Soft tissue mobilization in Florissant, MO. Instrument assisted soft tissue mobilization is vital for treating numerous musculoskeletal conditions. This treatment method, focused on working on and easing 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, helping our Florissant, MO patients heal faster and more effectively. Soft tissue mobilization is ideal for Florissant, MO patients who want to avoid surgery or medications.
Axes Physical Therapy is run by a group of local Florissant, MO physical and occupational therapists. We combine our expertise with enhancing our patients’ lives with scientifically-proven treatment methods to get Florissant, 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 work closely with you to develop a treatment plan tailored 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 get started today.
What Is Soft Tissue Mobilization?
Soft tissue mobilization is a healing treatment method used in physical therapy to treat conditions impacting the soft tissues of the body, which are the muscles, tendons, and ligaments. This approach entails various hands-on methods including gentle strokes to deeper pressure, depending on what condition or injury is affecting you. It’s a vital 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 a sophisticated form of soft tissue mobilization that uses specialized tools for deeper and more targeted tissue manipulation. Inspired by James Cyriax‘s deep friction massage, this method employs tools made from materials like stainless steel or hard plastic. Designed to fit to different anatomical areas, these tools are designed to effectively break down scar tissue and fascial restrictions. IASTM techniques allow therapists to diagnose and heal areas with soft tissue fibrosis or chronic inflammation. Using these instruments enhances the physical therapist’s ability to detect adhesions and restrictions in the soft tissues, and delivers precise pressure to encourage the body’s natural healing process.
Soft Tissue Mobilization and Instrument Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization (ISTYM) Techniques
Soft tissue mobilization encompasses a range of specific therapies, each tailored to address specific injuries or conditions:
Manual Soft Tissue Mobilization Techniques
- Massage: One of the most well-known forms, massage includes various strokes and pressures to manipulate soft tissues. It can boost circulation, relieve muscle tension, and promote relaxation.
- Myofascial Release: This technique focuses on releasing tension in the fascia. Practitioners apply gentle, sustained pressure to alleviate fascial restrictions and improve mobility.
- Trigger Point Dry Needling and Trigger Point Therapy: This method targets trigger points, which are hyperirritable muscles that lead to pain and discomfort. Pressure is applied to these points to stimulate blood flow and healing and reduce pain.
- Active Release Techniques (ART): ART integrates patient movement with manual therapy to break up adhesions in muscles and other soft tissues, intending to restore range of motion.
- Cross-Friction Massage: A perpendicular massage technique performed perpendicular to the affected tissue. It’s often used for tendons and ligaments to increase circulation and promote healing.
- Lymphatic Drainage: A gentle 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 commonly 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: Consists of 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 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 modified.
- HawkGrips® Therapy: Utilizes a range of precision-engineered tools intended to decrease pain in minutes, increase range of motion, and reduce reliance on medication and surgery.
Each of the listed techniques has been validated by research to have its unique uses and benefits, and one of our licensed Florissant, MO physical therapists can customize these techniques to your individual needs. We’ll utilize these techniques, in tandem 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 Florissant, MO Patients
Soft tissue mobilization, when carried out by qualified Florissant, MO physical therapists such as those at Axes, offers a multitude of benefits to Florissant, 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 blood flow to the affected area, supplying essential nutrients and oxygen to injured areas, allowing the body to heal itself more effectively.
- Reduced Inflammation: These techniques contribute to minimizing inflammation and swelling in affected areas, which is essential for healing.
- Breakdown of Scar Tissue: Especially with instrument assisted soft tissue mobilization, the breakdown of scar tissue promotes faster healing 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 lead to enhanced flexibility and strength in the muscles, tendons, and ligaments.
- Alignment Correction: These methods can assist in adjusting collagen fibers and enhance 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 regain 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 coupled with Axes Physical Therapy’s all-encompassing and individualized approach to care in Florissant, MO, are profound. When you partner with us, you’ll not only find relief from your current ailments but also relish an elevated quality of life with enhanced physical function.
Conditions Treated with Soft Tissue Mobilization in Florissant, MO
Axes Physical Therapy utilizes soft tissue mobilization, including IASTM techniques, to treat a vast spectrum of conditions, each with its specific challenges and requirements. Here’s how these methods are implemented across multiple types of injuries and conditions in Florissant, MO:
Acute Injuries
Acute injuries are sudden physical traumas to the body, usually resulting from accidents or a collision or incident of some sort during activities, like sports injuries. These injuries commonly involve sudden pain, swelling, and loss of stability. Advanced soft tissue mobilization and other soft tissue mobilization techniques play a key role in reducing inflammation, enhancing 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 continuous stress or extended wear and tear on the body. These injuries are marked by continuous pain, stiffness, and often a gradual onset. Soft tissue mobilization is effective in these scenarios for reducing scar tissue, easing pain, and enhancing range of motion.
Common chronic injuries treated include:
- Tendonosis
- ITB Syndrome
- Plantar Fasciitis
Post-Surgical Conditions
Following surgery and in post-surgical rehab, patients often face challenges like adhesions and restricted flexibility. Soft tissue mobilization, particularly instrument assisted soft tissue mobilization, is invaluable in these situations for improving tissue healing, minimizing 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 effectively, Axes Physical Therapy adequately manages a vast array of conditions, assisting Florissant, MO patients in their path towards wellness, improved quality of life, and returning to the activities they love most.
Other services we offer in Florissant, 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 Florissant, MO Today
Axes Physical Therapy in Florissant, MO brings together expertise, compassion, and a patient-centered approach to provide optimal results in soft tissue mobilization. Choosing Axes signifies entrusting your care to a team that focuses on your health and wellbeing, aiming not just for immediate relief but for long-term functional improvement that brings you back to the activities you enjoy the most safely and effectively. Don’t let pain or mobility issues stop you any longer. Reach out to Axes Physical Therapy in Florissant, 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.
