Soft tissue mobilization in Columbus Square, MO. Instrument assisted soft tissue mobilization is essential for treating numerous musculoskeletal conditions. This treatment method, focused on stimulating and easing soft tissue like the muscles, ligaments, and tendons, doesn’t just help reduce pain the day of your appointment, but reestablishes functionality and boosts the body’s natural healing process, assisting our Columbus Square, MO patients heal faster and more effectively. Soft tissue mobilization is particularly useful for Columbus Square, MO patients who want to avoid surgery or medications.

Axes Physical Therapy is operated and owned locally by a team of seasoned Columbus Square, MO physical therapists. We blend our passion with bettering our patients’ lives with evidence-backed treatment methods to get Columbus Square, MO 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 work closely with you to develop a treatment plan customized to your unique needs and goals. Contact us online, 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 treatment method used in physical therapy to treat conditions affecting the soft tissues of the body, such as muscles, tendons, and ligaments. This approach incorporates various hands-on methods spanning gentle strokes to deeper pressure, suited to your specific needs. It’s a crucial element in the treatment of musculoskeletal disorders, offering relief and restoring 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 uses specialized tools for targeted and deeper 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 parts of the body, these tools are aimed to effectively break down scar tissue and fascial restrictions. IASTM techniques allow therapists to diagnose and heal areas with soft tissue fibrosis or chronic inflammation. Their use enhances the physical therapist’s ability to uncover adhesions and restrictions in the soft tissues, and delivers precise pressure to facilitate 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 injuries or conditions:

Manual Soft Tissue Mobilization Techniques

• Massage: One of the most well-known forms, massage includes various strokes and pressures to manipulate soft tissues. It can boost circulation, relieve muscle tension, and promote relaxation.
• Myofascial Release: This technique targets releasing tension in the fascia. Practitioners employ gentle, sustained pressure to release fascial restrictions and improve mobility.
• Trigger Point Dry Needling and Trigger Point Therapy: This method targets trigger points, which are taut bands 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 integrates 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 perpendicular massage technique performed perpendicular to the affected tissue. It’s commonly employed 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, especially in patients with lymphedema.
• Stretching and Range of Motion Exercises: These are frequently incorporated into manual soft tissue mobilization to increase flexibility and range of motion. They can be performed either with active involvement from the patient on by the therapist themselves.
• Joint Mobilization: Involves passive movement of a joint by the therapist to enhance flexibility 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 scar tissue.
• Graston Technique®: Uses stainless steel instruments to alleviate restrictions by stretching connective tissues so that their structure is realigned.
• HawkGrips® Therapy: Employs an array of precision-engineered tools aimed at decrease pain in minutes, increase flexibility, and lessen the necessity of medication and surgery.

Each of the above treatment modalities has been validated by science to have its specific applications and benefits, and one of our professional Columbus Square, MO physical therapists can customize these techniques to your individual needs. We’ll use these techniques, in concert with other therapies and patient education, to assist in your healing and get you back to the activities you love.

Benefits of Soft Tissue Mobilization for Columbus Square, MO Patients

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

• Kickstart the Body’s Natural healing Process —
  • Enhanced Blood Flow: Soft tissue mobilization techniques boost circulation, bringing essential nutrients and oxygen to injured areas, thus speeding up the healing process.
  • Reduced Inflammation: These techniques help in minimizing inflammation and swelling in the injured areas, which is vital for healing.
  • Breakdown of Scar Tissue: Particularly with instrument assisted soft tissue mobilization, the breakdown of scar tissue facilitates faster regeneration of healthy tissue.
• Improvement in Tissue Alignment and Function —
  • Restoration of Normal Tissue Function: By relieving 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 enhanced flexibility and strength in the muscles, tendons, and ligaments.
  • Alignment Correction: These methods can help in correcting collagen fibers and improve the overall structure of soft tissues.
• Reduction of Pain and Increased Mobility —
  • Pain Relief: Soft tissue mobilization is beneficial in minimizing chronic pain and discomfort related to 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 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 Columbus Square, MO, are far-reaching. When you collaborate with us, you’ll not only experience relief from your existing ailments but also enjoy an improved quality of life with better physical function.

Conditions Treated with Soft Tissue Mobilization in Columbus Square, MO

Axes Physical Therapy uses soft tissue mobilization, including IASTM techniques, to treat a vast spectrum of conditions, each with its unique challenges and requirements. Here’s how these methods are applied across different types of injuries and conditions in Columbus Square, MO:

Acute Injuries

Acute injuries are 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 vital role in reducing inflammation, enhancing healing, and restoring function in these cases.

Common acute injuries treated include:

• Sprains
• Strains
• Fasciitis
• Tendonitis

Chronic Injuries

Chronic injuries form over time, often due to repetitive stress or long-term wear and tear on the body. These injuries are characterized by ongoing pain, stiffness, and often a gradual onset. Soft tissue mobilization is effective in these scenarios for breaking down scar tissue, relieving pain, and enhancing strength and mobility.

Common chronic injuries treated include:

• Tendonosis
• ITB Syndrome
• Plantar Fasciitis

Post-Surgical Rehab

Following surgery and in post-surgical rehab, patients frequently face challenges like scar tissue formation and restricted mobility. Soft tissue mobilization, notably instrument assisted soft tissue mobilization, 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 using soft tissue mobilization techniques properly, Axes Physical Therapy adequately manages a broad array of conditions, assisting Columbus Square, MO patients in their path towards healing, enhanced quality of life, and getting back to the activities they love most.

Other conditions we treat in Columbus Square, 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 Columbus Square, MO Today

Axes Physical Therapy in Columbus Square, MO integrates experience, passion, and a patient-centered approach to provide optimal results in soft tissue mobilization. Choosing Axes means becoming part of a team that focuses on your health and wellbeing, working not just for immediate relief but for ongoing functional improvement that returns you back to the activities you cherish safely and effectively. Don’t let pain or mobility issues hold you back any longer. Reach out to Axes Physical Therapy in Columbus Square, 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.