Soft Tissue Mobilization in Edwardsville, IL | Instrument Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization | Physical Therapy

Soft tissue mobilization in Edwardsville, IL. Instrument assisted soft tissue mobilization is an evidence-backed treatment technique for numerous musculoskeletal conditions. This treatment method, aimed at activating and smoothing out soft tissue including the muscles, ligaments, and tendons, doesn’t just help reduce pain the day of your appointment, but reestablishes functionality and improves the body’s natural healing process, assisting our Edwardsville, IL patients recover faster and more effectively. Soft tissue mobilization is particularly useful for Edwardsville, IL patients who want to avoid surgery or medications.

Axes Physical Therapy is run by a group of local Edwardsville, IL physical therapists. We blend our passion with improving our patients’ lives with evidence-backed treatment methods to get Edwardsville, IL 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 work closely with you to create a treatment plan customized 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 restorative treatment method used in physical therapy to treat conditions affecting the soft tissues of the body, such as muscles, tendons, and ligaments. This approach involves various hands-on methods including gentle strokes to deeper pressure, depending on what condition or injury you’re ailing from. It’s a crucial element in the treatment of musculoskeletal disorders, delivering relief and restoring function to areas compromised by injury, surgery, or chronic conditions.

What Is Instrument Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization?

Instrument assisted soft tissue mobilization (IASTM) is an advanced form of soft tissue mobilization that employs specialized tools for deeper and more targeted 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 parts of the body, these tools are designed to effectively break down scar tissue and fascial restrictions. IASTM techniques allow 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 discover adhesions and restrictions in the soft tissues, and applies precise pressure to encourage the body’s natural healing process.

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

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

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 targets releasing tension in the fascia. Practitioners employ gentle, sustained pressure to ease fascial restrictions and boost mobility.
Trigger Point Dry Needling and Trigger Point Therapy: This method targets trigger points, which are taut bands within muscles that lead to pain and discomfort. Pressure is applied to these points to ease tension 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, 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 light 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 frequently incorporated into manual soft tissue mobilization to improve flexibility and range of motion. 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 increase flexibility and reduce pain. It’s often used in combination with other soft tissue techniques.

Instrument Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization (IASTM) Techniques

Astym® Therapy: Uses specific protocols and instruments to regenerate healthy soft tissues and remove unwanted scar tissue.
Graston Technique®: Employs stainless steel instruments to alleviate restrictions by stretching connective tissues so that their structure is rearranged.
HawkGrips® Therapy: Utilizes an array 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 validated by peer-backed studies to have its specific uses and benefits, and one of our professional Edwardsville, IL physical therapists can adapt 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 assist in your healing and get you back to the activities you love.

Benefits of Soft Tissue Mobilization for Edwardsville, IL Patients

Soft tissue mobilization, when performed by licensed Edwardsville, IL physical therapists such as those at Axes, offers a multitude of benefits to Edwardsville, IL 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 enhance circulation, supplying 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 vital for healing.
- Breakdown of Scar Tissue: Especially with IASTM, the breakdown of scar tissue facilitates quicker regeneration of healthy tissue.
Better Tissue Alignment and Function —
- Restoration of Normal Tissue Function: By easing tension and restrictions in soft tissues, these techniques bring back normal function and range of motion.
- Improved Flexibility: Regular soft tissue mobilization can cause increased flexibility and strength in the muscles, tendons, and ligaments.
- Alignment Correction: These methods can aid in correcting collagen fibers and improve the overall structure of soft tissues.
Reduction of Pain and Increased Mobility —
- Pain Relief: Soft tissue mobilization is effective in minimizing chronic pain and discomfort associated with various conditions.
- Increased Mobility: By tackling the underlying causes of stiffness and immobility, these techniques help patients restore their full range of motion.
- Prevention of Future Injuries: Regular treatment can also contribute to preventing future injuries by ensuring healthy, supple tissues.

The benefits of soft tissue mobilization, especially when combined with Axes Physical Therapy’s comprehensive and custom-tailored approach to care in Edwardsville, IL, are extensive. When you form a treatment team with us, you’ll not only find relief from your present ailments but also enjoy an elevated quality of life with improved physical function.

Soft Tissue Mobilization | Instrument Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization | IASTM

Conditions Treated with Soft Tissue Mobilization in Edwardsville, IL

Axes Physical Therapy employs soft tissue mobilization, including IASTM techniques, to treat a vast spectrum of conditions, each with its unique challenges and requirements. Here’s how these techniques are implemented across multiple types of injuries and conditions in Edwardsville, IL:

Acute Injuries

Acute injuries mean sudden physical traumas to the body, commonly 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 stability. The use of instrument assisted soft tissue mobilization and other soft tissue mobilization techniques play a vital role in reducing inflammation, promoting healing, and restoring function in these cases.

Common acute injuries treated include:

Sprains
Strains
Fasciitis
Tendonitis

Chronic Injuries

Chronic injuries form over time, frequently due to repetitive stress or prolonged wear and tear on the body. These injuries are identified by ongoing pain, stiffness, and frequently a gradual onset. Soft tissue mobilization is beneficial in these scenarios for breaking down scar tissue, relieving pain, and enhancing function.

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 mobility. Soft tissue mobilization, particularly instrument assisted soft tissue mobilization, is invaluable in these situations for enhancing tissue healing, lessening 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 appropriately, Axes Physical Therapy adequately manages a wide array of conditions, aiding Edwardsville, IL patients in their path towards wellness, better quality of life, and returning to the activities they love most.

Other services we offer in Edwardsville, IL include:

Call Axes Physical Therapy for Your Soft Tissue Mobilization in Edwardsville, IL Today

Axes Physical Therapy in Edwardsville, IL integrates experience, compassion, and a patient-centered approach to provide optimal results in soft tissue mobilization. Choosing Axes means entrusting your treatment to a team that values your health and wellbeing, working not just for immediate relief but for sustained functional improvement that returns you back to the activities you enjoy the most efficiently and effectively. Don’t let pain or mobility issues hold you back any longer. Reach out to Axes Physical Therapy in Edwardsville, IL and take the first step towards a better 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 Edwardsville, IL