a client-focused approach to achieve optimal results in soft tissue mobilization. Choosing Axes entails entrusting your treatment 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 love most efficiently and effectively. Don’t let pain or mobility issues hold you back any longer. Reach out to Axes Physical Therapy in Chesterfield, 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.