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

Soft tissue mobilization in Parkdale, MO. Instrument assisted soft tissue mobilization is essential for treating numerous musculoskeletal conditions. This treatment method, aimed at activating and easing soft tissue including the muscles, ligaments, and tendons, doesn’t just help reduce pain the day of your appointment, but restores functionality and enhances the body’s natural healing process, aiding our Parkdale, MO patients heal safely and successfully. Soft tissue mobilization is especially useful for Parkdale, MO patients who prefer to avoid surgery or medications.

Axes Physical Therapy is run by a group of local Parkdale, MO physical therapists. We combine our passion with bettering our patients’ lives with scientifically-proven treatment methods to get Parkdale, MO residents back to the activities they love. Whether you were recently injured, suffer from a chronic condition, or are in post-surgical rehab, Axes Physical Therapy will partner with you to develop a treatment plan customized to your unique needs and goals. Contact us through our website, call the Axes most convenient to 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 healing technique 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 spanning gentle strokes to deeper pressure, depending on your specific needs. It’s a crucial element in the treatment of musculoskeletal disorders, offering relief and bringing back 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 an advanced form of soft tissue mobilization that utilizes specialized tools for deeper and more targeted tissue manipulation. Inspired by James Cyriax‘s deep friction massage, this method uses tools made from materials like stainless steel or hard plastic. Shaped to conform to different anatomical areas, 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. The application of these tools enhances the physical therapist’s ability to discover adhesions and restrictions in the soft tissues, and delivers precise pressure to promote 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 tackle 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 enhance 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 ease 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 relieve 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, aiming to restore free movement.
Cross-Friction Massage: A crosswise massage technique applied perpendicular to the affected tissue. It’s often used for tendons and ligaments to enhance circulation and promote healing.
Lymphatic Drainage: A light technique designed to stimulate the lymphatic system, which carries waste away from tissues and minimizes inflammation, usually for patients with lymphedema.
Stretching and Range of Motion Exercises: These are commonly incorporated into manual soft tissue mobilization to increase flexibility and movement. They can be performed either with active involvement from the patient on by the therapist themselves.
Joint Mobilization: Entails passive movement of a joint by the therapist to increase motion 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 rejuvenate healthy soft tissues and clear away unwanted scar tissue.
Graston Technique®: Involves stainless steel instruments to reduce restrictions by stretching connective tissues so that their structure is rearranged.
HawkGrips® Therapy: Utilizes a range of precision-engineered tools designed to decrease pain in minutes, increase flexibility, and diminish need for medication and surgery.

Each of the above treatment modalities has been validated by science to have its particular uses and benefits, and one of our professional Parkdale, MO physical therapists can customize these techniques to your individual needs. We’ll employ these techniques, in concert with other therapies and patient education, to help heal you and get you back to what you love doing most.

Advantages of Soft Tissue Mobilization for Parkdale, MO Patients

Soft tissue mobilization, when performed by professional Parkdale, MO physical therapists such as those at Axes, offers a plethora of benefits to Parkdale, MO patients facing 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 circulation, bringing essential nutrients and oxygen to injured areas, thus accelerating the healing process.
- Reduced Inflammation: These techniques help in lessening 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 encourages quicker healing of healthy tissue.
Better 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 improved flexibility and strength in the muscles, tendons, and ligaments.
- Alignment Correction: These methods can help in adjusting collagen fibers and improve the overall structure of soft tissues.
Reduction of Pain and Increased Mobility —
- Pain Relief: Soft tissue mobilization is effective in reducing chronic pain and discomfort related to various conditions.
- Increased Mobility: By tackling the underlying causes of stiffness and immobility, these techniques help patients restore their full range of motion.
- Prevention of Future Injuries: Regular treatment can also contribute to preventing future injuries by keeping healthy, supple tissues.

The benefits of soft tissue mobilization, especially when paired with Axes Physical Therapy’s holistic and personalized approach to care in Parkdale, MO, are profound. When you partner with us, you’ll not only achieve relief from your current ailments but also enjoy an enhanced quality of life with enhanced physical function.

Soft Tissue Mobilization | Instrument Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization | IASTM

Conditions Treated with Soft Tissue Mobilization in Parkdale, MO

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

Acute Injuries

Acute injuries refer to 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 function. The use of instrument assisted soft tissue mobilization and other soft tissue mobilization techniques play a vital 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 form over time, frequently due to repetitive stress or extended wear and tear on the body. These injuries are marked by ongoing pain, stiffness, and often a gradual onset. Soft tissue mobilization is helpful in these scenarios for breaking down scar tissue, easing pain, and improving range of motion.

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 improving tissue healing, minimizing scar tissue formation, and helping 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 applying soft tissue mobilization techniques properly, Axes Physical Therapy successfully treats a broad array of conditions, helping Parkdale, MO patients in their path towards healing, better quality of life, and coming back to the activities they cherish.

Other conditions we treat in Parkdale, MO include:

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

Axes Physical Therapy in Parkdale, MO combines expertise, passion, and a client-focused approach to deliver optimal results in soft tissue mobilization. Choosing Axes signifies becoming part of a team that prioritizes your health and wellbeing, aiming not just for immediate relief but for ongoing functional improvement that brings you back to the activities you enjoy the most efficiently and effectively. Don’t let pain or mobility issues keep you down any longer. Reach out to Axes Physical Therapy in Parkdale, 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.

Soft Tissue Mobilization Parkdale, MO