Soft tissue mobilization in Union, MO. Instrument assisted soft tissue mobilization is an evidence-backed treatment technique for numerous injuries, conditions, and disorders. This treatment method, aimed at stimulating and smoothing out soft tissue including the muscles, ligaments, and tendons, doesn’t just alleviate pain momentarily, but restores functionality and enhances the body’s natural healing process, helping our Union, MO patients heal safely and successfully. Soft tissue mobilization is ideal for Union, MO patients looking for non-invasive treatment methods.
Axes Physical Therapy is run by a group of local Union, MO physical and occupational therapists. We combine our expertise with improving our patients’ lives with scientifically-proven treatment methods to get Union, MO residents back to the activities they love. Whether you’re grappling with an acute injury, chronic discomfort, or post-surgical recovery, Axes Physical Therapy will form a team with you to develop a treatment plan specific to your unique needs and goals. Get in touch online, call the Axes most convenient to you, or come to any location for a free injury screening to start on your road to recovery today.
About Soft Tissue Mobilization
Soft tissue mobilization is a restorative technique used in physical therapy to treat conditions affecting the soft tissues of the body, such as muscles, tendons, and ligaments. This approach involves various hands-on methods including gentle strokes to deeper pressure, depending on what condition or injury you’re ailing from. It’s a vital element in the treatment of musculoskeletal disorders, delivering relief and re-establishing function to areas compromised by injury, a medical condition, or chronic conditions.
What Is Instrument Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization?
Instrument assisted soft tissue mobilization (IASTM) is an advanced form of soft tissue mobilization that uses specialized tools for targeted and deeper tissue manipulation. Drawing from James Cyriax‘s deep friction massage, this method uses tools made from materials like stainless steel or hard plastic. Configured to adapt to different parts of the body, these tools are designed 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 detect adhesions and restrictions in the soft tissues, and exerts precise pressure to facilitate optimal tissue repair and mobility.
Soft Tissue Mobilization and Instrument Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization (ISTYM) Techniques
Soft tissue mobilization encompasses a range of specific therapies, each designed to tackle specific injuries or conditions:
Manual Soft Tissue Mobilization Techniques
- Massage: One of the most well-known forms, massage involves manual pressure and strokes with a therapist’s hands. It can boost circulation, relieve muscle tension, and promote relaxation.
- Myofascial Release: This technique focuses on releasing tension in the fascia. Practitioners apply gentle, sustained pressure to alleviate fascial restrictions and enhance mobility.
- Trigger Point Dry Needling and Trigger Point Therapy: This method addresses 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 combines patient movement with manual pressure to break up scar tissue in muscles and other soft tissues, striving to restore free movement.
- Cross-Friction Massage: A crosswise massage technique executed perpendicular to the affected tissue. It’s often used for tendons and ligaments to increase circulation and promote healing.
- Lymphatic Drainage: A gentle technique aiming 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 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: Consists of passive movement of a joint by the therapist to enhance 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 regenerate healthy soft tissues and eliminate unwanted scar tissue.
- Graston Technique®: Employs stainless steel instruments to alleviate restrictions by stretching connective tissues so that their structure is realigned.
- HawkGrips® Therapy: Utilizes a range of precision-engineered tools intended to decrease pain in minutes, increase flexibility, and diminish the necessity of medication and surgery.
Each of the listed treatment modalities has been confirmed by research to have its particular uses and benefits, and one of our licensed Union, MO physical therapists can customize these methods to your individual needs. We’ll use these techniques, in combination 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 Union, MO Patients
Soft tissue mobilization, when performed by licensed Union, MO physical therapists such as those at Axes, offers a array of benefits to Union, MO patients dealing with various musculoskeletal conditions. Here’s an in-depth look at some of the key advantages:
- Accelerated Healing Process —
- Improved Blood Flow: Soft tissue mobilization techniques improve blood flow to the affected area, supplying essential nutrients and oxygen to injured areas, allowing the body to heal itself more effectively.
- Reduced Inflammation: These techniques contribute to reducing inflammation and swelling in affected areas, which is crucial for healing.
- Breakdown of Scar Tissue: Particularly with instrument assisted soft tissue mobilization, 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 re-establish 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 realigning collagen fibers and improve 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 associated with 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 play a role in preventing future injuries by ensuring healthy, supple tissues.
The benefits of soft tissue mobilization, especially when coupled with Axes Physical Therapy’s holistic and individualized approach to care in Union, MO, are profound. When you collaborate with us, you’ll not only find relief from your current ailments but also relish an enhanced quality of life with improved physical function.
Conditions Treated with Soft Tissue Mobilization in Union, MO
Axes Physical Therapy uses soft tissue mobilization, including IASTM techniques, to treat a vast spectrum of conditions, each with its unique challenges and requirements. Here’s how these approaches are applied across multiple types of injuries and conditions in Union, MO:
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 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, facilitating healing, and reestablishing function in these cases.
Common acute injuries treated include:
- Sprains
- Strains
- Fasciitis
- Tendonitis
Chronic Injuries
Chronic injuries form over time, frequently due to ongoing stress or long-term wear and tear on the body. These injuries are characterized by ongoing pain, stiffness, and usually a gradual onset. Soft tissue mobilization is effective in these scenarios for dissolving scar tissue, relieving pain, and increasing mobility.
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, especially IASTM, is crucial in these situations for promoting tissue healing, minimizing scar tissue formation, and aiding 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 appropriately, Axes Physical Therapy adequately manages a vast array of conditions, helping Union, MO patients in their road towards healing, improved quality of life, and coming back to the activities they cherish.
Other services we offer in Union, 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 Union, MO Today
Axes Physical Therapy in Union, MO integrates expertise, passion, and a personalized approach to deliver optimal results in soft tissue mobilization. Choosing Axes entails entrusting your recovery to a team that values your health and wellbeing, working not just for immediate relief but for long-term functional improvement that brings you back to the activities you cherish safely and effectively. Don’t let pain or mobility issues keep you down any longer. Reach out to Axes Physical Therapy in Union, 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.
