Soft tissue mobilization in Tower Grove, MO. Instrument assisted soft tissue mobilization is an evidence-backed treatment technique for various musculoskeletal conditions. This therapeutic approach, focused on stimulating and easing soft tissue like the muscles, ligaments, and tendons, doesn’t just alleviate pain short term, but restores functionality and enhances the body’s natural healing process, assisting our Tower Grove, MO patients heal faster and more effectively. Soft tissue mobilization is ideal for Tower Grove, MO patients seeking alternative treatments to surgery.

Axes Physical Therapy is run by a group of local Tower Grove, MO physical and occupational therapists. We blend our passion with enhancing our patients’ lives with research-supported treatment methods to get Tower Grove, MO residents back to the activities they love. Whether you were recently injured, suffer from a chronic condition, or are in post-surgical rehabilitation, Axes Physical Therapy will work closely with you to create a treatment plan customized to your unique needs and goals. Get in touch online, 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.

About 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 entails various hands-on methods ranging from 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, offering relief and restoring function to areas impaired by injury, surgery, 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 uses specialized tools for more precise and deeper tissue manipulation. Drawing from James Cyriax‘s deep friction massage, this method uses tools crafted from materials like stainless steel or hard plastic. Designed to fit to different anatomical areas, these tools are aimed to effectively break down scar tissue and fascial restrictions. IASTM techniques allow 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 promote optimal tissue repair and mobility.

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

Soft tissue mobilization encompasses an array of techniques, each designed to address specific types of tissue issues and patient needs:

Manual Soft Tissue Mobilization Techniques

• Massage: A widely recognized technique, massage involves various strokes and pressures to manipulate soft tissues. It can enhance circulation, relieve muscle tension, and promote relaxation.
• Myofascial Release: This technique concentrates on releasing tension in the connective tissue that surrounds muscles. Practitioners employ gentle, sustained pressure to ease fascial restrictions and improve mobility.
• Trigger Point Dry Needling and Trigger Point Therapy: This method targets trigger points, which are hyperirritable muscles that lead to 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 therapy to break up scar tissue in muscles and other soft tissues, striving to bring back free movement.
• Cross-Friction Massage: A transverse massage technique performed perpendicular to the affected tissue. It’s often used for tendons and ligaments to improve circulation and promote healing.
• Lymphatic Drainage: A gentle technique intended 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 increase flexibility and range of motion. They can be active (performed by the patient).
• Joint Mobilization: Consists of passive movement of a joint by the therapist to increase flexibility and reduce pain. It’s commonly used in combination with other soft tissue techniques.

Instrument Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization (IASTM) Techniques

• Astym® Therapy: Uses specific protocols and instruments to regenerate healthy soft tissues and clear away unwanted adhesions.
• Graston Technique®: Involves stainless steel instruments to alleviate restrictions by stretching connective tissues so that their structure is rearranged.
• HawkGrips® Therapy: Utilizes a range of precision-engineered tools aimed at decrease pain in minutes, increase flexibility, and reduce the necessity of medication and surgery.

Each of the above techniques has been confirmed by peer-backed studies to have its particular uses and benefits, and one of our licensed Tower Grove, MO physical therapists can adapt these methods to the condition affecting you and your lifestyle goals. We’ll utilize these techniques, in tandem with other therapies and patient education, to aid in your recovery and get you back to what you love doing most.

Benefits of Soft Tissue Mobilization for Tower Grove, MO Patients

Soft tissue mobilization, when conducted by professional Tower Grove, MO physical therapists such as those at Axes, offers a array of benefits to Tower Grove, MO patients facing various musculoskeletal conditions. Here’s an in-depth 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 help in lessening inflammation and swelling in affected areas, which is vital for healing.
  • Breakdown of Scar Tissue: Particularly with IASTM, the breakdown of scar tissue promotes faster regeneration of healthy tissue.
• Better Tissue Alignment and Function —
  • Restoration of Normal Tissue Function: By easing tension and restrictions in soft tissues, these techniques bring back normal function and range of motion.
  • Improved Flexibility: Regular soft tissue mobilization can lead to increased flexibility and strength in the muscles, tendons, and ligaments.
  • Alignment Correction: These methods can help in realigning collagen fibers and enhance the overall structure of soft tissues.
• Reduction of Pain and Increased Mobility —
  • Pain Relief: Soft tissue mobilization is beneficial in alleviating chronic pain and discomfort associated with 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 be instrumental in preventing future injuries by maintaining healthy, supple tissues.

The benefits of soft tissue mobilization, especially when paired with Axes Physical Therapy’s comprehensive and custom-tailored approach to care in Tower Grove, MO, are profound. 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 enhanced physical function.

Conditions Treated with Soft Tissue Mobilization in Tower Grove, MO

Axes Physical Therapy employs soft tissue mobilization, including instrument assisted techniques, to treat a broad spectrum of conditions, each with its specific challenges and requirements. Here’s how these approaches are implemented across different types of injuries and conditions in Tower Grove, 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 typically involve sudden pain, swelling, and loss of function. Advanced soft tissue mobilization and other soft tissue mobilization techniques play a vital role in lessening inflammation, promoting healing, and restoring function in these cases.

Common acute injuries treated include:

• Sprains
• Strains
• Fasciitis
• Tendonitis

Chronic Injuries

Chronic injuries develop over time, often due to repetitive stress or long-term wear and tear on the body. These injuries are marked by persistent pain, stiffness, and frequently a gradual onset. Soft tissue mobilization is helpful in these scenarios for reducing scar tissue, easing pain, and improving mobility.

Common chronic injuries treated include:

• Tendonosis
• ITB Syndrome
• Plantar Fasciitis

Post-Surgical Rehabilitation

Following surgery and in post-surgical rehab, patients commonly face challenges like adhesions and restricted mobility. Soft tissue mobilization, notably instrument assisted soft tissue mobilization, is crucial in these situations for promoting tissue healing, lessening 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 successfully treats a broad array of conditions, aiding Tower Grove, MO patients in their road towards recovery, enhanced quality of life, and getting back to the activities they enjoy.

Other conditions we treat in Tower Grove, 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 Tower Grove, MO Today

Axes Physical Therapy in Tower Grove, MO combines experience, compassion, and a patient-centered approach to provide optimal results in soft tissue mobilization. Choosing Axes means becoming part of a team that prioritizes your health and wellbeing, working not just for immediate relief but for long-term functional improvement that gets you back to the activities you love most efficiently and effectively. Don’t let pain or mobility issues stop you any longer. Reach out to Axes Physical Therapy in Tower Grove, 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.