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

Soft tissue mobilization in Farmington, MO. Instrument assisted soft tissue mobilization is an evidence-backed treatment technique for numerous musculoskeletal conditions. This therapeutic approach, aimed at activating and easing soft tissue including the muscles, ligaments, and tendons, doesn’t just help reduce pain momentarily, but reestablishes functionality and enhances the body’s natural healing process, assisting our Farmington, MO patients recover faster and more effectively. Soft tissue mobilization is ideal for Farmington, MO patients looking for alternative treatments to surgery.

Axes Physical Therapy is locally owned and operated by a team of expert Farmington, MO physical therapists. We blend our expertise with enhancing our patients’ lives with scientifically-proven treatment methods to get Farmington, MO residents back to the activities they love. Whether you were recently injured, suffer from a chronic condition, or are in post-surgical recovery, Axes Physical Therapy will form a team with you to develop a treatment plan specific to your condition, lifestyle, and goals. Get in touch 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 affecting the soft tissues of the body, such as muscles, tendons, and ligaments. This approach entails various hands-on methods ranging from gentle strokes to deeper pressure, tailored to your specific needs. It’s a key element in the treatment of musculoskeletal disorders, providing relief and bringing back function to areas impaired by injury, a medical condition, 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 deeper and more targeted tissue manipulation. Drawing from 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 aimed to effectively break down scar tissue and fascial restrictions. IASTM techniques allow therapists to detect and address areas with soft tissue fibrosis or chronic inflammation. Their use enhances the physical therapist’s ability to uncover 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, all intended to address specific types of tissue issues and patient needs:

Manual Soft Tissue Mobilization Techniques

Massage: One of the most well-known forms, massage entails 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 connective tissue that surrounds muscles. Practitioners employ gentle, sustained pressure to ease fascial restrictions and boost mobility.
Trigger Point Dry Needling and Trigger Point Therapy: This method focuses on trigger points, which are hyperirritable muscles that cause pain and discomfort. Pressure is applied to these points to stimulate blood flow and healing 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, aiming to restore range of motion.
Cross-Friction Massage: A transverse massage technique performed 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, assisting to remove waste products and reduce swelling, usually for patients with lymphedema.
Stretching and Range of Motion Exercises: These are frequently incorporated into manual soft tissue mobilization to enhance flexibility and range of motion. They can be passive (performed by the therapist).
Joint Mobilization: Entails passive movement of a joint by the therapist to enhance range of motion 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 rejuvenate healthy soft tissues and remove unwanted scar tissue.
Graston Technique®: Involves 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 aimed at decrease pain in minutes, increase flexibility, and diminish reliance on medication and surgery.

Each of the above treatment modalities has been confirmed by peer-backed studies to have its unique applications and benefits, and one of our professional Farmington, MO physical therapists can tailor these methods to your individual needs. We’ll utilize these techniques, in combination 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 Farmington, MO Patients

Soft tissue mobilization, when carried out by licensed Farmington, MO physical therapists such as those at Axes, offers a array of benefits to Farmington, 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 enhance blood flow to the affected area, 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 vital for healing.
- Breakdown of Scar Tissue: Specifically with IASTM, the breakdown of scar tissue facilitates quicker regeneration of healthy tissue.
Improvement in 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 enhanced flexibility and strength in the muscles, tendons, and ligaments.
- Alignment Correction: These methods can assist in correcting collagen fibers and better the overall structure of soft tissues.
Reduction of Pain and Increased Mobility —
- Pain Relief: Soft tissue mobilization is helpful 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 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 paired with Axes Physical Therapy’s holistic and personalized approach to care in Farmington, MO, are extensive. When you partner with us, you’ll not only achieve relief from your present ailments but also appreciate an enhanced quality of life with better physical function.

Soft Tissue Mobilization | Instrument Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization | IASTM

Conditions Treated with Soft Tissue Mobilization in Farmington, MO

Axes Physical Therapy utilizes soft tissue mobilization, including instrument assisted techniques, to treat a wide spectrum of conditions, each with its specific challenges and requirements. Here’s how these techniques are applied across different types of injuries and conditions in Farmington, 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 stability. Advanced soft tissue mobilization and other soft tissue mobilization techniques play a crucial role in lessening inflammation, promoting healing, and regaining function in these cases.

Common acute injuries treated include:

Sprains
Strains
Fasciitis
Tendonitis

Chronic Injuries

Chronic injuries develop over time, often due to ongoing stress or long-term wear and tear on the body. These injuries are marked by continuous pain, stiffness, and often a gradual onset. Soft tissue mobilization is helpful in these scenarios for reducing scar tissue, relieving pain, and improving 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 flexibility. Soft tissue mobilization, notably IASTM, is essential in these situations for improving 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 effectively, Axes Physical Therapy effectively addresses a vast array of conditions, helping Farmington, MO patients in their road towards wellness, better quality of life, and returning to the activities they enjoy.

Other conditions we treat in Farmington, MO include:

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

Axes Physical Therapy in Farmington, MO combines experience, passion, and a personalized approach to deliver optimal results in soft tissue mobilization. Choosing Axes signifies becoming part of a team that focuses on your health and wellbeing, aiming not just for immediate relief but for ongoing functional improvement that brings you back to the activities you enjoy the most efficiently and effectively. Don’t let pain or mobility issues stop you any longer. Reach out to Axes Physical Therapy in Farmington, 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.