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

Soft tissue mobilization in Murphy, MO. Instrument assisted soft tissue mobilization is an evidence-backed treatment technique for many injuries, conditions, and disorders. This therapeutic approach, aimed at working on and relieving soft tissue including the muscles, ligaments, and tendons, doesn’t just help reduce pain short term, but restores functionality and improves the body’s natural healing process, aiding our Murphy, MO patients heal faster and more effectively. Soft tissue mobilization is especially useful for Murphy, MO patients who want to avoid surgery or medications.

Axes Physical Therapy is run by a group of local Murphy, MO physical and occupational therapists. We merge our passion with improving our patients’ lives with research-supported treatment methods to get Murphy, MO residents back to the activities they love. Whether you’re grappling with an acute injury, chronic discomfort, or post-surgical rehab, Axes Physical Therapy will partner with you to develop a treatment plan tailored to your unique needs and goals. Get in touch through our website, 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 impacting 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, depending on what condition or injury is affecting you. 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.

About Instrument Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization (IASTM)

Instrument assisted soft tissue mobilization (IASTM) is a sophisticated form of soft tissue mobilization that employs specialized tools for more precise and deeper tissue manipulation. Based on James Cyriax‘s deep friction massage, this method employs 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 detect and address areas with soft tissue fibrosis or chronic inflammation. Using these instruments enhances the physical therapist’s ability to detect adhesions and restrictions in the soft tissues, and delivers precise pressure to facilitate optimal tissue repair and mobility.

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

Soft tissue mobilization encompasses an array of techniques, all intended to tackle specific injuries or conditions:

Manual Soft Tissue Mobilization Techniques

Massage: One of the most well-known forms, massage entails manual pressure and strokes with a therapist’s hands. It can enhance circulation, relieve muscle tension, and promote relaxation.
Myofascial Release: This technique concentrates on releasing tension in the connective tissue that surrounds muscles. Practitioners employ gentle, sustained pressure to alleviate fascial restrictions and enhance mobility.
Trigger Point Dry Needling and Trigger Point Therapy: This method addresses trigger points, which are hyperirritable muscles that result in pain and discomfort. Pressure is applied to these points to stimulate blood flow and healing and reduce pain.
Active Release Techniques (ART): ART melds patient movement with manual therapy to break up adhesions in muscles and other soft tissues, striving to bring back free movement.
Cross-Friction Massage: A crosswise massage technique executed perpendicular to the affected tissue. It’s frequently utilized for tendons and ligaments to increase circulation and promote healing.
Lymphatic Drainage: A soothing technique intended 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 often incorporated into manual soft tissue mobilization to enhance flexibility and movement. They can be passive (performed by the therapist).
Joint Mobilization: Involves passive movement of a joint by the therapist to improve 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 adhesions.
Graston Technique®: Employs stainless steel instruments to alleviate restrictions by stretching connective tissues so that their structure is rearranged.
HawkGrips® Therapy: Employs a range of precision-engineered tools aimed at decrease pain in minutes, increase range of motion, and diminish the necessity of medication and surgery.

Each of the listed treatment methods has been confirmed by peer-backed studies to have its unique applications and benefits, and one of our qualified Murphy, MO physical therapists can customize these techniques to the condition affecting you and your lifestyle goals. We’ll employ these techniques, in combination with other therapies and patient education, to assist in your healing and get you back to what you love doing most.

Benefits of Soft Tissue Mobilization for Murphy, MO Patients

Soft tissue mobilization, when performed by professional Murphy, MO physical therapists such as those at Axes, offers a multitude of benefits to Murphy, MO patients facing 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 blood flow to the affected area, delivering essential nutrients and oxygen to injured areas, thus speeding up the healing process.
- Reduced Inflammation: These techniques aid 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 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 restore 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 enhance 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 related to various conditions.
- Increased Mobility: By tackling 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 be instrumental in preventing future injuries by ensuring 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 Murphy, MO, are extensive. When you collaborate with us, you’ll not only achieve relief from your existing ailments but also enjoy 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 Murphy, MO

Axes Physical Therapy employs soft tissue mobilization, including IASTM techniques, to treat a vast spectrum of conditions, each with its specific challenges and requirements. Here’s how these methods are implemented across multiple types of injuries and conditions in Murphy, 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 usually involve sudden pain, swelling, and loss of stability. The use of instrument assisted soft tissue mobilization and other soft tissue mobilization techniques play a vital 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, often due to repetitive stress or long-term wear and tear on the body. These injuries are marked by continuous pain, stiffness, and frequently 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 Rehabilitation

Following surgery and in post-surgical rehab, patients frequently face challenges like scar tissue formation and restricted flexibility. Soft tissue mobilization, particularly IASTM, is essential in these situations for enhancing tissue healing, lessening 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 appropriately, Axes Physical Therapy effectively addresses a vast array of conditions, helping Murphy, MO patients in their journey towards wellness, improved quality of life, and getting back to the activities they love most.

Other services we offer in Murphy, MO include:

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

Axes Physical Therapy in Murphy, MO integrates expertise, passion, and a patient-centered approach to provide optimal results in soft tissue mobilization. Choosing Axes means becoming part of a team that prioritizes your health and wellbeing, striving not just for immediate relief but for sustained functional improvement that gets you back to the activities you love most safely and effectively. Don’t let pain or mobility issues stop you any longer. Reach out to Axes Physical Therapy in Murphy, 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.