Soft tissue mobilization in Innsbrook, MO. Instrument assisted soft tissue mobilization is essential for treating numerous injuries, conditions, and disorders. This treatment method, centered around stimulating and easing soft tissue including the muscles, ligaments, and tendons, doesn’t just alleviate pain momentarily, but brings back functionality and improves the body’s natural healing process, helping our Innsbrook, MO patients recover faster and more effectively. Soft tissue mobilization is well-suited for Innsbrook, MO patients who prefer to avoid surgery or medications.
Axes Physical Therapy is operated and owned locally by a team of experienced Innsbrook, MO physical therapists. We blend our passion with bettering our patients’ lives with research-supported treatment methods to get Innsbrook, MO residents back to the things they love doing most. Whether you’re facing an acute injury, chronic discomfort, or post-surgical recovery, Axes Physical Therapy will work closely with you to develop a treatment plan customized to your unique needs and goals. Contact us 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.
What Is Soft Tissue Mobilization?
Soft tissue mobilization is a healing technique 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 ranging from gentle strokes to deeper pressure, depending on your specific needs. It’s a crucial element in the treatment of musculoskeletal disorders, providing relief and bringing back 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 uses specialized tools for deeper and more targeted tissue manipulation. Inspired by James Cyriax‘s deep friction massage, this method uses tools made from materials like stainless steel or hard plastic. Designed to fit to different parts of the body, these tools are aimed to effectively break down scar tissue and fascial restrictions. IASTM techniques permit therapists to diagnose and treat 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 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 a range of specific therapies, all intended to treat specific types of tissue issues and patient needs:
Manual Soft Tissue Mobilization Techniques
- Massage: One of the most well-known forms, massage involves manual pressure and strokes with a therapist’s hands. It can boost circulation, relieve muscle tension, and promote relaxation.
- Myofascial Release: This technique concentrates on releasing tension in the fascia. Practitioners apply gentle, sustained pressure to release fascial restrictions and improve mobility.
- Trigger Point Dry Needling and Trigger Point Therapy: This method focuses on trigger points, which are hyperirritable muscles that lead to pain and discomfort. Pressure is applied to these points to encourage blood flow to the area and reduce pain.
- Active Release Techniques (ART): ART integrates patient movement with manual pressure to break up scar tissue in muscles and other soft tissues, striving to restore free movement.
- Cross-Friction Massage: A transverse massage technique executed perpendicular to the affected tissue. It’s frequently utilized for tendons and ligaments to improve circulation and promote healing.
- Lymphatic Drainage: A light technique aiming 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 often incorporated into manual soft tissue mobilization to increase flexibility and movement. They can be passive (performed by the therapist).
- Joint Mobilization: Consists of passive movement of a joint by the therapist to improve flexibility 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 regenerate healthy soft tissues and eliminate unwanted scar tissue.
- Graston Technique®: Uses stainless steel instruments to alleviate restrictions by stretching connective tissues so that their structure is realigned.
- HawkGrips® Therapy: Utilizes a range of precision-engineered tools designed to decrease pain in minutes, increase range of motion, and diminish need for medication and surgery.
Each of the listed techniques has been validated by research to have its particular uses and benefits, and one of our professional Innsbrook, MO physical therapists can customize these techniques to your individual needs. We’ll use these techniques, in combination with other therapies and patient education, to assist in your healing and get you back to the activities you love.
Advantages of Soft Tissue Mobilization for Innsbrook, MO Patients
Soft tissue mobilization, when conducted by professional Innsbrook, MO physical therapists such as those at Axes, offers a array of benefits to Innsbrook, MO patients experiencing various musculoskeletal conditions. Here’s a detailed look at some of the key advantages:
- Kickstart the Body’s Natural healing Process —
- Improved 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 aid in reducing inflammation and swelling in the injured areas, which is vital for healing.
- Breakdown of Scar Tissue: Especially with IASTM, the breakdown of scar tissue encourages quicker healing of healthy tissue.
- Better Tissue Alignment and Function —
- Restoration of Normal Tissue Function: By easing tension and restrictions in soft tissues, these techniques restore 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 improve the overall structure of soft tissues.
- Reduction of Pain and Increased Mobility —
- Pain Relief: Soft tissue mobilization is beneficial in reducing chronic pain and discomfort related to various conditions.
- Increased Mobility: By targeting 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 be instrumental in preventing future injuries by ensuring healthy, supple tissues.
The benefits of soft tissue mobilization, especially when coupled with Axes Physical Therapy’s holistic and personalized approach to care in Innsbrook, MO, are extensive. When you partner with us, you’ll not only experience relief from your present ailments but also appreciate an improved quality of life with enhanced physical function.
Conditions Treated with Soft Tissue Mobilization in Innsbrook, MO
Axes Physical Therapy utilizes soft tissue mobilization, including instrument assisted techniques, to treat a vast spectrum of conditions, each with its own challenges and requirements. Here’s how these approaches are applied across different types of injuries and conditions in Innsbrook, MO:
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 vital role in reducing 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 continuous 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 breaking down scar tissue, relieving pain, and improving range of motion.
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 scar tissue formation and restricted mobility. Soft tissue mobilization, particularly instrument assisted soft tissue mobilization, is invaluable in these situations for improving tissue healing, minimizing scar tissue formation, and helping 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 properly, Axes Physical Therapy adequately manages a vast array of conditions, assisting Innsbrook, MO patients in their road towards recovery, better quality of life, and returning to the activities they enjoy.
Other services we offer in Innsbrook, 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 Innsbrook, MO Today
Axes Physical Therapy in Innsbrook, MO combines expertise, passion, and a personalized approach to achieve optimal results in soft tissue mobilization. Choosing Axes signifies entrusting your treatment to a team that focuses on your health and wellbeing, striving not just for immediate relief but for sustained functional improvement that brings 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 Innsbrook, 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.
