Soft Tissue Mobilization in Shiloh, IL | Instrument Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization | Physical Therapy

Soft tissue mobilization in Shiloh, IL. Instrument assisted soft tissue mobilization is an evidence-backed treatment technique for numerous musculoskeletal conditions. This therapeutic approach, centered around activating and smoothing out 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, helping our Shiloh, IL patients recover safely and properly. Soft tissue mobilization is ideal for Shiloh, IL patients looking for non-invasive treatment methods.

Axes Physical Therapy is run by a group of local Shiloh, IL physical and occupational therapists. We combine our expertise with bettering our patients’ lives with research-supported treatment methods to get Shiloh, IL residents back to the things they love doing most. Whether you’re grappling with an acute injury, chronic discomfort, or post-surgical recovery, Axes Physical Therapy will work closely with you to develop a treatment plan specific 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 get started today.

What Is Soft Tissue Mobilization?

Soft tissue mobilization is a therapeutic technique 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, tailored to your specific needs. It’s a vital element in the treatment of musculoskeletal disorders, providing relief and restoring 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 utilizes specialized tools for more precise and deeper tissue manipulation. Based on James Cyriax‘s deep friction massage, this method involves tools made from materials like stainless steel or hard plastic. Shaped to conform to different parts of the body, 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. Their use enhances the physical therapist’s ability to uncover adhesions and restrictions in the soft tissues, and exerts precise pressure to promote optimal tissue repair and mobility.

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

Soft tissue mobilization covers an array of specific therapies, each tailored to address specific injuries or conditions:

Manual Soft Tissue Mobilization Techniques

Massage: A popular method, massage involves various strokes and pressures to manipulate soft tissues. It can improve circulation, relieve muscle tension, and promote relaxation.
Myofascial Release: This technique focuses on releasing tension in the connective tissue that surrounds muscles. Practitioners employ gentle, sustained pressure to ease fascial restrictions and enhance mobility.
Trigger Point Dry Needling and Trigger Point Therapy: This method addresses trigger points, which are taut bands within muscles that cause pain and discomfort. Pressure is applied to these points to encourage blood flow to the area and reduce pain.
Active Release Techniques (ART): ART melds patient movement with soft tissue mobilization to break up scar tissue in muscles and other soft tissues, striving to bring back free movement.
Cross-Friction Massage: A crosswise massage technique performed perpendicular to the affected tissue. It’s commonly employed for tendons and ligaments to improve circulation and promote healing.
Lymphatic Drainage: A light technique aiming to stimulate the lymphatic system, helping to remove waste products and reduce swelling, usually for 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 active (performed by the patient).
Joint Mobilization: Involves passive movement of a joint by the therapist to enhance flexibility 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 restore healthy soft tissues and eliminate unwanted scar tissue.
Graston Technique®: Uses stainless steel instruments to reduce 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 flexibility, and diminish reliance on medication and surgery.

Each of the listed treatment methods has been proven by science to have its specific uses and benefits, and one of our qualified Shiloh, IL physical therapists can customize these techniques to your individual needs. We’ll utilize these techniques, in combination 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 Shiloh, IL Patients

Soft tissue mobilization, when carried out by professional Shiloh, IL physical therapists such as those at Axes, offers a multitude of benefits to Shiloh, IL patients dealing with various musculoskeletal conditions. Here’s a comprehensive look at some of the key advantages:

Kickstart the Body’s Natural healing Process —
- Improved Blood Flow: Soft tissue mobilization techniques enhance circulation, bringing essential nutrients and oxygen to injured areas, thus accelerating the healing process.
- Reduced Inflammation: These techniques contribute to minimizing inflammation and swelling in affected areas, which is crucial 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 correcting collagen fibers and enhance the overall structure of soft tissues.
Reduction of Pain and Increased Mobility —
- Pain Relief: Soft tissue mobilization is beneficial in minimizing chronic pain and discomfort connected to various conditions.
- Increased Mobility: By addressing 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 be instrumental in preventing future injuries by ensuring healthy, supple tissues.

The benefits of soft tissue mobilization, especially when paired with Axes Physical Therapy’s all-encompassing and custom-tailored approach to care in Shiloh, IL, are profound. When you collaborate with us, you’ll not only experience relief from your current ailments but also enjoy an enhanced quality of life with improved physical function.

Soft Tissue Mobilization | Instrument Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization | IASTM

Conditions Treated with Soft Tissue Mobilization in Shiloh, IL

Axes Physical Therapy utilizes soft tissue mobilization, including IASTM techniques, to treat a broad spectrum of conditions, each with its unique challenges and requirements. Here’s how these methods are used across various types of injuries and conditions in Shiloh, IL:

Acute Injuries

Acute injuries are sudden physical traumas to the body, commonly resulting from accidents or specific incidents during activities, like sports injuries. These injuries typically involve sudden pain, swelling, and loss of stability. Instrument assisted soft tissue mobilization and other soft tissue mobilization techniques play a vital role in lessening inflammation, facilitating 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 continuous stress or extended wear and tear on the body. These injuries are identified by continuous pain, stiffness, and usually a gradual onset. Soft tissue mobilization is beneficial in these scenarios for dissolving scar tissue, alleviating pain, and increasing strength and mobility.

Common chronic injuries treated include:

Tendonosis
ITB Syndrome
Plantar Fasciitis

Post-Surgical Conditions

Following surgery and in post-surgical rehab, patients commonly face challenges like adhesions and restricted flexibility. Soft tissue mobilization, particularly IASTM, is essential in these situations for promoting 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 applying soft tissue mobilization techniques effectively, Axes Physical Therapy adequately manages a wide array of conditions, assisting Shiloh, IL patients in their journey towards wellness, better quality of life, and returning to the activities they love most.

Other services we offer in Shiloh, IL include:

Call Axes Physical Therapy for Your Soft Tissue Mobilization in Shiloh, IL Today

Axes Physical Therapy in Shiloh, IL combines expertise, passion, and a client-focused approach to achieve optimal results in soft tissue mobilization. Choosing Axes means entrusting your treatment to 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 enjoy the most securely and effectively. Don’t let pain or mobility issues stop you any longer. Reach out to Axes Physical Therapy in Shiloh, IL 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 Shiloh, IL