Soft Tissue Mobilization in South County, MO | IASTM | Physical Therapy

Soft tissue mobilization in South County, MO. Instrument assisted soft tissue mobilization is an evidence-backed treatment technique for various injuries, conditions, and disorders. This treatment method, centered around activating and smoothing out soft tissue like the muscles, ligaments, and tendons, doesn’t just alleviate pain the day of your appointment, but brings back functionality and improves the body’s natural healing process, helping our South County, MO patients heal faster and more effectively. Soft tissue mobilization is particularly useful for South County, MO patients looking for non-invasive treatment methods.

Axes Physical Therapy is run by a group of local South County, MO physical therapists. We merge our expertise with enhancing our patients’ lives with scientifically-proven treatment methods to get South County, MO residents back to the things they love doing most. Whether you’re dealing with an acute injury, chronic discomfort, or post-surgical rehab, Axes Physical Therapy will work closely with you to develop a treatment plan customized to your condition, lifestyle, and goals. Get in touch online, call the Axes most convenient to 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 restorative 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 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 affected 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 uses specialized tools for more precise and deeper tissue manipulation. Drawing from 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 aimed to effectively break down scar tissue and fascial restrictions. IASTM techniques enable therapists to detect and address areas with soft tissue fibrosis or chronic inflammation. The application of these tools enhances the physical therapist’s ability to uncover adhesions and restrictions in the soft tissues, and exerts precise pressure to facilitate the body’s natural healing process.

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

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

Manual Soft Tissue Mobilization Techniques

Massage: A widely recognized technique, massage includes manual pressure and strokes with a therapist’s hands. It can enhance circulation, relieve muscle tension, and promote relaxation.
Myofascial Release: This technique concentrates on releasing tension in the fascia. Practitioners utilize gentle, sustained pressure to alleviate 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 result in 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 manual therapy to break up adhesions in muscles and other soft tissues, intending to bring back free movement.
Cross-Friction Massage: A transverse massage technique executed perpendicular to the affected tissue. It’s frequently utilized for tendons and ligaments to enhance circulation and promote healing.
Lymphatic Drainage: A light technique aiming 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 often 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: Entails passive movement of a joint by the therapist to improve motion and reduce pain. It’s regularly 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 remove unwanted adhesions.
Graston Technique®: Involves stainless steel instruments to alleviate restrictions by stretching connective tissues so that their structure is rearranged.
HawkGrips® Therapy: Employs a range of precision-engineered tools intended to decrease pain in minutes, increase range of motion, and lessen need for medication and surgery.

Each of the listed techniques has been validated by peer-backed studies to have its particular uses and benefits, and one of our licensed South County, MO physical therapists can tailor these techniques to the condition affecting you and your lifestyle goals. We’ll use these techniques, in tandem with other therapies and patient education, to help heal you and get you back to the activities you love.

Benefits of Soft Tissue Mobilization for South County, MO Patients

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

Accelerated Healing Process —
- Enhanced Blood Flow: Soft tissue mobilization techniques boost blood flow to the affected area, supplying essential nutrients and oxygen to injured areas, thus hastening the healing process.
- Reduced Inflammation: These techniques help in reducing inflammation and swelling in the injured areas, which is essential for healing.
- Breakdown of Scar Tissue: Especially with IASTM, the breakdown of scar tissue encourages quicker healing of healthy tissue.
Improvement in Tissue Alignment and Function —
- Restoration of Normal Tissue Function: By releasing 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 assist in correcting collagen fibers and improve the overall structure of soft tissues.
Reduction of Pain and Increased Mobility —
- Pain Relief: Soft tissue mobilization is effective in alleviating chronic pain and discomfort connected 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 maintaining healthy, supple tissues.

The benefits of soft tissue mobilization, especially when coupled with Axes Physical Therapy’s all-encompassing and custom-tailored approach to care in South County, MO, are extensive. When you partner with us, you’ll not only experience relief from your current ailments but also relish 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 South County, MO

Axes Physical Therapy employs soft tissue mobilization, including instrument assisted techniques, to treat a wide 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 South County, MO:

Acute Injuries

Acute injuries refer to sudden physical traumas to the body, commonly 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 lessening inflammation, enhancing healing, and restoring function in these cases.

Common acute injuries treated include:

Sprains
Strains
Fasciitis
Tendonitis

Chronic Injuries

Chronic injuries develop over time, usually due to continuous stress or extended wear and tear on the body. These injuries are marked by persistent pain, stiffness, and frequently a gradual onset. Soft tissue mobilization is beneficial in these scenarios for dissolving scar tissue, relieving 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 often face challenges like scar tissue formation and restricted mobility. Soft tissue mobilization, particularly instrument assisted soft tissue mobilization, is essential in these situations for enhancing 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 utilizing soft tissue mobilization techniques properly, Axes Physical Therapy adequately manages a vast array of conditions, aiding South County, MO patients in their path towards healing, improved quality of life, and returning to the activities they love most.

Other services we offer in South County, MO include:

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

Axes Physical Therapy in South County, MO brings together experience, passion, and a personalized approach to achieve optimal results in soft tissue mobilization. Choosing Axes signifies entrusting your recovery to a team that values your health and wellbeing, aiming not just for immediate relief but for long-term functional improvement that returns you back to the activities you cherish efficiently and effectively. Don’t let pain or mobility issues stop you any longer. Reach out to Axes Physical Therapy in South County, 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.