Soft Tissue Mobilization in Concord, MO | Instrument Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization | Physical Therapy

Soft tissue mobilization in Concord, MO. Instrument assisted soft tissue mobilization is an evidence-backed treatment technique for many musculoskeletal conditions. This treatment method, aimed at activating and smoothing out soft tissue like the muscles, ligaments, and tendons, doesn’t just alleviate pain momentarily, but brings back functionality and boosts the body’s natural healing process, helping our Concord, MO patients get better faster and more effectively. Soft tissue mobilization is highly useful for Concord, MO patients in need of non-invasive treatment methods.

Axes Physical Therapy is run by a group of local Concord, MO physical therapists. We combine our expertise with bettering our patients’ lives with evidence-backed treatment methods to get Concord, 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 condition, lifestyle, and goals. Get in touch online, call the Axes location nearest you, or come to any location for a free injury screening to get started today.

What Is Soft Tissue Mobilization?

Soft tissue mobilization is a healing technique used in physical therapy to treat conditions involving the soft tissues of the body, such as muscles, tendons, and ligaments. This approach entails various hands-on methods spanning gentle strokes to deeper pressure, depending on what condition or injury is affecting you. It’s a crucial element in the treatment of musculoskeletal disorders, delivering relief and restoring function to areas compromised by injury, surgery, or chronic conditions.

About Instrument Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization (IASTM)

Instrument assisted soft tissue mobilization (IASTM) is an advanced 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 constructed of materials like stainless steel or hard plastic. Configured to adapt to different parts of the body, these tools are designed to effectively break down scar tissue and fascial restrictions. IASTM techniques permit therapists to detect and address areas with soft tissue fibrosis or chronic inflammation. Using these instruments enhances the physical therapist’s ability to detect adhesions and restrictions in the soft tissues, and exerts precise pressure to facilitate the body’s natural healing process.

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

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

Manual Soft Tissue Mobilization Techniques

Massage: A popular method, massage involves 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 connective tissue that surrounds muscles. Practitioners utilize gentle, sustained pressure to alleviate fascial restrictions and increase 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 melds patient movement with soft tissue mobilization to break up scar tissue in muscles and other soft tissues, aiming to restore free movement.
Cross-Friction Massage: A perpendicular massage technique performed perpendicular to the affected tissue. It’s frequently utilized for tendons and ligaments to enhance circulation and promote healing.
Lymphatic Drainage: A soothing technique designed 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 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 range of motion and reduce pain. It’s regularly used in combination with other soft tissue techniques.

Instrument Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization (IASTM) Techniques

Astym® Therapy: Utilizes specific protocols and instruments to restore healthy soft tissues and eliminate unwanted adhesions.
Graston Technique®: Involves stainless steel instruments to alleviate restrictions by stretching connective tissues so that their structure is rearranged.
HawkGrips® Therapy: Utilizes an array of precision-engineered tools intended to decrease pain in minutes, increase range of motion, and diminish the necessity of medication and surgery.

Each of the above techniques has been proven by peer-backed studies to have its specific applications and benefits, and one of our licensed Concord, MO physical therapists can customize these methods 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 Concord, MO Patients

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

Accelerated Healing Process —
- Improved Blood Flow: Soft tissue mobilization techniques boost circulation, supplying essential nutrients and oxygen to injured areas, allowing the body to heal itself more effectively.
- Reduced Inflammation: These techniques help in reducing inflammation and swelling in the injured areas, which is essential for healing.
- Breakdown of Scar Tissue: Particularly with instrument assisted soft tissue mobilization, the breakdown of scar tissue encourages faster healing of healthy tissue.
Improvement in 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 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 related to various conditions.
- Increased Mobility: By addressing 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 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 comprehensive and personalized approach to care in Concord, MO, are profound. When you form a treatment team with us, you’ll not only achieve relief from your existing ailments but also appreciate an enhanced quality of life with enhanced physical function.

Soft Tissue Mobilization | Instrument Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization | IASTM

Conditions Treated with Soft Tissue Mobilization in Concord, MO

Axes Physical Therapy uses soft tissue mobilization, including instrument assisted techniques, to treat a broad spectrum of conditions, each with its unique challenges and requirements. Here’s how these methods are used across different types of injuries and conditions in Concord, 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 stability. Advanced soft tissue mobilization and other soft tissue mobilization techniques play a key 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 arise over time, often due to repetitive stress or extended wear and tear on the body. These injuries are identified by persistent pain, stiffness, and frequently a gradual onset. Soft tissue mobilization is helpful in these scenarios for reducing scar tissue, easing pain, and enhancing function.

Common chronic injuries treated include:

Tendonosis
ITB Syndrome
Plantar Fasciitis

Post-Surgical Rehabilitation

Following surgery and in post-surgical rehab, patients frequently face challenges like adhesions and restricted flexibility. Soft tissue mobilization, especially instrument assisted soft tissue mobilization, is crucial in these situations for improving 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 applying soft tissue mobilization techniques appropriately, Axes Physical Therapy adequately manages a wide array of conditions, assisting Concord, MO patients in their road towards healing, enhanced quality of life, and returning to the activities they cherish.

Other services we offer in Concord, MO include:

Call Axes Physical Therapy for Your Soft Tissue Mobilization in Concord, MO Today

Axes Physical Therapy in Concord, MO combines expertise, compassion, and a patient-centered approach to provide optimal results in soft tissue mobilization. Choosing Axes means entrusting your recovery to a team that prioritizes 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 keep you down any longer. Reach out to Axes Physical Therapy in Concord, MO and take the first step towards a more active life. Contact us online, call the Axes location nearest you, or come to any location for a free injury screening to get started today.