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

Soft tissue mobilization in Desloge, MO. Instrument assisted soft tissue mobilization is an evidence-backed treatment technique for numerous musculoskeletal conditions. This therapeutic approach, centered around working on and easing soft tissue like the muscles, ligaments, and tendons, doesn’t just alleviate pain short term, but reestablishes functionality and improves the body’s natural healing process, helping our Desloge, MO patients get better safely and effectively. Soft tissue mobilization is ideal for Desloge, MO patients looking for alternative treatments to surgery.

Axes Physical Therapy is run by a group of local Desloge, MO physical therapists. We combine our expertise with enhancing our patients’ lives with scientifically-proven treatment methods to get Desloge, MO residents back to the things they love doing most. Whether you’re dealing with an acute injury, chronic discomfort, or post-surgical rehabilitation, Axes Physical Therapy will partner with you to develop a treatment plan customized to your unique needs and goals. Contact us online, call the Axes most convenient to you, or come to any location for a complimentary injury screening to start on your road to recovery today.

What Is Soft Tissue Mobilization?

Soft tissue mobilization is a restorative technique used in physical therapy to treat conditions involving the soft tissues of the body, which are the muscles, tendons, and ligaments. This approach incorporates various hands-on methods ranging from 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 impaired by injury, surgery, 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 utilizes specialized tools for more precise and deeper tissue manipulation. Inspired by James Cyriax‘s deep friction massage, this method employs tools crafted from materials like stainless steel or hard plastic. Shaped to conform to different parts of the body, these tools are designed to effectively break down scar tissue and fascial restrictions. IASTM techniques enable therapists to diagnose and heal areas with soft tissue fibrosis or chronic inflammation. Their use enhances the physical therapist’s ability to detect adhesions and restrictions in the soft tissues, and delivers precise pressure to facilitate optimal tissue repair and mobility.

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

Soft tissue mobilization covers an array of techniques, each tailored to treat specific types of tissue issues and patient needs:

Manual Soft Tissue Mobilization Techniques

Massage: A widely recognized technique, massage involves 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 connective tissue that surrounds muscles. Practitioners utilize gentle, sustained pressure to release fascial restrictions and improve mobility.
Trigger Point Dry Needling and Trigger Point Therapy: This method targets trigger points, which are taut bands within muscles that cause pain and discomfort. Pressure is applied to these points to encourage blood flow to the area and reduce pain.
Active Release Techniques (ART): ART integrates patient movement with soft tissue mobilization 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 increase circulation and promote healing.
Lymphatic Drainage: A light technique intended to stimulate the lymphatic system, helping to remove waste products and reduce swelling, usually for patients with lymphedema.
Stretching and Range of Motion Exercises: These are often incorporated into manual soft tissue mobilization to enhance flexibility and range of motion. They can be performed either with active involvement from the patient on by the therapist themselves.
Joint Mobilization: Consists of passive movement of a joint by the therapist to enhance motion and reduce pain. It’s regularly 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 eliminate unwanted scar tissue.
Graston Technique®: Employs stainless steel instruments to minimize 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 lessen need for medication and surgery.

Each of the above treatment modalities has been proven by science to have its specific uses and benefits, and one of our licensed Desloge, 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 the activities you love.

Benefits of Soft Tissue Mobilization for Desloge, MO Patients

Soft tissue mobilization, when performed by professional Desloge, MO physical therapists such as those at Axes, offers a array of benefits to Desloge, MO patients dealing with various musculoskeletal conditions. Here’s an in-depth look at some of the key advantages:

Kickstart the Body’s Natural healing Process —
- Improved Blood Flow: Soft tissue mobilization techniques boost circulation, delivering essential nutrients and oxygen to injured areas, thus speeding up the healing process.
- Reduced Inflammation: These techniques aid in reducing inflammation and swelling in affected areas, which is essential for healing.
- Breakdown of Scar Tissue: Specifically 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 bring back normal function and range of motion.
- Improved Flexibility: Regular soft tissue mobilization can cause enhanced 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 connected to various conditions.
- Increased Mobility: By tackling 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 maintaining healthy, supple tissues.

The benefits of soft tissue mobilization, especially when paired with Axes Physical Therapy’s all-encompassing and custom-tailored approach to care in Desloge, MO, are extensive. When you form a treatment team with us, you’ll not only achieve relief from your present ailments but also enjoy 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 Desloge, MO

Axes Physical Therapy uses soft tissue mobilization, including IASTM techniques, to treat a broad spectrum of conditions, each with its specific challenges and requirements. Here’s how these approaches are applied across different types of injuries and conditions in Desloge, 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. Instrument assisted soft tissue mobilization and other soft tissue mobilization techniques play a crucial 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 form over time, often due to continuous stress or extended wear and tear on the body. These injuries are identified by ongoing pain, stiffness, and frequently a gradual onset. Soft tissue mobilization is effective in these scenarios for breaking down scar tissue, alleviating pain, and increasing strength and mobility.

Common chronic injuries treated include:

Tendonosis
ITB Syndrome
Plantar Fasciitis

Post-Surgical Rehabilitation

Following surgery and in post-surgical rehab, patients often face challenges like scar tissue formation and restricted mobility. Soft tissue mobilization, notably IASTM, is essential in these situations for promoting 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 properly, Axes Physical Therapy successfully treats a wide array of conditions, helping Desloge, MO patients in their path towards wellness, better quality of life, and getting back to the activities they cherish.

Other services we offer in Desloge, MO include:

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

Axes Physical Therapy in Desloge, MO brings together expertise, passion, and a client-focused approach to deliver optimal results in soft tissue mobilization. Choosing Axes signifies becoming part of a team that prioritizes your health and wellbeing, striving not just for immediate relief but for ongoing functional improvement that returns you back to the activities you enjoy the most securely and effectively. Don’t let pain or mobility issues hold you back any longer. Reach out to Axes Physical Therapy in Desloge, 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.