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

Soft tissue mobilization in Oakville, MO. Instrument assisted soft tissue mobilization is vital for treating various musculoskeletal conditions. This treatment method, aimed at activating and relieving soft tissue like the muscles, ligaments, and tendons, doesn’t just alleviate pain momentarily, but reestablishes functionality and improves the body’s natural healing process, aiding our Oakville, MO patients recover safely and successfully. Soft tissue mobilization is ideal for Oakville, MO patients seeking non-invasive treatment methods.

Axes Physical Therapy is run by a group of local Oakville, MO physical therapists. We merge our expertise with improving our patients’ lives with scientifically-proven treatment methods to get Oakville, MO residents back to the things they love doing most. Whether you’re facing an acute injury, chronic discomfort, or post-surgical rehabilitation, Axes Physical Therapy will work closely with you to create a treatment plan tailored to your condition, lifestyle, and goals. Get in touch online, call the Axes location nearest you, or come to any location for a complimentary injury screening to get started today.

What Is Soft Tissue Mobilization?

Soft tissue mobilization is a therapeutic technique used in physical therapy to treat conditions involving the soft tissues of the body, such as muscles, tendons, and ligaments. This approach entails various hands-on methods including 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 re-establishing function to areas impaired by injury, a medical condition, or chronic conditions.

About Instrument Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization (IASTM)

Instrument assisted soft tissue mobilization (IASTM) is a refined form of soft tissue mobilization that employs specialized tools for deeper and more targeted tissue manipulation. Based on James Cyriax‘s deep friction massage, this method employs tools constructed of materials like stainless steel or hard plastic. Shaped to conform to different parts of the body, 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. The application of these tools enhances the physical therapist’s ability to detect adhesions and restrictions in the soft tissues, and applies precise pressure to encourage the body’s natural healing process.

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

Soft tissue mobilization includes a range of techniques, each designed to address specific types of tissue issues and patient needs:

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 focuses on releasing tension in the fascia. Practitioners apply gentle, sustained pressure to ease fascial restrictions and increase mobility.
Trigger Point Dry Needling and Trigger Point Therapy: This method targets trigger points, which are tight knots within muscles that result in pain and discomfort. Pressure is applied to these points to alleviate tension and reduce pain.
Active Release Techniques (ART): ART melds patient movement with manual therapy to break up scar tissue in muscles and other soft tissues, intending to bring back range of motion.
Cross-Friction Massage: A perpendicular massage technique performed perpendicular to the affected tissue. It’s commonly employed for tendons and ligaments to enhance circulation and promote healing.
Lymphatic Drainage: A soothing technique aiming to stimulate the lymphatic system, assisting to remove waste products and reduce swelling, usually for patients with lymphedema.
Stretching and Range of Motion Exercises: These are frequently incorporated into manual soft tissue mobilization to improve flexibility and range of motion. They can be active (performed by the patient).
Joint Mobilization: Consists of passive movement of a joint by the therapist to improve flexibility and reduce pain. It’s commonly used in combination with other soft tissue techniques.

Instrument Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization (IASTM) Techniques

Astym® Therapy: Utilizes specific protocols and instruments to regenerate healthy soft tissues and clear away unwanted scar tissue.
Graston Technique®: Uses stainless steel instruments to minimize restrictions by stretching connective tissues so that their structure is realigned.
HawkGrips® Therapy: Utilizes an array of precision-engineered tools designed to decrease pain in minutes, increase range of motion, and reduce the necessity of medication and surgery.

Each of the listed treatment modalities has been confirmed by peer-backed studies to have its particular uses and benefits, and one of our licensed Oakville, MO physical therapists can adapt these methods 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 what you love doing most.

Benefits of Soft Tissue Mobilization for Oakville, MO Patients

Soft tissue mobilization, when performed by qualified Oakville, MO physical therapists such as those at Axes, offers a plethora of benefits to Oakville, MO patients experiencing various musculoskeletal conditions. Here’s a comprehensive look at some of the key advantages:

Accelerated Healing Process —
- Enhanced Blood Flow: Soft tissue mobilization techniques improve blood flow to the affected area, supplying essential nutrients and oxygen to injured areas, thus speeding up the healing process.
- Reduced Inflammation: These techniques help in lessening inflammation and swelling in affected areas, which is essential for healing.
- Breakdown of Scar Tissue: Specifically with instrument assisted soft tissue mobilization, the breakdown of scar tissue encourages quicker regeneration of healthy tissue.
Improvement in Tissue Alignment and Function —
- Restoration of Normal Tissue Function: By relieving tension and restrictions in soft tissues, these techniques restore normal function and range of motion.
- Improved Flexibility: Regular soft tissue mobilization can lead to enhanced flexibility and strength in the muscles, tendons, and ligaments.
- Alignment Correction: These methods can aid in adjusting 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 tackling the underlying causes of stiffness and immobility, these techniques help patients achieve their full range of motion.
- Prevention of Future Injuries: Regular treatment can also play a role in 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 Oakville, MO, are extensive. When you form a treatment team with us, you’ll not only experience relief from your current ailments but also appreciate an elevated quality of life with enhanced physical function.

Soft Tissue Mobilization | Instrument Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization | IASTM

Conditions Treated with Soft Tissue Mobilization in Oakville, MO

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

Acute Injuries

Acute injuries mean 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 typically involve sudden pain, swelling, and loss of function. Instrument assisted soft tissue mobilization and other soft tissue mobilization techniques play a key role in reducing inflammation, enhancing healing, and regaining function in these cases.

Common acute injuries treated include:

Sprains
Strains
Fasciitis
Tendonitis

Chronic Injuries

Chronic injuries arise over time, usually due to ongoing stress or extended wear and tear on the body. These injuries are characterized by ongoing pain, stiffness, and often a gradual onset. Soft tissue mobilization is beneficial in these scenarios for dissolving scar tissue, relieving 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 flexibility. Soft tissue mobilization, particularly instrument assisted soft tissue mobilization, is essential in these situations for promoting 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 properly, Axes Physical Therapy successfully treats a broad array of conditions, helping Oakville, MO patients in their road towards wellness, better quality of life, and returning to the activities they love most.

Other conditions we treat in Oakville, MO include:

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

Axes Physical Therapy in Oakville, MO combines expertise, compassion, and a personalized approach to achieve optimal results in soft tissue mobilization. Choosing Axes entails becoming part of a team that prioritizes 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 securely and effectively. Don’t let pain or mobility issues hold you back any longer. Reach out to Axes Physical Therapy in Oakville, 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.