Soft tissue mobilization in Dellwood, MO. Instrument assisted soft tissue mobilization is an evidence-backed treatment technique for numerous injuries, conditions, and disorders. This treatment method, centered around stimulating and smoothing out soft tissue including the muscles, ligaments, and tendons, doesn’t just help reduce pain short term, but reestablishes functionality and improves the body’s natural healing process, assisting our Dellwood, MO patients recover safely and properly. Soft tissue mobilization is ideal for Dellwood, MO patients looking for alternative treatments to surgery.
Axes Physical Therapy is run by a group of local Dellwood, MO physical therapists. We blend our expertise with improving our patients’ lives with research-supported treatment methods to get Dellwood, MO residents back to the activities they love. Whether you’re grappling with an acute injury, chronic discomfort, or post-surgical recovery, Axes Physical Therapy will work closely with you to develop a treatment plan specific to your unique needs and goals. Contact us through our website, call the Axes location nearest you, or come to any location for a free injury screening to start on your road to recovery today.
What Is Soft Tissue Mobilization?
Soft tissue mobilization is a therapeutic technique used in physical therapy to treat conditions affecting the soft tissues of the body, such as muscles, tendons, and ligaments. This approach entails various hands-on methods including gentle strokes to deeper pressure, depending on what condition or injury you’re ailing from. It’s a key element in the treatment of musculoskeletal disorders, delivering relief and restoring function to areas affected by injury, surgery, or chronic conditions.
About Instrument Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization (IASTM)
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. Inspired by James Cyriax‘s deep friction massage, this method employs tools made from materials like stainless steel or hard plastic. Shaped to conform to different anatomical areas, these tools are aimed to effectively break down scar tissue and fascial restrictions. IASTM techniques enable therapists to detect and address areas with soft tissue fibrosis or chronic inflammation. Their use enhances the physical therapist’s ability to discover adhesions and restrictions in the soft tissues, and exerts precise pressure to encourage the body’s natural healing process.
Soft Tissue Mobilization and Instrument Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization (ISTYM) Techniques
Soft tissue mobilization covers a range of techniques, each tailored to tackle 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 improve circulation, relieve muscle tension, and promote relaxation.
- Myofascial Release: This technique concentrates 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 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 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 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 light technique intended 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 often incorporated into manual soft tissue mobilization to increase flexibility and movement. 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 clear away unwanted scar tissue.
- Graston Technique®: Involves stainless steel instruments to reduce restrictions by stretching connective tissues so that their structure is rearranged.
- HawkGrips® Therapy: Utilizes a range of precision-engineered tools intended to decrease pain in minutes, increase range of motion, and lessen need for medication and surgery.
Each of the listed treatment modalities has been confirmed by research to have its particular applications and benefits, and one of our licensed Dellwood, 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 what you love doing most.
Advantages of Soft Tissue Mobilization for Dellwood, MO Patients
Soft tissue mobilization, when performed by professional Dellwood, MO physical therapists such as those at Axes, offers a array of benefits to Dellwood, MO patients facing various musculoskeletal conditions. Here’s an in-depth look at some of the key advantages:
- Accelerated Healing Process —
- Enhanced Blood Flow: Soft tissue mobilization techniques improve circulation, bringing essential nutrients and oxygen to injured areas, allowing the body to heal itself more effectively.
- Reduced Inflammation: These techniques aid in minimizing inflammation and swelling in the injured areas, which is essential for healing.
- Breakdown of Scar Tissue: Specifically with IASTM, the breakdown of scar tissue facilitates quicker regeneration of healthy tissue.
- Better 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 cause improved flexibility and strength in the muscles, tendons, and ligaments.
- Alignment Correction: These methods can help in realigning collagen fibers and enhance the overall structure of soft tissues.
- Reduction of Pain and Increased Mobility —
- Pain Relief: Soft tissue mobilization is beneficial in reducing 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 play a role in preventing future injuries by maintaining healthy, supple tissues.
The benefits of soft tissue mobilization, especially when combined with Axes Physical Therapy’s all-encompassing and personalized approach to care in Dellwood, MO, are far-reaching. When you collaborate with us, you’ll not only find relief from your current ailments but also appreciate an enhanced quality of life with better physical function.
Conditions Treated with Soft Tissue Mobilization in Dellwood, MO
Axes Physical Therapy uses soft tissue mobilization, including IASTM techniques, to treat a vast spectrum of conditions, each with its own challenges and requirements. Here’s how these approaches are used across multiple types of injuries and conditions in Dellwood, MO:
Acute Injuries
Acute injuries refer to sudden physical traumas to the body, often resulting from accidents or specific incidents during activities, like sports injuries. These injuries commonly involve sudden pain, swelling, and loss of stability. The use of instrument assisted soft tissue mobilization and other soft tissue mobilization techniques play a crucial role in lessening inflammation, facilitating healing, and reestablishing function in these cases.
Common acute injuries treated include:
- Sprains
- Strains
- Fasciitis
- Tendonitis
Chronic Injuries
Chronic injuries form over time, frequently due to ongoing stress or prolonged wear and tear on the body. These injuries are marked by persistent pain, stiffness, and often a gradual onset. Soft tissue mobilization is helpful in these scenarios for breaking down scar tissue, easing pain, and enhancing range of motion.
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, notably instrument assisted soft tissue mobilization, is crucial in these situations for improving tissue healing, minimizing 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 applying soft tissue mobilization techniques properly, Axes Physical Therapy adequately manages a vast array of conditions, aiding Dellwood, MO patients in their path towards wellness, improved quality of life, and getting back to the activities they cherish.
Other services we offer in Dellwood, 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 Dellwood, MO Today
Axes Physical Therapy in Dellwood, MO integrates expertise, passion, and a client-focused approach to deliver optimal results in soft tissue mobilization. Choosing Axes means becoming part of a team that values your health and wellbeing, striving not just for immediate relief but for long-term functional improvement that brings you back to the activities you enjoy the most safely and effectively. Don’t let pain or mobility issues hold you back any longer. Reach out to Axes Physical Therapy in Dellwood, 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.
