Soft tissue mobilization in Des Peres, MO. Instrument assisted soft tissue mobilization is vital for treating many injuries, conditions, and disorders. This treatment method, centered around stimulating and smoothing out soft tissue like the muscles, ligaments, and tendons, doesn’t just help reduce pain the day of your appointment, but brings back functionality and boosts the body’s natural healing process, aiding our Des Peres, MO patients get better safely and successfully. Soft tissue mobilization is particularly useful for Des Peres, MO patients who prefer to avoid surgery or medications.

Axes Physical Therapy is run by a group of local Des Peres, MO physical and occupational therapists. We combine our expertise with enhancing our patients’ lives with scientifically-proven treatment methods to get Des Peres, MO residents back to the things they love doing most. Whether you’re dealing with an acute injury, chronic discomfort, or post-surgical rehab, Axes Physical Therapy will partner with you to develop a treatment plan customized to your condition, lifestyle, and goals. Get in touch through our website, 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 technique 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, suited to your specific needs. It’s a vital element in the treatment of musculoskeletal disorders, providing relief and re-establishing 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 sophisticated form of soft tissue mobilization that utilizes specialized tools for targeted and deeper tissue manipulation. Based on James Cyriax‘s deep friction massage, this method uses tools constructed of materials like stainless steel or hard plastic. Shaped to conform to different anatomical areas, these tools are designed 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. The application of these tools 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 encompasses a range of techniques, each tailored to address specific injuries or conditions:

Manual Soft Tissue Mobilization Techniques

• Massage: A popular method, massage entails manual pressure and strokes with a therapist’s hands. It can enhance circulation, relieve muscle tension, and promote relaxation.
• Myofascial Release: This technique focuses on releasing tension in the connective tissue that surrounds muscles. Practitioners utilize gentle, sustained pressure to release fascial restrictions and enhance mobility.
• Trigger Point Dry Needling and Trigger Point Therapy: This method addresses trigger points, which are hyperirritable muscles that lead to 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 manual therapy to break up scar tissue in muscles and other soft tissues, intending to bring back range of motion.
• Cross-Friction Massage: A perpendicular massage technique applied perpendicular to the affected tissue. It’s commonly employed 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 often incorporated into manual soft tissue mobilization to increase flexibility and range of motion. They can be passive (performed by the therapist).
• Joint Mobilization: Consists of passive movement of a joint by the therapist to improve flexibility and reduce pain. It’s commonly used in combination with other soft tissue techniques.

Instrument Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization (IASTM) Techniques

• Astym® Therapy: Employs specific protocols and instruments to rejuvenate healthy soft tissues and eliminate unwanted adhesions.
• Graston Technique®: Employs stainless steel instruments to minimize restrictions by stretching connective tissues so that their structure is realigned.
• HawkGrips® Therapy: Employs a range of precision-engineered tools intended to decrease pain in minutes, increase range of motion, and reduce need for medication and surgery.

Each of the above treatment methods has been proven by research to have its unique uses and benefits, and one of our professional Des Peres, MO physical therapists can customize these techniques to the condition affecting you and your lifestyle goals. We’ll use these techniques, in tandem with other therapies and patient education, to assist in your healing and get you back to the activities you love.

Advantages of Soft Tissue Mobilization for Des Peres, MO Patients

Soft tissue mobilization, when conducted by professional Des Peres, MO physical therapists such as those at Axes, offers a multitude of benefits to Des Peres, MO patients dealing with various musculoskeletal conditions. Here’s a comprehensive look at some of the key advantages:

• Accelerated Healing Process —
  • Improved Blood Flow: Soft tissue mobilization techniques enhance circulation, supplying essential nutrients and oxygen to injured areas, allowing the body to heal itself more effectively.
  • Reduced Inflammation: These techniques aid in reducing inflammation and swelling in the injured areas, which is essential for healing.
  • Breakdown of Scar Tissue: Especially with instrument assisted soft tissue mobilization, the breakdown of scar tissue promotes faster regeneration of healthy tissue.
• Better Tissue Alignment and Function —
  • Restoration of Normal Tissue Function: By relieving tension and restrictions in soft tissues, these techniques restore normal function and range of motion.
  • Improved Flexibility: Regular soft tissue mobilization can result in improved flexibility and strength in the muscles, tendons, and ligaments.
  • Alignment Correction: These methods can assist in correcting collagen fibers and improve the overall structure of soft tissues.
• Reduction of Pain and Increased Mobility —
  • Pain Relief: Soft tissue mobilization is helpful 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 combined with Axes Physical Therapy’s all-encompassing and personalized approach to care in Des Peres, MO, are far-reaching. When you form a treatment team with us, you’ll not only find relief from your present ailments but also enjoy an improved quality of life with better physical function.

Conditions Treated with Soft Tissue Mobilization in Des Peres, MO

Axes Physical Therapy employs 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 used across different types of injuries and conditions in Des Peres, MO:

Acute Injuries

Acute injuries mean 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 usually 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 minimizing inflammation, promoting healing, and restoring 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 persistent pain, stiffness, and usually a gradual onset. Soft tissue mobilization is beneficial in these scenarios for breaking down scar tissue, alleviating pain, and increasing function.

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, especially IASTM, is invaluable in these situations for promoting 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 successfully treats a vast array of conditions, aiding Des Peres, MO patients in their journey towards wellness, enhanced quality of life, and returning to the activities they love most.

Other services we offer in Des Peres, 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 Des Peres, MO Today

Axes Physical Therapy in Des Peres, MO integrates expertise, passion, and a patient-centered approach to deliver optimal results in soft tissue mobilization. Choosing Axes signifies entrusting your care to a team that values your health and wellbeing, aiming not just for immediate relief but for long-term functional improvement that returns you back to the activities you cherish safely and effectively. Don’t let pain or mobility issues stop you any longer. Reach out to Axes Physical Therapy in Des Peres, 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.