Soft tissue mobilization in Preston Woods, MO. Instrument assisted soft tissue mobilization is an evidence-backed treatment technique for numerous musculoskeletal conditions. This therapeutic approach, aimed at working on and easing 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 Preston Woods, MO patients get better faster and more effectively. Soft tissue mobilization is highly useful for Preston Woods, MO patients who prefer to avoid surgery or medications.
Axes Physical Therapy is locally owned and operated by a team of expert Preston Woods, MO physical and occupational therapists. We merge our expertise with enhancing our patients’ lives with scientifically-proven treatment methods to get Preston Woods, MO residents back to the things they love doing most. Whether you’re facing an acute injury, chronic discomfort, or post-surgical recovery, Axes Physical Therapy will work closely with you to create a treatment plan specific 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.
About Soft Tissue Mobilization
Soft tissue mobilization is a healing technique used in physical therapy to treat conditions impacting the soft tissues of the body, such as muscles, tendons, and ligaments. This approach entails various hands-on methods ranging from gentle strokes to deeper pressure, depending on your specific needs. It’s a vital element in the treatment of musculoskeletal disorders, offering relief and re-establishing function to areas impaired by injury, surgery, or chronic conditions.
What Is Instrument Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization?
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. Inspired by James Cyriax‘s deep friction massage, this method involves tools made from materials like stainless steel or hard plastic. Shaped to conform to different anatomical areas, these tools are intended to effectively break down scar tissue and fascial restrictions. IASTM techniques permit therapists to detect and address areas with soft tissue fibrosis or chronic inflammation. Using these instruments enhances the physical therapist’s ability to uncover 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 an array of techniques, each tailored to address 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 targets releasing tension in the fascia. Practitioners employ gentle, sustained pressure to ease fascial restrictions and enhance mobility.
- Trigger Point Dry Needling and Trigger Point Therapy: This method targets trigger points, which are hyperirritable 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 integrates 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 transverse massage technique performed perpendicular to the affected tissue. It’s frequently utilized for tendons and ligaments to increase circulation and promote healing.
- Lymphatic Drainage: A gentle 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 increase flexibility and range of motion. They can be passive (performed by the therapist).
- Joint Mobilization: Involves passive movement of a joint by the therapist to improve range of motion and reduce pain. It’s regularly used in combination with other soft tissue techniques.
Instrument Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization (IASTM) Techniques
- Astym® Therapy: Employs specific protocols and instruments to regenerate healthy soft tissues and eliminate unwanted scar tissue.
- Graston Technique®: Involves stainless steel instruments to reduce restrictions by stretching connective tissues so that their structure is modified.
- HawkGrips® Therapy: Makes use of a range of precision-engineered tools designed to decrease pain in minutes, increase flexibility, and reduce the necessity of medication and surgery.
Each of the above techniques has been proven by science to have its specific applications and benefits, and one of our professional Preston Woods, MO physical therapists can customize these methods to your individual needs. We’ll utilize these techniques, in concert with other therapies and patient education, to aid in your recovery and get you back to the activities you love.
Benefits of Soft Tissue Mobilization for Preston Woods, MO Patients
Soft tissue mobilization, when performed by qualified Preston Woods, MO physical therapists such as those at Axes, offers a multitude of benefits to Preston Woods, MO patients facing various musculoskeletal conditions. Here’s a detailed look at some of the key advantages:
- Kickstart the Body’s Natural healing Process —
- Improved Blood Flow: Soft tissue mobilization techniques boost circulation, supplying essential nutrients and oxygen to injured areas, thus hastening the healing process.
- Reduced Inflammation: These techniques contribute to lessening inflammation and swelling in the injured areas, which is crucial for healing.
- Breakdown of Scar Tissue: Particularly with IASTM, the breakdown of scar tissue promotes faster 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 re-establish normal function and range of motion.
- Improved Flexibility: Regular soft tissue mobilization can result in improved flexibility and strength in the muscles, tendons, and ligaments.
- Alignment Correction: These methods can aid in correcting collagen fibers and improve the overall structure of soft tissues.
- Reduction of Pain and Increased Mobility —
- Pain Relief: Soft tissue mobilization is helpful in minimizing chronic pain and discomfort related to various conditions.
- Increased Mobility: By targeting 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 ensuring healthy, supple tissues.
The benefits of soft tissue mobilization, especially when combined with Axes Physical Therapy’s comprehensive and personalized approach to care in Preston Woods, MO, are far-reaching. When you form a treatment team with us, you’ll not only achieve relief from your current ailments but also enjoy an improved quality of life with improved physical function.
Conditions Treated with Soft Tissue Mobilization in Preston Woods, MO
Axes Physical Therapy uses soft tissue mobilization, including IASTM techniques, to treat a broad spectrum of conditions, each with its own challenges and requirements. Here’s how these methods are applied across different types of injuries and conditions in Preston Woods, 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 usually involve sudden pain, swelling, and loss of function. Instrument assisted soft tissue mobilization and other soft tissue mobilization techniques play a vital role in reducing inflammation, facilitating healing, and restoring function in these cases.
Common acute injuries treated include:
- Sprains
- Strains
- Fasciitis
- Tendonitis
Chronic Injuries
Chronic injuries arise over time, frequently due to continuous stress or long-term wear and tear on the body. These injuries are identified by ongoing pain, stiffness, and often a gradual onset. Soft tissue mobilization is helpful in these scenarios for reducing 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 adhesions and restricted mobility. Soft tissue mobilization, notably IASTM, is essential in these situations for promoting tissue healing, reducing 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 using soft tissue mobilization techniques properly, Axes Physical Therapy successfully treats a wide array of conditions, aiding Preston Woods, MO patients in their road towards healing, better quality of life, and getting back to the activities they enjoy.
Other services we offer in Preston Woods, 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 Preston Woods, MO Today
Axes Physical Therapy in Preston Woods, MO brings together expertise, compassion, and a personalized approach to deliver optimal results in soft tissue mobilization. Choosing Axes means becoming part of a team that values your health and wellbeing, striving not just for immediate relief but for ongoing functional improvement that returns you back to the activities you love most efficiently and effectively. Don’t let pain or mobility issues hold you back any longer. Reach out to Axes Physical Therapy in Preston Woods, 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.
