Soft Tissue Mobilization in Glen Carbon, IL | IASTM | Physical Therapy

Soft tissue mobilization in Glen Carbon, IL. Instrument assisted soft tissue mobilization is an evidence-backed treatment technique for numerous musculoskeletal conditions. This therapeutic approach, centered around activating and smoothing out soft tissue including the muscles, ligaments, and tendons, doesn’t just help reduce pain the day of your appointment, but brings back functionality and boosts the body’s natural healing process, aiding our Glen Carbon, IL patients get better safely and successfully. Soft tissue mobilization is especially useful for Glen Carbon, IL patients who prefer to avoid surgery or medications.

Axes Physical Therapy is run by a group of local Glen Carbon, IL physical therapists. We blend our passion with bettering our patients’ lives with scientifically-proven treatment methods to get Glen Carbon, IL residents back to the things they love doing most. Whether you were recently injured, suffer from a chronic condition, or are in post-surgical rehabilitation, Axes Physical Therapy will work closely with you to create a treatment plan tailored to your unique needs 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 involves various hands-on methods ranging from gentle strokes to deeper pressure, depending on what condition or injury is affecting you. It’s a crucial element in the treatment of musculoskeletal disorders, delivering relief and re-establishing function to areas compromised by injury, a medical condition, or chronic conditions.

What Is Instrument Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization?

Instrument assisted soft tissue mobilization (IASTM) is a sophisticated form of soft tissue mobilization that employs specialized tools for targeted and deeper tissue manipulation. Based on James Cyriax‘s deep friction massage, this method employs tools made from materials like stainless steel or hard plastic. Shaped to conform to different anatomical areas, these tools are designed 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 detect adhesions and restrictions in the soft tissues, and applies precise pressure to facilitate the body’s natural healing process.

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

Soft tissue mobilization covers an array of techniques, each designed to tackle specific injuries or conditions:

Manual Soft Tissue Mobilization Techniques

Massage: A popular method, massage includes various strokes and pressures to manipulate soft tissues. It can boost circulation, relieve muscle tension, and promote relaxation.
Myofascial Release: This technique targets releasing tension in the fascia. Practitioners employ gentle, sustained pressure to release fascial restrictions and increase 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 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, aiming to restore range of motion.
Cross-Friction Massage: A crosswise massage technique executed 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, which carries waste away from tissues and minimizes inflammation, usually for patients with lymphedema.
Stretching and Range of Motion Exercises: These are often incorporated into manual soft tissue mobilization to increase flexibility and movement. 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 regularly 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 remove unwanted adhesions.
Graston Technique®: Uses stainless steel instruments to reduce restrictions by stretching connective tissues so that their structure is realigned.
HawkGrips® Therapy: Utilizes a range of precision-engineered tools aimed at decrease pain in minutes, increase range of motion, and diminish the necessity of medication and surgery.

Each of the above treatment methods has been validated by research to have its specific uses and benefits, and one of our qualified Glen Carbon, IL physical therapists can tailor these techniques to your individual needs. We’ll use these techniques, in concert with other therapies and patient education, to aid in your recovery and get you back to the activities you love.

Advantages of Soft Tissue Mobilization for Glen Carbon, IL Patients

Soft tissue mobilization, when carried out by licensed Glen Carbon, IL physical therapists such as those at Axes, offers a array of benefits to Glen Carbon, IL patients dealing with various musculoskeletal conditions. Here’s a comprehensive look at some of the key advantages:

Accelerated Healing Process —
- Enhanced Blood Flow: Soft tissue mobilization techniques improve 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 help in minimizing inflammation and swelling in affected areas, which is crucial for healing.
- Breakdown of Scar Tissue: Particularly with IASTM, the breakdown of scar tissue encourages faster 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 bring back 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 help 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 alleviating chronic pain and discomfort related 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 contribute to preventing future injuries by maintaining healthy, supple tissues.

The benefits of soft tissue mobilization, especially when coupled with Axes Physical Therapy’s holistic and individualized approach to care in Glen Carbon, IL, are far-reaching. When you partner with us, you’ll not only find relief from your existing ailments but also appreciate an elevated quality of life with enhanced physical function.

Soft Tissue Mobilization | Instrument Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization | IASTM

Conditions Treated with Soft Tissue Mobilization in Glen Carbon, IL

Axes Physical Therapy employs soft tissue mobilization, including IASTM techniques, to treat a broad spectrum of conditions, each with its own challenges and requirements. Here’s how these approaches are implemented across various types of injuries and conditions in Glen Carbon, IL:

Acute Injuries

Acute injuries mean sudden physical traumas to the body, commonly resulting from accidents or specific incidents 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 crucial role in minimizing inflammation, promoting healing, and regaining function in these cases.

Common acute injuries treated include:

Sprains
Strains
Fasciitis
Tendonitis

Chronic Injuries

Chronic injuries form over time, frequently due to continuous stress or extended wear and tear on the body. These injuries are characterized by persistent pain, stiffness, and frequently a gradual onset. Soft tissue mobilization is beneficial in these scenarios for reducing scar tissue, alleviating pain, and increasing mobility.

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 mobility. Soft tissue mobilization, notably instrument assisted soft tissue mobilization, is invaluable 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 properly, Axes Physical Therapy adequately manages a broad array of conditions, aiding Glen Carbon, IL patients in their path towards healing, enhanced quality of life, and coming back to the activities they love most.

Other conditions we treat in Glen Carbon, IL include:

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

Axes Physical Therapy in Glen Carbon, IL combines experience, compassion, and a client-focused approach to achieve 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 sustained functional improvement that returns you back to the activities you cherish efficiently and effectively. Don’t let pain or mobility issues keep you down any longer. Reach out to Axes Physical Therapy in Glen Carbon, IL 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.

Soft Tissue Mobilization Glen Carbon, IL