Soft Tissue Mobilization in Crestwood, MO | IASTM | Physical Therapy

Soft tissue mobilization in Crestwood, MO. Instrument assisted soft tissue mobilization is an evidence-backed treatment technique for numerous musculoskeletal conditions. This therapeutic approach, focused on stimulating and easing soft tissue including the muscles, ligaments, and tendons, doesn’t just help reduce pain momentarily, but restores functionality and boosts the body’s natural healing process, aiding our Crestwood, MO patients heal faster and more effectively. Soft tissue mobilization is well-suited for Crestwood, MO patients who want to avoid surgery or medications.

Axes Physical Therapy is locally owned and operated by a team of seasoned Crestwood, MO physical therapists. We combine our passion with bettering our patients’ lives with research-supported treatment methods to get Crestwood, 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 partner with you to create a treatment plan specific 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 get started today.

About Soft Tissue Mobilization

Soft tissue mobilization is a therapeutic 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 including gentle strokes to deeper pressure, suited to your specific needs. It’s a vital element in the treatment of musculoskeletal disorders, offering relief and bringing back function to areas compromised 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 uses specialized tools for targeted and deeper tissue manipulation. Inspired by James Cyriax‘s deep friction massage, this method employs tools made from materials like stainless steel or hard plastic. Designed to fit to different parts of the body, these tools are intended to effectively break down scar tissue and fascial restrictions. IASTM techniques permit therapists to diagnose and treat 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 applies precise pressure to encourage optimal tissue repair and mobility.

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

Soft tissue mobilization encompasses a range of techniques, each tailored to tackle specific types of tissue issues and patient needs:

Manual Soft Tissue Mobilization Techniques

Massage: A widely recognized technique, massage includes various strokes and pressures to manipulate soft tissues. It can enhance circulation, relieve muscle tension, and promote relaxation.
Myofascial Release: This technique aims at releasing tension in the fascia. Practitioners utilize gentle, sustained pressure to release fascial restrictions and enhance mobility.
Trigger Point Dry Needling and Trigger Point Therapy: This method focuses on trigger points, which are hyperirritable muscles that lead to 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 range of motion.
Cross-Friction Massage: A crosswise massage technique executed perpendicular to the affected tissue. It’s often used for tendons and ligaments to improve circulation and promote healing.
Lymphatic Drainage: A soothing technique intended to stimulate the lymphatic system, aiding to remove waste products and reduce swelling, especially in patients with lymphedema.
Stretching and Range of Motion Exercises: These are often incorporated into manual soft tissue mobilization to increase flexibility and movement. They can be passive (performed by the therapist).
Joint Mobilization: Consists of passive movement of a joint by the therapist to improve 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 restore healthy soft tissues and remove unwanted adhesions.
Graston Technique®: Employs stainless steel instruments to alleviate restrictions by stretching connective tissues so that their structure is realigned.
HawkGrips® Therapy: Utilizes a range of precision-engineered tools designed to decrease pain in minutes, increase flexibility, and diminish reliance on medication and surgery.

Each of the above techniques has been confirmed by peer-backed studies to have its unique uses and benefits, and one of our professional Crestwood, MO physical therapists can tailor these methods to the condition affecting you and your lifestyle goals. We’ll utilize these techniques, in combination with other therapies and patient education, to help heal you and get you back to what you love doing most.

Benefits of Soft Tissue Mobilization for Crestwood, MO Patients

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

Accelerated Healing Process —
- Improved Blood Flow: Soft tissue mobilization techniques improve blood flow to the affected area, supplying essential nutrients and oxygen to injured areas, allowing the body to heal itself more effectively.
- Reduced Inflammation: These techniques contribute to reducing inflammation and swelling in the injured areas, which is essential for healing.
- Breakdown of Scar Tissue: Especially with IASTM, the breakdown of scar tissue promotes 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 restore normal function and range of motion.
- Improved Flexibility: Regular soft tissue mobilization can lead to improved flexibility and strength in the muscles, tendons, and ligaments.
- Alignment Correction: These methods can help in realigning collagen fibers and better the overall structure of soft tissues.
Reduction of Pain and Increased Mobility —
- Pain Relief: Soft tissue mobilization is effective 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 be instrumental in preventing future injuries by maintaining healthy, supple tissues.

The benefits of soft tissue mobilization, especially when coupled with Axes Physical Therapy’s holistic and personalized approach to care in Crestwood, MO, are extensive. When you partner with us, you’ll not only experience relief from your existing ailments but also relish an improved quality of life with improved physical function.

Soft Tissue Mobilization | Instrument Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization | IASTM

Conditions Treated with Soft Tissue Mobilization in Crestwood, MO

Axes Physical Therapy utilizes soft tissue mobilization, including IASTM techniques, to treat a broad spectrum of conditions, each with its own challenges and requirements. Here’s how these techniques are implemented across various types of injuries and conditions in Crestwood, MO:

Acute Injuries

Acute injuries are 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 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 key role in lessening inflammation, enhancing healing, and reestablishing function in these cases.

Common acute injuries treated include:

Sprains
Strains
Fasciitis
Tendonitis

Chronic Injuries

Chronic injuries arise over time, often due to continuous stress or prolonged wear and tear on the body. These injuries are identified by continuous pain, stiffness, and often a gradual onset. Soft tissue mobilization is helpful in these scenarios for reducing scar tissue, easing pain, and enhancing mobility.

Common chronic injuries treated include:

Tendonosis
ITB Syndrome
Plantar Fasciitis

Post-Surgical Conditions

Following surgery and in post-surgical rehab, patients commonly face challenges like adhesions and restricted flexibility. Soft tissue mobilization, particularly IASTM, is crucial in these situations for enhancing tissue healing, reducing 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 using soft tissue mobilization techniques appropriately, Axes Physical Therapy adequately manages a vast array of conditions, helping Crestwood, MO patients in their path towards wellness, improved quality of life, and coming back to the activities they cherish.

Other services we offer in Crestwood, MO include:

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

Axes Physical Therapy in Crestwood, MO combines experience, passion, and a patient-centered approach to achieve optimal results in soft tissue mobilization. Choosing Axes means entrusting your care to a team that focuses on your health and wellbeing, aiming not just for immediate relief but for ongoing functional improvement that returns you back to the activities you cherish securely and effectively. Don’t let pain or mobility issues stop you any longer. Reach out to Axes Physical Therapy in Crestwood, 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.