Soft tissue mobilization in Eureka, MO. Instrument assisted soft tissue mobilization is an evidence-backed treatment technique for many musculoskeletal conditions. This treatment method, centered around stimulating and relieving soft tissue like the muscles, ligaments, and tendons, doesn’t just help reduce pain short term, but restores functionality and boosts the body’s natural healing process, aiding our Eureka, MO patients heal safely and properly. Soft tissue mobilization is ideal for Eureka, MO patients who want to avoid surgery or medications.

Axes Physical Therapy is operated and owned locally by a team of experienced Eureka, MO physical and occupational therapists. We combine our passion with improving our patients’ lives with evidence-backed treatment methods to get Eureka, MO residents back to the activities they love. Whether you were recently injured, suffer from a chronic condition, or are in post-surgical rehabilitation, Axes Physical Therapy will form a team with you to develop a treatment plan customized to your unique needs and goals. Get in touch online, call the Axes location nearest you, or come to any location for a complimentary injury screening to start on your road to recovery today.

About Soft Tissue Mobilization

Soft tissue mobilization is a therapeutic treatment method used in physical therapy to treat conditions affecting the soft tissues of the body, which are the muscles, tendons, and ligaments. This approach involves various hands-on methods spanning gentle strokes to deeper pressure, tailored to your specific needs. It’s a crucial 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 an advanced 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 made from materials like stainless steel or hard plastic. Configured to adapt to different parts of the body, these tools are aimed to effectively break down scar tissue and fascial restrictions. IASTM techniques permit therapists to find and manage 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 delivers 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 tailored to address specific injuries or conditions:

Manual Soft Tissue Mobilization Techniques

• Massage: A widely recognized technique, 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 connective tissue that surrounds muscles. Practitioners employ gentle, sustained pressure to release fascial restrictions and boost mobility.
• Trigger Point Dry Needling and Trigger Point Therapy: This method targets trigger points, which are hyperirritable muscles that result in pain and discomfort. Pressure is applied to these points to alleviate tension 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, aiming to restore free movement.
• 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 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 commonly incorporated into manual soft tissue mobilization to increase 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 improve range of motion 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 regenerate healthy soft tissues and clear away unwanted adhesions.
• Graston Technique®: Employs stainless steel instruments to minimize 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 lessen reliance on medication and surgery.

Each of the listed techniques has been confirmed by peer-backed studies to have its unique applications and benefits, and one of our licensed Eureka, MO physical therapists can customize these methods to the condition affecting you and your lifestyle goals. We’ll utilize these techniques, in concert with other therapies and patient education, to aid in your recovery and get you back to the activities you love.

Benefits of Soft Tissue Mobilization for Eureka, MO Patients

Soft tissue mobilization, when carried out by qualified Eureka, MO physical therapists such as those at Axes, offers a multitude of benefits to Eureka, MO patients facing various musculoskeletal conditions. Here’s a detailed look at some of the key advantages:

• Kickstart the Body’s Natural healing Process —
  • Enhanced Blood Flow: Soft tissue mobilization techniques enhance 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 affected areas, which is crucial for healing.
  • Breakdown of Scar Tissue: Particularly 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 releasing 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 adjusting collagen fibers and better 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 related 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 contribute to preventing future injuries by keeping healthy, supple tissues.

The benefits of soft tissue mobilization, especially when coupled with Axes Physical Therapy’s holistic and personalized approach to care in Eureka, MO, are far-reaching. When you form a treatment team with us, you’ll not only experience relief from your existing ailments but also appreciate an elevated quality of life with improved physical function.

Conditions Treated with Soft Tissue Mobilization in Eureka, MO

Axes Physical Therapy utilizes soft tissue mobilization, including IASTM techniques, to treat a vast spectrum of conditions, each with its own challenges and requirements. Here’s how these methods are used across different types of injuries and conditions in Eureka, MO:

Acute Injuries

Acute injuries refer to 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 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 reducing inflammation, facilitating healing, and restoring function in these cases.

Common acute injuries treated include:

• Sprains
• Strains
• Fasciitis
• Tendonitis

Chronic Injuries

Chronic injuries develop over time, frequently due to repetitive stress or long-term wear and tear on the body. These injuries are identified by ongoing pain, stiffness, and often a gradual onset. Soft tissue mobilization is helpful in these scenarios for reducing scar tissue, easing pain, and improving 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 IASTM, 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 utilizing soft tissue mobilization techniques effectively, Axes Physical Therapy effectively addresses a vast array of conditions, helping Eureka, MO patients in their path towards wellness, improved quality of life, and coming back to the activities they love most.

Other services we offer in Eureka, 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 Eureka, MO Today

Axes Physical Therapy in Eureka, MO integrates expertise, compassion, and a client-focused approach to achieve optimal results in soft tissue mobilization. Choosing Axes means becoming part of a team that focuses on your health and wellbeing, working not just for immediate relief but for ongoing functional improvement that brings you back to the activities you enjoy the most safely and effectively. Don’t let pain or mobility issues keep you down any longer. Reach out to Axes Physical Therapy in Eureka, MO 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.