Soft tissue mobilization in Pacific, MO. Instrument assisted soft tissue mobilization is an evidence-backed treatment technique for many musculoskeletal conditions. This therapeutic approach, focused on stimulating and relieving soft tissue including the muscles, ligaments, and tendons, doesn’t just alleviate pain short term, but brings back functionality and boosts the body’s natural healing process, assisting our Pacific, MO patients heal safely and properly. Soft tissue mobilization is particularly useful for Pacific, MO patients who want to avoid surgery or medications.

Axes Physical Therapy is run by a group of local Pacific, MO physical therapists. We combine our passion with enhancing our patients’ lives with scientifically-proven treatment methods to get Pacific, MO residents back to the activities they love. Whether you’re facing an acute injury, chronic discomfort, or post-surgical recovery, Axes Physical Therapy will form a team with you to develop a treatment plan customized to your condition, lifestyle, and goals. Contact us through our website, call the Axes most convenient to 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 therapeutic treatment method used in physical therapy to treat conditions involving the soft tissues of the body, which are the muscles, tendons, and ligaments. This approach entails various hands-on methods including gentle strokes to deeper pressure, depending on what condition or injury you’re ailing from. It’s a crucial element in the treatment of musculoskeletal disorders, delivering 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 uses specialized tools for deeper and more targeted tissue manipulation. Drawing from James Cyriax‘s deep friction massage, this method involves 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 permit therapists to find and manage 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 applies precise pressure to facilitate optimal tissue repair and mobility.

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

Soft tissue mobilization includes an array of techniques, all intended to treat specific types of tissue issues and patient needs:

Manual Soft Tissue Mobilization Techniques

• Massage: A widely recognized technique, 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 apply gentle, sustained pressure to release fascial restrictions and boost mobility.
• Trigger Point Dry Needling and Trigger Point Therapy: This method focuses on trigger points, which are tight knots 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 melds patient movement with manual pressure to break up adhesions in muscles and other soft tissues, striving to restore range of motion.
• Cross-Friction Massage: A perpendicular massage technique performed perpendicular to the affected tissue. It’s frequently utilized for tendons and ligaments to enhance 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 commonly 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 improve range of motion and reduce pain. It’s often 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 eliminate unwanted scar tissue.
• Graston Technique®: Involves 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 aimed at decrease pain in minutes, increase flexibility, and reduce the necessity of medication and surgery.

Each of the above treatment modalities has been proven by science to have its particular applications and benefits, and one of our professional Pacific, MO physical therapists can customize these methods to the condition affecting you and your lifestyle goals. We’ll utilize these techniques, in concert with other therapies and patient education, to assist in your healing and get you back to the activities you love.

Advantages of Soft Tissue Mobilization for Pacific, MO Patients

Soft tissue mobilization, when conducted by licensed Pacific, MO physical therapists such as those at Axes, offers a array of benefits to Pacific, MO patients experiencing various musculoskeletal conditions. Here’s an in-depth look at some of the key advantages:

• Accelerated Healing Process —
  • Improved Blood Flow: Soft tissue mobilization techniques boost blood flow to the affected area, delivering essential nutrients and oxygen to injured areas, thus hastening the healing process.
  • Reduced Inflammation: These techniques aid in lessening inflammation and swelling in affected areas, which is crucial for healing.
  • Breakdown of Scar Tissue: Specifically with instrument assisted soft tissue mobilization, the breakdown of scar tissue facilitates faster regeneration of healthy tissue.
• Improvement in Tissue Alignment and Function —
  • Restoration of Normal Tissue Function: By easing tension and restrictions in soft tissues, these techniques re-establish 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 assist in adjusting collagen fibers and enhance the overall structure of soft tissues.
• Reduction of Pain and Increased Mobility —
  • Pain Relief: Soft tissue mobilization is helpful in reducing chronic pain and discomfort connected 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 play a role in preventing future injuries by maintaining healthy, supple tissues.

The benefits of soft tissue mobilization, especially when combined with Axes Physical Therapy’s holistic and custom-tailored approach to care in Pacific, MO, are far-reaching. When you partner with us, you’ll not only achieve relief from your existing ailments but also appreciate an enhanced quality of life with better physical function.

Conditions Treated with Soft Tissue Mobilization in Pacific, 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 methods are implemented across multiple types of injuries and conditions in Pacific, MO:

Acute Injuries

Acute injuries mean sudden physical traumas to the body, often resulting from accidents or specific incidents during activities, like sports injuries. These injuries commonly involve sudden pain, swelling, and loss of stability. The use of instrument assisted soft tissue mobilization and other soft tissue mobilization techniques play a key role in lessening inflammation, enhancing healing, and regaining function in these cases.

Common acute injuries treated include:

• Sprains
• Strains
• Fasciitis
• Tendonitis

Chronic Injuries

Chronic injuries develop over time, often due to continuous stress or long-term wear and tear on the body. These injuries are identified by persistent pain, stiffness, and frequently a gradual onset. Soft tissue mobilization is beneficial in these scenarios for reducing scar tissue, alleviating pain, and increasing function.

Common chronic injuries treated include:

• Tendonosis
• ITB Syndrome
• Plantar Fasciitis

Post-Surgical Conditions

Following surgery and in post-surgical rehab, patients frequently face challenges like scar tissue formation and restricted mobility. Soft tissue mobilization, notably IASTM, is essential in these situations for improving 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 wide array of conditions, helping Pacific, MO patients in their journey towards recovery, enhanced quality of life, and returning to the activities they enjoy.

Other services we offer in Pacific, 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 Pacific, MO Today

Axes Physical Therapy in Pacific, MO combines expertise, compassion, 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, striving not just for immediate relief but for ongoing functional improvement that brings you back to the activities you enjoy the most safely and effectively. Don’t let pain or mobility issues stop you any longer. Reach out to Axes Physical Therapy in Pacific, 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.