Soft Tissue Mobilization in Maryknoll, MO | IASTM | Physical Therapy

Soft tissue mobilization in Maryknoll, MO. Instrument assisted soft tissue mobilization is an evidence-backed treatment technique for various musculoskeletal conditions. This treatment method, aimed at working on and easing soft tissue including the muscles, ligaments, and tendons, doesn’t just help reduce pain momentarily, but reestablishes functionality and improves the body’s natural healing process, assisting our Maryknoll, MO patients heal faster and more effectively. Soft tissue mobilization is particularly useful for Maryknoll, MO patients looking for non-invasive treatment methods.

Axes Physical Therapy is run by a group of local Maryknoll, MO physical therapists. We blend our expertise with enhancing our patients’ lives with scientifically-proven treatment methods to get Maryknoll, 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 rehabilitation, Axes Physical Therapy will work closely with you to develop a treatment plan tailored to your condition, lifestyle, and goals. Contact us online, call the Axes location nearest you, or come to any location for a free injury screening to start on your road to recovery today.

About Soft Tissue Mobilization

Soft tissue mobilization is a therapeutic technique used in physical therapy to treat conditions involving the soft tissues of the body, which are the muscles, tendons, and ligaments. This approach entails various hands-on methods ranging from gentle strokes to deeper pressure, tailored to your specific needs. It’s a vital element in the treatment of musculoskeletal disorders, delivering relief and re-establishing function to areas affected by injury, surgery, or chronic conditions.

What Is Instrument Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization?

Instrument assisted soft tissue mobilization (IASTM) is a refined 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 uses tools crafted from materials like stainless steel or hard plastic. Shaped to conform to different anatomical areas, these tools are aimed to effectively break down scar tissue and fascial restrictions. IASTM techniques allow 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 promote optimal tissue repair and mobility.

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

Soft tissue mobilization encompasses an array of specific therapies, each designed to treat specific injuries or conditions:

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 boost circulation, relieve muscle tension, and promote relaxation.
Myofascial Release: This technique aims at releasing tension in the fascia. Practitioners utilize 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 taut bands 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 scar tissue in muscles and other soft tissues, striving to bring back range of motion.
Cross-Friction Massage: A crosswise 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 intended 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 frequently incorporated into manual soft tissue mobilization to enhance flexibility and range of motion. They can be active (performed by the patient).
Joint Mobilization: Entails passive movement of a joint by the therapist to enhance range of 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 restore healthy soft tissues and remove unwanted scar tissue.
Graston Technique®: Uses stainless steel instruments to minimize restrictions by stretching connective tissues so that their structure is realigned.
HawkGrips® Therapy: Makes use of an array of precision-engineered tools designed to decrease pain in minutes, increase range of motion, and lessen reliance on medication and surgery.

Each of the listed techniques has been validated by science to have its particular applications and benefits, and one of our licensed Maryknoll, MO 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 Maryknoll, MO Patients

Soft tissue mobilization, when carried out by qualified Maryknoll, MO physical therapists such as those at Axes, offers a multitude of benefits to Maryknoll, MO patients experiencing various musculoskeletal conditions. Here’s a detailed look at some of the key advantages:

Accelerated Healing Process —
- Enhanced Blood Flow: Soft tissue mobilization techniques enhance circulation, supplying essential nutrients and oxygen to injured areas, thus speeding up the healing process.
- Reduced Inflammation: These techniques contribute to minimizing inflammation and swelling in the injured areas, which is vital for healing.
- Breakdown of Scar Tissue: Especially with instrument assisted soft tissue mobilization, the breakdown of scar tissue facilitates faster regeneration of healthy tissue.
Better Tissue Alignment and Function —
- Restoration of Normal Tissue Function: By easing tension and restrictions in soft tissues, these techniques re-establish 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 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 beneficial in reducing chronic pain and discomfort associated with 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 keeping healthy, supple tissues.

The benefits of soft tissue mobilization, especially when combined with Axes Physical Therapy’s comprehensive and custom-tailored approach to care in Maryknoll, MO, are profound. When you form a treatment team with us, you’ll not only find relief from your current ailments but also relish an enhanced quality of life with enhanced physical function.

Soft Tissue Mobilization | Instrument Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization | IASTM

Conditions Treated with Soft Tissue Mobilization in Maryknoll, MO

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

Acute Injuries

Acute injuries are sudden physical traumas to the body, often resulting from accidents or specific incidents during activities, like sports injuries. These injuries usually involve sudden pain, swelling, and loss of function. Advanced soft tissue mobilization and other soft tissue mobilization techniques play a crucial role in reducing inflammation, promoting healing, and restoring function in these cases.

Common acute injuries treated include:

Sprains
Strains
Fasciitis
Tendonitis

Chronic Injuries

Chronic injuries form over time, usually due to continuous stress or prolonged wear and tear on the body. These injuries are marked by persistent pain, stiffness, and often a gradual onset. Soft tissue mobilization is beneficial in these scenarios for dissolving scar tissue, easing pain, and enhancing range of motion.

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 mobility. Soft tissue mobilization, notably instrument assisted soft tissue mobilization, is crucial in these situations for promoting tissue healing, reducing 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 applying soft tissue mobilization techniques properly, Axes Physical Therapy successfully treats a wide array of conditions, aiding Maryknoll, MO patients in their road towards healing, better quality of life, and coming back to the activities they love most.

Other services we offer in Maryknoll, MO include:

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

Axes Physical Therapy in Maryknoll, MO combines experience, passion, and a personalized approach to achieve optimal results in soft tissue mobilization. Choosing Axes entails becoming part of a team that focuses on your health and wellbeing, working not just for immediate relief but for sustained functional improvement that returns you back to the activities you love most safely and effectively. Don’t let pain or mobility issues hold you back any longer. Reach out to Axes Physical Therapy in Maryknoll, 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.

Soft Tissue Mobilization Maryknoll, MO