Soft Tissue Mobilization in Collinsville, IL | IASTM | Physical Therapy

Soft tissue mobilization in Collinsville, IL. Instrument assisted soft tissue mobilization is essential for treating various injuries, conditions, and disorders. This therapeutic approach, aimed at working on and easing soft tissue like the muscles, ligaments, and tendons, doesn’t just alleviate pain short term, but brings back functionality and enhances the body’s natural healing process, aiding our Collinsville, IL patients get better faster and more effectively. Soft tissue mobilization is ideal for Collinsville, IL patients seeking alternative treatments to surgery.

Axes Physical Therapy is run by a group of local Collinsville, IL physical therapists. We merge our passion with bettering our patients’ lives with scientifically-proven treatment methods to get Collinsville, IL residents back to the things they love doing most. Whether you’re grappling with an acute injury, chronic discomfort, or post-surgical rehab, Axes Physical Therapy will form a team with you to create a treatment plan tailored to your unique needs and goals. Get in touch through our website, call the Axes most convenient to you, or come to any location for a free injury screening to start on your road to recovery today.

About Soft Tissue Mobilization

Soft tissue mobilization is a restorative technique used in physical therapy to treat conditions affecting the soft tissues of the body, which are the muscles, tendons, and ligaments. This approach involves various hands-on methods ranging from gentle strokes to deeper pressure, depending on what condition or injury is affecting you. It’s a key element in the treatment of musculoskeletal disorders, providing relief and bringing back 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 employs tools constructed of materials like stainless steel or hard plastic. Configured to adapt to different anatomical areas, these tools are designed 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. Using these instruments enhances the physical therapist’s ability to uncover adhesions and restrictions in the soft tissues, and applies precise pressure to facilitate optimal tissue repair and mobility.

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

Soft tissue mobilization covers a range of techniques, all intended to treat specific injuries or conditions:

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 concentrates on releasing tension in the fascia. Practitioners utilize 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 hyperirritable muscles that cause pain and discomfort. Pressure is applied to these points to alleviate tension and reduce pain.
Active Release Techniques (ART): ART combines patient movement with manual pressure to break up adhesions in muscles and other soft tissues, intending to bring back range of motion.
Cross-Friction Massage: A transverse massage technique applied perpendicular to the affected tissue. It’s commonly employed for tendons and ligaments to enhance circulation and promote healing.
Lymphatic Drainage: A soothing 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 commonly 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 regenerate healthy soft tissues and clear away 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 intended to decrease pain in minutes, increase flexibility, and lessen reliance on medication and surgery.

Each of the above techniques has been validated by science to have its unique applications and benefits, and one of our professional Collinsville, IL physical therapists can customize 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 aid in your recovery and get you back to the activities you love.

Benefits of Soft Tissue Mobilization for Collinsville, IL Patients

Soft tissue mobilization, when conducted by licensed Collinsville, IL physical therapists such as those at Axes, offers a multitude of benefits to Collinsville, IL patients facing various musculoskeletal conditions. Here’s an in-depth look at some of the key advantages:

Kickstart the Body’s Natural healing Process —
- Improved 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 crucial for healing.
- Breakdown of Scar Tissue: Especially with instrument assisted soft tissue mobilization, the breakdown of scar tissue promotes faster regeneration of healthy tissue.
Better Tissue Alignment and Function —
- Restoration of Normal Tissue Function: By relieving tension and restrictions in soft tissues, these techniques bring back 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 realigning 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 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 combined with Axes Physical Therapy’s all-encompassing and individualized approach to care in Collinsville, IL, are far-reaching. When you partner with us, you’ll not only experience relief from your present ailments but also enjoy an improved quality of life with enhanced physical function.

Soft Tissue Mobilization | Instrument Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization | IASTM

Conditions Treated with Soft Tissue Mobilization in Collinsville, IL

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 approaches are implemented across different types of injuries and conditions in Collinsville, IL:

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 usually involve sudden pain, swelling, and loss of function. Instrument assisted soft tissue mobilization and other soft tissue mobilization techniques play a vital role in lessening inflammation, promoting healing, and restoring function in these cases.

Common acute injuries treated include:

Sprains
Strains
Fasciitis
Tendonitis

Chronic Injuries

Chronic injuries arise over time, often due to ongoing stress or prolonged wear and tear on the body. These injuries are marked by persistent pain, stiffness, and frequently a gradual onset. Soft tissue mobilization is helpful in these scenarios for reducing scar tissue, alleviating pain, and improving range of motion.

Common chronic injuries treated include:

Tendonosis
ITB Syndrome
Plantar Fasciitis

Post-Surgical Rehab

Following surgery and in post-surgical rehab, patients commonly face challenges like adhesions and restricted flexibility. Soft tissue mobilization, notably IASTM, is essential in these situations for promoting 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 using soft tissue mobilization techniques appropriately, Axes Physical Therapy effectively addresses a vast array of conditions, assisting Collinsville, IL patients in their path towards recovery, enhanced quality of life, and returning to the activities they love most.

Other services we offer in Collinsville, IL include:

Call Axes Physical Therapy for Your Soft Tissue Mobilization in Collinsville, IL Today

Axes Physical Therapy in Collinsville, IL integrates experience, compassion, and a client-focused approach to achieve optimal results in soft tissue mobilization. Choosing Axes entails becoming part of a team that values your health and wellbeing, striving not just for immediate relief but for ongoing functional improvement that brings 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 Collinsville, IL 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.

Soft Tissue Mobilization Collinsville, IL