Soft Tissue Mobilization in Creve Coeur, MO | IASTM | Physical Therapy

Soft tissue mobilization in Creve Coeur, MO. Instrument assisted soft tissue mobilization is crucial for treating various injuries, conditions, and disorders. This therapeutic approach, focused on stimulating and easing soft tissue like the muscles, ligaments, and tendons, doesn’t just help reduce pain short term, but reestablishes functionality and boosts the body’s natural healing process, helping our Creve Coeur, MO patients get better safely and effectively. Soft tissue mobilization is well-suited for Creve Coeur, MO patients seeking non-invasive treatment methods.

Axes Physical Therapy is locally owned and operated by a team of experienced Creve Coeur, MO physical therapists. We merge our expertise with bettering our patients’ lives with scientifically-proven treatment methods to get Creve Coeur, MO residents back to the things they love doing most. Whether you’re dealing with an acute injury, chronic discomfort, or post-surgical recovery, Axes Physical Therapy will partner with you to develop a treatment plan tailored to your condition, lifestyle, and goals. Get in touch through our website, 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 treatment method used in physical therapy to treat conditions impacting 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, depending on your specific needs. It’s a vital element in the treatment of musculoskeletal disorders, providing relief and restoring function to areas affected by injury, a medical condition, or chronic conditions.

What Is Instrument Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization?

Instrument assisted soft tissue mobilization (IASTM) is a sophisticated form of soft tissue mobilization that utilizes specialized tools for targeted and deeper tissue manipulation. Inspired by James Cyriax‘s deep friction massage, this method involves tools constructed of materials like stainless steel or hard plastic. Designed to fit to different parts of the body, these tools are aimed 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 discover adhesions and restrictions in the soft tissues, and exerts precise pressure to encourage optimal tissue repair and mobility.

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

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

Manual Soft Tissue Mobilization Techniques

Massage: One of the most well-known forms, massage entails manual pressure and strokes with a therapist’s hands. It can improve circulation, relieve muscle tension, and promote relaxation.
Myofascial Release: This technique focuses on releasing tension in the fascia. Practitioners apply gentle, sustained pressure to ease fascial restrictions and enhance mobility.
Trigger Point Dry Needling and Trigger Point Therapy: This method addresses trigger points, which are hyperirritable 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 combines patient movement with soft tissue mobilization to break up scar tissue in muscles and other soft tissues, intending to restore free movement.
Cross-Friction Massage: A crosswise 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 soothing technique intended to stimulate the lymphatic system, assisting to remove waste products and reduce swelling, 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 passive (performed by the therapist).
Joint Mobilization: Entails 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: Utilizes specific protocols and instruments to regenerate healthy soft tissues and remove unwanted adhesions.
Graston Technique®: Employs stainless steel instruments to reduce restrictions by stretching connective tissues so that their structure is realigned.
HawkGrips® Therapy: Makes use of a range of precision-engineered tools aimed at decrease pain in minutes, increase flexibility, and diminish the necessity of medication and surgery.

Each of the listed techniques has been validated by research to have its particular applications and benefits, and one of our licensed Creve Coeur, MO physical therapists can adapt these techniques to your individual needs. We’ll use these techniques, in tandem with other therapies and patient education, to help heal you and get you back to the activities you love.

Benefits of Soft Tissue Mobilization for Creve Coeur, MO Patients

Soft tissue mobilization, when carried out by qualified Creve Coeur, MO physical therapists such as those at Axes, offers a array of benefits to Creve Coeur, 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 improve blood flow to the affected area, bringing 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 affected areas, which is vital for healing.
- Breakdown of Scar Tissue: Particularly with IASTM, the breakdown of scar tissue encourages quicker healing of healthy tissue.
Improvement in 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 result in 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 effective in reducing chronic pain and discomfort associated with various conditions.
- Increased Mobility: By addressing 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 paired with Axes Physical Therapy’s comprehensive and individualized approach to care in Creve Coeur, MO, are far-reaching. When you form a treatment team with us, you’ll not only experience relief from your current ailments but also enjoy an improved quality of life with better physical function.

Soft Tissue Mobilization | Instrument Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization | IASTM

Conditions Treated with Soft Tissue Mobilization in Creve Coeur, MO

Axes Physical Therapy uses 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 applied across various types of injuries and conditions in Creve Coeur, MO:

Acute Injuries

Acute injuries are sudden physical traumas to the body, often 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, promoting healing, and regaining function in these cases.

Common acute injuries treated include:

Sprains
Strains
Fasciitis
Tendonitis

Chronic Injuries

Chronic injuries develop over time, usually due to repetitive stress or extended 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 dissolving scar tissue, easing pain, and improving strength and 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 scar tissue formation and restricted mobility. Soft tissue mobilization, especially instrument assisted soft tissue mobilization, is essential 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 using soft tissue mobilization techniques appropriately, Axes Physical Therapy adequately manages a broad array of conditions, aiding Creve Coeur, MO patients in their journey towards wellness, better quality of life, and returning to the activities they enjoy.

Other conditions we treat in Creve Coeur, MO include:

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

Axes Physical Therapy in Creve Coeur, MO integrates experience, compassion, and a client-focused approach to provide optimal results in soft tissue mobilization. Choosing Axes signifies entrusting your treatment to a team that values your health and wellbeing, striving not just for immediate relief but for sustained functional improvement that brings 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 Creve Coeur, 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.

Soft Tissue Mobilization Creve Coeur, MO