Soft tissue mobilization in Maryland Heights, MO. Instrument assisted soft tissue mobilization is crucial for treating numerous musculoskeletal conditions. This therapeutic approach, focused on working on and relieving soft tissue including the muscles, ligaments, and tendons, doesn’t just help reduce pain momentarily, but brings back functionality and boosts the body’s natural healing process, aiding our Maryland Heights, MO patients get better faster and more effectively. Soft tissue mobilization is ideal for Maryland Heights, MO patients seeking non-invasive treatment methods.
Axes Physical Therapy is run by a group of local Maryland Heights, MO physical therapists. We combine our passion with bettering our patients’ lives with research-supported treatment methods to get Maryland Heights, MO residents back to the activities they love. Whether you’re dealing with an acute injury, chronic discomfort, or post-surgical rehab, Axes Physical Therapy will form a team with you to create a treatment plan specific to your condition, lifestyle, and goals. Get in touch 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 restorative treatment method used in physical therapy to treat conditions impacting 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 vital element in the treatment of musculoskeletal disorders, providing relief and restoring 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 utilizes specialized tools for targeted and deeper tissue manipulation. Inspired by James Cyriax‘s deep friction massage, this method uses tools constructed of 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 enable therapists to diagnose and heal areas with soft tissue fibrosis or chronic inflammation. The application of these tools enhances the physical therapist’s ability to discover adhesions and restrictions in the soft tissues, and applies precise pressure to promote optimal tissue repair and mobility.
Soft Tissue Mobilization and Instrument Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization (ISTYM) Techniques
Soft tissue mobilization covers an array of specific therapies, each designed 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 enhance circulation, relieve muscle tension, and promote relaxation.
- Myofascial Release: This technique focuses on releasing tension in the connective tissue that surrounds muscles. Practitioners employ gentle, sustained pressure to alleviate fascial restrictions and boost mobility.
- Trigger Point Dry Needling and Trigger Point Therapy: This method focuses on trigger points, which are taut bands within muscles that cause 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, striving to restore free movement.
- Cross-Friction Massage: A crosswise massage technique applied perpendicular to the affected tissue. It’s commonly employed for tendons and ligaments to improve circulation and promote healing.
- Lymphatic Drainage: A light technique aiming to stimulate the lymphatic system, helping 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 range of motion. They can be active (performed by the patient).
- Joint Mobilization: Involves passive movement of a joint by the therapist to increase range of motion and reduce pain. It’s regularly used in combination with other soft tissue techniques.
Instrument Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization (IASTM) Techniques
- Astym® Therapy: Utilizes 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 realigned.
- HawkGrips® Therapy: Employs a range of precision-engineered tools intended to decrease pain in minutes, increase range of motion, and lessen need for medication and surgery.
Each of the listed treatment methods has been validated by science to have its unique applications and benefits, and one of our licensed Maryland Heights, MO physical therapists can tailor these methods to the condition affecting you and your lifestyle goals. We’ll use 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 Maryland Heights, MO Patients
Soft tissue mobilization, when conducted by professional Maryland Heights, MO physical therapists such as those at Axes, offers a plethora of benefits to Maryland Heights, MO patients experiencing various musculoskeletal conditions. Here’s an in-depth 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, bringing essential nutrients and oxygen to injured areas, thus hastening the healing process.
- Reduced Inflammation: These techniques help in minimizing inflammation and swelling in affected areas, which is vital for healing.
- Breakdown of Scar Tissue: Especially 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 easing tension and restrictions in soft tissues, these techniques restore 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 adjusting collagen fibers and better 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 connected to various conditions.
- Increased Mobility: By tackling 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 contribute to preventing future injuries by maintaining healthy, supple tissues.
The benefits of soft tissue mobilization, especially when paired with Axes Physical Therapy’s all-encompassing and custom-tailored approach to care in Maryland Heights, MO, are extensive. When you collaborate with us, you’ll not only experience relief from your current ailments but also appreciate an improved quality of life with improved physical function.
Conditions Treated with Soft Tissue Mobilization in Maryland Heights, MO
Axes Physical Therapy utilizes soft tissue mobilization, including instrument assisted techniques, to treat a wide spectrum of conditions, each with its unique challenges and requirements. Here’s how these approaches are implemented across various types of injuries and conditions in Maryland Heights, MO:
Acute Injuries
Acute injuries mean 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 usually involve sudden pain, swelling, and loss of function. The use of instrument assisted soft tissue mobilization and other soft tissue mobilization techniques play a vital 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 form over time, usually due to ongoing stress or extended wear and tear on the body. These injuries are marked by continuous pain, stiffness, and usually a gradual onset. Soft tissue mobilization is helpful in these scenarios for dissolving scar tissue, relieving pain, and increasing mobility.
Common chronic injuries treated include:
- Tendonosis
- ITB Syndrome
- Plantar Fasciitis
Post-Surgical Rehab
Following surgery and in post-surgical rehab, patients often face challenges like adhesions and restricted mobility. Soft tissue mobilization, especially instrument assisted soft tissue mobilization, is essential in these situations for improving 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 adequately manages a wide array of conditions, helping Maryland Heights, MO patients in their path towards wellness, better quality of life, and returning to the activities they enjoy.
Other conditions we treat in Maryland Heights, 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 Maryland Heights, MO Today
Axes Physical Therapy in Maryland Heights, MO integrates expertise, compassion, and a personalized approach to provide optimal results in soft tissue mobilization. Choosing Axes entails 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 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 Maryland Heights, 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.
