Soft Tissue Mobilization in Lakeshire, MO | Instrument Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization | Physical Therapy

Soft tissue mobilization in Lakeshire, MO. Instrument assisted soft tissue mobilization is crucial for treating various injuries, conditions, and disorders. This therapeutic approach, centered around activating and relieving soft tissue including the muscles, ligaments, and tendons, doesn’t just alleviate pain momentarily, but restores functionality and boosts the body’s natural healing process, aiding our Lakeshire, MO patients heal faster and more effectively. Soft tissue mobilization is highly useful for Lakeshire, MO patients who prefer to avoid surgery or medications.

Axes Physical Therapy is operated and owned locally by a team of seasoned Lakeshire, MO physical and occupational therapists. We merge our expertise with bettering our patients’ lives with scientifically-proven treatment methods to get Lakeshire, MO residents back to the things they love doing most. Whether you’re grappling with an acute injury, chronic discomfort, or post-surgical rehabilitation, Axes Physical Therapy will partner with you to develop a treatment plan tailored 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 get started 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 entails various hands-on methods including gentle strokes to deeper pressure, depending on what condition or injury you’re ailing from. It’s a vital element in the treatment of musculoskeletal disorders, delivering relief and bringing back function to areas impaired by injury, surgery, or chronic conditions.

About Instrument Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization (IASTM)

Instrument assisted soft tissue mobilization (IASTM) is a refined 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 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 enable therapists to identify 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 exerts 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 an array of specific therapies, 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 entails various strokes and pressures to manipulate soft tissues. It can boost circulation, relieve muscle tension, and promote relaxation.
Myofascial Release: This technique concentrates on releasing tension in the fascia. Practitioners utilize gentle, sustained pressure to ease fascial restrictions and improve mobility.
Trigger Point Dry Needling and Trigger Point Therapy: This method targets trigger points, which are tight knots within muscles that lead to pain and discomfort. Pressure is applied to these points to relieve tension and reduce pain.
Active Release Techniques (ART): ART integrates patient movement with manual pressure to break up adhesions in muscles and other soft tissues, intending to bring back free movement.
Cross-Friction Massage: A perpendicular massage technique applied perpendicular to the affected tissue. It’s commonly employed for tendons and ligaments to enhance circulation and promote healing.
Lymphatic Drainage: A gentle technique aiming to stimulate the lymphatic system, helping to remove waste products and reduce swelling, especially in patients with lymphedema.
Stretching and Range of Motion Exercises: These are often incorporated into manual soft tissue mobilization to increase 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 enhance 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 rearranged.
HawkGrips® Therapy: Utilizes a range of precision-engineered tools aimed at decrease pain in minutes, increase flexibility, 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 Lakeshire, MO physical therapists can customize these methods to your individual needs. We’ll utilize these techniques, in tandem with other therapies and patient education, to assist in your healing and get you back to the activities you love.

Benefits of Soft Tissue Mobilization for Lakeshire, MO Patients

Soft tissue mobilization, when performed by licensed Lakeshire, MO physical therapists such as those at Axes, offers a array of benefits to Lakeshire, MO 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, delivering essential nutrients and oxygen to injured areas, allowing the body to heal itself more effectively.
- Reduced Inflammation: These techniques aid in minimizing inflammation and swelling in affected areas, which is essential for healing.
- Breakdown of Scar Tissue: Particularly with instrument assisted soft tissue mobilization, the breakdown of scar tissue promotes faster healing of healthy tissue.
Improvement in Tissue Alignment and Function —
- Restoration of Normal Tissue Function: By releasing tension and restrictions in soft tissues, these techniques re-establish 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 enhance the overall structure of soft tissues.
Reduction of Pain and Increased Mobility —
- Pain Relief: Soft tissue mobilization is helpful in minimizing 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 play a role in preventing future injuries by keeping healthy, supple tissues.

The benefits of soft tissue mobilization, especially when coupled with Axes Physical Therapy’s all-encompassing and custom-tailored approach to care in Lakeshire, MO, are far-reaching. When you collaborate with us, you’ll not only achieve relief from your existing ailments but also appreciate an improved quality of life with improved physical function.

Soft Tissue Mobilization | Instrument Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization | IASTM

Conditions Treated with Soft Tissue Mobilization in Lakeshire, MO

Axes Physical Therapy employs soft tissue mobilization, including IASTM techniques, to treat a vast spectrum of conditions, each with its own challenges and requirements. Here’s how these techniques are applied across various types of injuries and conditions in Lakeshire, MO:

Acute Injuries

Acute injuries refer to 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 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 reducing inflammation, enhancing healing, and reestablishing function in these cases.

Common acute injuries treated include:

Sprains
Strains
Fasciitis
Tendonitis

Chronic Injuries

Chronic injuries develop over time, frequently due to ongoing stress or prolonged 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 breaking down scar tissue, easing pain, and improving function.

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 scar tissue formation and restricted flexibility. Soft tissue mobilization, especially IASTM, is essential 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 appropriately, Axes Physical Therapy effectively addresses a vast array of conditions, helping Lakeshire, MO patients in their road towards healing, enhanced quality of life, and coming back to the activities they enjoy.

Other services we offer in Lakeshire, MO include:

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

Axes Physical Therapy in Lakeshire, MO integrates expertise, passion, and a personalized approach to achieve optimal results in soft tissue mobilization. Choosing Axes signifies entrusting your treatment to a team that values your health and wellbeing, striving not just for immediate relief but for ongoing functional improvement that returns you back to the activities you love most securely and effectively. Don’t let pain or mobility issues hold you back any longer. Reach out to Axes Physical Therapy in Lakeshire, MO 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.