Soft Tissue Mobilization in Granite City, IL | Instrument Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization | Physical Therapy

Soft tissue mobilization in Granite City, IL. Instrument assisted soft tissue mobilization is an evidence-backed treatment technique for various musculoskeletal conditions. This treatment method, aimed at stimulating and easing soft tissue like the muscles, ligaments, and tendons, doesn’t just help reduce pain short term, but reestablishes functionality and boosts the body’s natural healing process, assisting our Granite City, IL patients recover safely and successfully. Soft tissue mobilization is especially useful for Granite City, IL patients in need of non-invasive treatment methods.

Axes Physical Therapy is locally owned and operated by a team of expert Granite City, IL physical therapists. We blend our passion with improving our patients’ lives with research-supported treatment methods to get Granite City, IL 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 work closely with you to develop a treatment plan specific to your unique needs and goals. Contact us online, call the Axes most convenient to you, or come to any location for a complimentary 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 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 you’re ailing from. It’s a key element in the treatment of musculoskeletal disorders, delivering relief and restoring function to areas affected 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 uses specialized tools for deeper and more targeted tissue manipulation. Drawing from James Cyriax‘s deep friction massage, this method involves tools crafted from 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 find and manage areas with soft tissue fibrosis or chronic inflammation. Their use enhances the physical therapist’s ability to discover adhesions and restrictions in the soft tissues, and exerts precise pressure to promote 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 tackle specific injuries or conditions:

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 enhance circulation, relieve muscle tension, and promote relaxation.
Myofascial Release: This technique aims at releasing tension in the connective tissue that surrounds muscles. Practitioners apply gentle, sustained pressure to alleviate fascial restrictions and boost mobility.
Trigger Point Dry Needling and Trigger Point Therapy: This method addresses trigger points, which are tight knots within 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 adhesions in muscles and other soft tissues, striving to restore range of motion.
Cross-Friction Massage: A perpendicular massage technique performed perpendicular to the affected tissue. It’s frequently utilized for tendons and ligaments to enhance circulation and promote healing.
Lymphatic Drainage: A gentle technique aiming 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 commonly incorporated into manual soft tissue mobilization to enhance flexibility and movement. They can be active (performed by the patient).
Joint Mobilization: Entails passive movement of a joint by the therapist to increase flexibility 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 clear away unwanted scar tissue.
Graston Technique®: Employs stainless steel instruments to reduce restrictions by stretching connective tissues so that their structure is rearranged.
HawkGrips® Therapy: Utilizes a range of precision-engineered tools aimed at decrease pain in minutes, increase flexibility, and reduce reliance on medication and surgery.

Each of the above treatment methods has been confirmed by research to have its particular applications and benefits, and one of our professional Granite City, IL physical therapists can tailor these methods to the condition affecting you and your lifestyle goals. We’ll employ 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 Granite City, IL Patients

Soft tissue mobilization, when carried out by qualified Granite City, IL physical therapists such as those at Axes, offers a multitude of benefits to Granite City, IL patients experiencing 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 boost blood flow to the affected area, bringing essential nutrients and oxygen to injured areas, thus speeding up the healing process.
- Reduced Inflammation: These techniques help in lessening inflammation and swelling in affected areas, which is crucial for healing.
- Breakdown of Scar Tissue: Especially with instrument assisted soft tissue mobilization, the breakdown of scar tissue encourages faster healing 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 lead to improved flexibility and strength in the muscles, tendons, and ligaments.
- Alignment Correction: These methods can aid in realigning collagen fibers and enhance the overall structure of soft tissues.
Reduction of Pain and Increased Mobility —
- Pain Relief: Soft tissue mobilization is effective in alleviating chronic pain and discomfort connected to various conditions.
- Increased Mobility: By addressing 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 be instrumental in preventing future injuries by keeping healthy, supple tissues.

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

Soft Tissue Mobilization | Instrument Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization | IASTM

Conditions Treated with Soft Tissue Mobilization in Granite City, IL

Axes Physical Therapy utilizes 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 applied across various types of injuries and conditions in Granite City, 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 usually involve sudden pain, swelling, and loss of stability. Instrument assisted soft tissue mobilization and other soft tissue mobilization techniques play a crucial role in reducing inflammation, promoting healing, and reestablishing function in these cases.

Common acute injuries treated include:

Sprains
Strains
Fasciitis
Tendonitis

Chronic Injuries

Chronic injuries arise over time, often due to continuous stress or long-term wear and tear on the body. These injuries are characterized by continuous pain, stiffness, and usually a gradual onset. Soft tissue mobilization is helpful in these scenarios for reducing scar tissue, alleviating pain, and enhancing strength and mobility.

Common chronic injuries treated include:

Tendonosis
ITB Syndrome
Plantar Fasciitis

Post-Surgical Rehab

Following surgery and in post-surgical rehab, patients frequently face challenges like adhesions and restricted flexibility. Soft tissue mobilization, especially IASTM, is crucial in these situations for improving tissue healing, reducing 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 utilizing soft tissue mobilization techniques effectively, Axes Physical Therapy effectively addresses a broad array of conditions, assisting Granite City, IL patients in their road towards wellness, improved quality of life, and coming back to the activities they love most.

Other conditions we treat in Granite City, IL include:

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

Axes Physical Therapy in Granite City, IL integrates expertise, passion, and a client-focused approach to deliver optimal results in soft tissue mobilization. Choosing Axes signifies becoming part of a team that focuses on your health and wellbeing, working not just for immediate relief but for long-term functional improvement that gets you back to the activities you enjoy the most securely and effectively. Don’t let pain or mobility issues hold you back any longer. Reach out to Axes Physical Therapy in Granite City, 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 Granite City, IL