Soft tissue mobilization in Matson, MO. Instrument assisted soft tissue mobilization is an evidence-backed treatment technique for numerous injuries, conditions, and disorders. This treatment method, focused on stimulating and relieving soft tissue including the muscles, ligaments, and tendons, doesn’t just alleviate pain momentarily, but brings back functionality and boosts the body’s natural healing process, assisting our Matson, MO patients get better safely and properly. Soft tissue mobilization is well-suited for Matson, MO patients who prefer to avoid surgery or medications.
Axes Physical Therapy is locally owned and operated by a team of experienced Matson, MO physical therapists. We combine our expertise with improving our patients’ lives with evidence-backed treatment methods to get Matson, MO residents back to the activities they love. Whether you’re grappling with an acute injury, chronic discomfort, or post-surgical rehabilitation, Axes Physical Therapy will partner with you to create a treatment plan customized 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 get started today.
What Is Soft Tissue Mobilization?
Soft tissue mobilization is a healing technique used in physical therapy to treat conditions involving 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, tailored to your specific needs. It’s a vital element in the treatment of musculoskeletal disorders, providing relief and restoring function to areas compromised by injury, a medical condition, 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 more precise and deeper tissue manipulation. Inspired by James Cyriax‘s deep friction massage, this method involves tools made from materials like stainless steel or hard plastic. Designed to fit to different anatomical areas, these tools are aimed to effectively break down scar tissue and fascial restrictions. IASTM techniques permit 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 uncover adhesions and restrictions in the soft tissues, and applies precise pressure to promote the body’s natural healing process.
Soft Tissue Mobilization and Instrument Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization (ISTYM) Techniques
Soft tissue mobilization encompasses a range of techniques, 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 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 connective tissue that surrounds muscles. Practitioners apply gentle, sustained pressure to alleviate fascial restrictions and increase 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 stimulate blood flow and healing and reduce pain.
- Active Release Techniques (ART): ART combines patient movement with manual pressure to break up scar tissue in muscles and other soft tissues, aiming to bring back free movement.
- Cross-Friction Massage: A crosswise 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 gentle 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 frequently 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: Involves 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: Uses specific protocols and instruments to regenerate healthy soft tissues and clear away unwanted adhesions.
- Graston Technique®: Employs stainless steel instruments to alleviate restrictions by stretching connective tissues so that their structure is modified.
- HawkGrips® Therapy: Makes use of a range of precision-engineered tools designed to decrease pain in minutes, increase range of motion, and reduce reliance on medication and surgery.
Each of the listed treatment methods has been proven by research to have its unique applications and benefits, and one of our qualified Matson, MO physical therapists can adapt these techniques to your individual needs. We’ll employ 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 Matson, MO Patients
Soft tissue mobilization, when conducted by licensed Matson, MO physical therapists such as those at Axes, offers a multitude of benefits to Matson, MO patients dealing with various musculoskeletal conditions. Here’s an in-depth look at some of the key advantages:
- Accelerated Healing Process —
- Enhanced Blood Flow: Soft tissue mobilization techniques enhance blood flow to the affected area, bringing essential nutrients and oxygen to injured areas, thus accelerating the healing process.
- Reduced Inflammation: These techniques contribute to minimizing inflammation and swelling in affected areas, which is vital for healing.
- Breakdown of Scar Tissue: Particularly with instrument assisted soft tissue mobilization, the breakdown of scar tissue facilitates quicker 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 bring back normal function and range of motion.
- Improved Flexibility: Regular soft tissue mobilization can lead to increased flexibility and strength in the muscles, tendons, and ligaments.
- Alignment Correction: These methods can help in adjusting collagen fibers and better 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 regain 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 holistic and custom-tailored approach to care in Matson, MO, are extensive. When you form a treatment team with us, you’ll not only find relief from your existing ailments but also relish an elevated quality of life with better physical function.
Conditions Treated with Soft Tissue Mobilization in Matson, MO
Axes Physical Therapy employs soft tissue mobilization, including instrument assisted techniques, to treat a broad spectrum of conditions, each with its own challenges and requirements. Here’s how these approaches are used across different types of injuries and conditions in Matson, MO:
Acute Injuries
Acute injuries are sudden physical traumas to the body, usually 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. Advanced soft tissue mobilization and other soft tissue mobilization techniques play a key 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, usually due to continuous stress or extended wear and tear on the body. These injuries are identified by continuous pain, stiffness, and frequently a gradual onset. Soft tissue mobilization is effective in these scenarios for dissolving scar tissue, alleviating pain, and increasing strength and mobility.
Common chronic injuries treated include:
- Tendonosis
- ITB Syndrome
- Plantar Fasciitis
Post-Surgical Rehab
Following surgery and in post-surgical rehab, patients commonly face challenges like scar tissue formation and restricted mobility. Soft tissue mobilization, especially instrument assisted soft tissue mobilization, is crucial in these situations for enhancing 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 broad array of conditions, assisting Matson, MO patients in their journey towards wellness, improved quality of life, and getting back to the activities they cherish.
Other conditions we treat in Matson, 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 Matson, MO Today
Axes Physical Therapy in Matson, MO brings together expertise, passion, and a personalized approach to provide optimal results in soft tissue mobilization. Choosing Axes signifies becoming part of a team that focuses on your health and wellbeing, aiming not just for immediate relief but for long-term functional improvement that brings you back to the activities you enjoy the most efficiently and effectively. Don’t let pain or mobility issues stop you any longer. Reach out to Axes Physical Therapy in Matson, 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.
