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

Soft tissue mobilization in Oakland, MO. Instrument assisted soft tissue mobilization is crucial for treating many injuries, conditions, and disorders. This therapeutic approach, centered around stimulating and relieving soft tissue including the muscles, ligaments, and tendons, doesn’t just alleviate pain the day of your appointment, but restores functionality and enhances the body’s natural healing process, aiding our Oakland, MO patients get better faster and more effectively. Soft tissue mobilization is ideal for Oakland, MO patients seeking alternative treatments to surgery.

Axes Physical Therapy is run by a group of local Oakland, MO physical and occupational therapists. We merge our passion with bettering our patients’ lives with research-supported treatment methods to get Oakland, MO residents back to the activities they love. Whether you were recently injured, suffer from a chronic condition, or are in 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 most convenient to 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 treatment method used in physical therapy to treat conditions affecting the soft tissues of the body, which are the muscles, tendons, and ligaments. This approach incorporates various hands-on methods ranging from gentle strokes to deeper pressure, depending on what condition or injury you’re ailing from. It’s a key element in the treatment of musculoskeletal disorders, offering relief and bringing back function to areas affected by injury, a medical condition, or chronic conditions.

About Instrument Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization (IASTM)

Instrument assisted soft tissue mobilization (IASTM) is an advanced form of soft tissue mobilization that utilizes specialized tools for targeted and deeper tissue manipulation. Drawing from James Cyriax‘s deep friction massage, this method employs tools constructed of materials like stainless steel or hard plastic. Designed to fit to different anatomical areas, these tools are intended 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. Their use enhances the physical therapist’s ability to uncover 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 encompasses a range of techniques, all intended to address specific injuries or conditions:

Manual Soft Tissue Mobilization Techniques

Massage: A popular method, massage entails manual pressure and strokes with a therapist’s hands. It can improve circulation, relieve muscle tension, and promote relaxation.
Myofascial Release: This technique aims at releasing tension in the connective tissue that surrounds muscles. Practitioners employ 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 cause 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 soft tissue mobilization to break up adhesions in muscles and other soft tissues, intending to bring back free movement.
Cross-Friction Massage: A perpendicular massage technique performed perpendicular to the affected tissue. It’s frequently utilized for tendons and ligaments to improve circulation and promote healing.
Lymphatic Drainage: A gentle technique aiming 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 enhance flexibility and movement. They can be active (performed by the patient).
Joint Mobilization: Involves passive movement of a joint by the therapist to improve motion and reduce pain. It’s regularly 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 eliminate unwanted adhesions.
Graston Technique®: Involves stainless steel instruments to minimize restrictions by stretching connective tissues so that their structure is rearranged.
HawkGrips® Therapy: Employs a range of precision-engineered tools designed to decrease pain in minutes, increase flexibility, and lessen reliance on medication and surgery.

Each of the above techniques has been confirmed by science to have its unique applications and benefits, and one of our professional Oakland, MO physical therapists can adapt these techniques to your individual needs. 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.

Advantages of Soft Tissue Mobilization for Oakland, MO Patients

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

Accelerated Healing Process —
- Improved Blood Flow: Soft tissue mobilization techniques boost blood flow to the affected area, supplying essential nutrients and oxygen to injured areas, thus speeding up the healing process.
- Reduced Inflammation: These techniques aid in lessening inflammation and swelling in affected areas, which is essential for healing.
- Breakdown of Scar Tissue: Especially with IASTM, the breakdown of scar tissue facilitates faster regeneration of healthy tissue.
Better Tissue Alignment and Function —
- Restoration of Normal Tissue Function: By relieving tension and restrictions in soft tissues, these techniques bring back normal function and range of motion.
- Improved Flexibility: Regular soft tissue mobilization can result in enhanced flexibility and strength in the muscles, tendons, and ligaments.
- Alignment Correction: These methods can help in adjusting collagen fibers and enhance the overall structure of soft tissues.
Reduction of Pain and Increased Mobility —
- Pain Relief: Soft tissue mobilization is effective in alleviating chronic pain and discomfort connected to various conditions.
- Increased Mobility: By addressing 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 keeping healthy, supple tissues.

The benefits of soft tissue mobilization, especially when paired with Axes Physical Therapy’s comprehensive and individualized approach to care in Oakland, MO, are profound. When you collaborate with us, you’ll not only find relief from your current ailments but also relish an elevated quality of life with improved physical function.

Soft Tissue Mobilization | Instrument Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization | IASTM

Conditions Treated with Soft Tissue Mobilization in Oakland, MO

Axes Physical Therapy uses 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 techniques are applied across various types of injuries and conditions in Oakland, MO:

Acute Injuries

Acute injuries refer to sudden physical traumas to the body, usually 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 lessening inflammation, promoting 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 repetitive stress or long-term wear and tear on the body. These injuries are marked by ongoing pain, stiffness, and frequently a gradual onset. Soft tissue mobilization is beneficial in these scenarios for breaking down scar tissue, alleviating pain, and improving 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 invaluable in these situations for enhancing tissue healing, minimizing 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 successfully treats a vast array of conditions, aiding Oakland, MO patients in their journey towards healing, better quality of life, and returning to the activities they love most.

Other conditions we treat in Oakland, MO include:

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

Axes Physical Therapy in Oakland, MO integrates experience, passion, and a patient-centered approach to provide optimal results in soft tissue mobilization. Choosing Axes means entrusting your treatment to a team that focuses on your health and wellbeing, aiming not just for immediate relief but for long-term 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 Oakland, 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.

Soft Tissue Mobilization Oakland, MO