Soft Tissue Mobilization in Jefferson Barracks, MO | Instrument Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization | Physical Therapy

Soft tissue mobilization in Jefferson Barracks, MO. 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 including the muscles, ligaments, and tendons, doesn’t just alleviate pain the day of your appointment, but brings back functionality and improves the body’s natural healing process, helping our Jefferson Barracks, MO patients get better faster and more effectively. Soft tissue mobilization is especially useful for Jefferson Barracks, MO patients who prefer to avoid surgery or medications.

Axes Physical Therapy is operated and owned locally by a team of experienced Jefferson Barracks, MO physical therapists. We merge our passion with bettering our patients’ lives with scientifically-proven treatment methods to get Jefferson Barracks, MO residents back to the things they love doing most. Whether you were recently injured, suffer from a chronic condition, or are in post-surgical rehab, Axes Physical Therapy will partner with you to create a treatment plan tailored to your condition, lifestyle, and goals. Get in touch 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 therapeutic treatment method 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, tailored to your specific needs. It’s a crucial element in the treatment of musculoskeletal disorders, delivering relief and bringing back function to areas impaired by injury, a medical condition, or chronic conditions.

What Is Instrument Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization?

Instrument assisted soft tissue mobilization (IASTM) is an advanced form of soft tissue mobilization that employs specialized tools for more precise and deeper 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 diagnose and treat areas with soft tissue fibrosis or chronic inflammation. Using these instruments enhances the physical therapist’s ability to uncover adhesions and restrictions in the soft tissues, and delivers precise pressure to promote 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, 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 includes 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 improve mobility.
Trigger Point Dry Needling and Trigger Point Therapy: This method addresses trigger points, which are taut bands within 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 soft tissue mobilization to break up scar tissue in muscles and other soft tissues, aiming to bring back free movement.
Cross-Friction Massage: A transverse massage technique applied perpendicular to the affected tissue. It’s frequently utilized for tendons and ligaments to improve circulation and promote healing.
Lymphatic Drainage: A soothing technique designed to stimulate the lymphatic system, which carries waste away from tissues and minimizes inflammation, especially in patients with lymphedema.
Stretching and Range of Motion Exercises: These are commonly incorporated into manual soft tissue mobilization to improve flexibility and movement. 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 flexibility and reduce pain. It’s commonly used in combination with other soft tissue techniques.

Instrument Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization (IASTM) Techniques

Astym® Therapy: Utilizes specific protocols and instruments to restore healthy soft tissues and remove unwanted adhesions.
Graston Technique®: Uses 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 designed to decrease pain in minutes, increase flexibility, and reduce the necessity of medication and surgery.

Each of the listed techniques has been confirmed by research to have its specific applications and benefits, and one of our licensed Jefferson Barracks, MO physical therapists can adapt these techniques to your individual needs. We’ll utilize these techniques, in tandem with other therapies and patient education, to help heal you and get you back to what you love doing most.

Benefits of Soft Tissue Mobilization for Jefferson Barracks, MO Patients

Soft tissue mobilization, when conducted by qualified Jefferson Barracks, MO physical therapists such as those at Axes, offers a plethora of benefits to Jefferson Barracks, MO patients facing various musculoskeletal conditions. Here’s an in-depth look at some of the key advantages:

Kickstart the Body’s Natural healing Process —
- Enhanced Blood Flow: Soft tissue mobilization techniques improve blood flow to the affected area, supplying essential nutrients and oxygen to injured areas, thus speeding up the healing process.
- Reduced Inflammation: These techniques help in lessening inflammation and swelling in the injured areas, which is crucial for healing.
- Breakdown of Scar Tissue: Especially with IASTM, the breakdown of scar tissue facilitates faster regeneration of healthy tissue.
Better Tissue Alignment and Function —
- Restoration of Normal Tissue Function: By releasing tension and restrictions in soft tissues, these techniques restore normal function and range of motion.
- Improved Flexibility: Regular soft tissue mobilization can result in increased flexibility and strength in the muscles, tendons, and ligaments.
- Alignment Correction: These methods can aid in realigning collagen fibers and improve the overall structure of soft tissues.
Reduction of Pain and Increased Mobility —
- Pain Relief: Soft tissue mobilization is effective in minimizing chronic pain and discomfort associated with 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 keeping healthy, supple tissues.

The benefits of soft tissue mobilization, especially when paired with Axes Physical Therapy’s holistic and individualized approach to care in Jefferson Barracks, MO, are far-reaching. When you partner with us, you’ll not only achieve relief from your existing ailments but also relish an improved quality of life with enhanced physical function.

Soft Tissue Mobilization | Instrument Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization | IASTM

Conditions Treated with Soft Tissue Mobilization in Jefferson Barracks, MO

Axes Physical Therapy employs 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 approaches are used across various types of injuries and conditions in Jefferson Barracks, MO:

Acute Injuries

Acute injuries are sudden physical traumas to the body, often 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 function. The use of instrument assisted soft tissue mobilization and other soft tissue mobilization techniques play a crucial role in minimizing 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 ongoing stress or extended wear and tear on the body. These injuries are characterized by persistent pain, stiffness, and usually a gradual onset. Soft tissue mobilization is effective in these scenarios for reducing scar tissue, alleviating pain, and improving function.

Common chronic injuries treated include:

Tendonosis
ITB Syndrome
Plantar Fasciitis

Post-Surgical Rehabilitation

Following surgery and in post-surgical rehab, patients frequently face challenges like adhesions and restricted flexibility. Soft tissue mobilization, especially instrument assisted soft tissue mobilization, is essential in these situations for improving tissue healing, minimizing 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 using soft tissue mobilization techniques properly, Axes Physical Therapy adequately manages a wide array of conditions, helping Jefferson Barracks, MO patients in their road towards wellness, enhanced quality of life, and returning to the activities they love most.

Other conditions we treat in Jefferson Barracks, MO include:

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

Axes Physical Therapy in Jefferson Barracks, MO combines experience, passion, and a patient-centered approach to provide optimal results in soft tissue mobilization. Choosing Axes signifies becoming part of a team that prioritizes your health and wellbeing, working not just for immediate relief but for long-term functional improvement that returns you back to the activities you cherish securely and effectively. Don’t let pain or mobility issues hold you back any longer. Reach out to Axes Physical Therapy in Jefferson Barracks, MO 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.