Soft Tissue Mobilization in Valley Park, MO | IASTM | Physical Therapy

Soft tissue mobilization in Valley Park, MO. Instrument assisted soft tissue mobilization is an evidence-backed treatment technique for numerous musculoskeletal conditions. This treatment method, aimed at stimulating and relieving soft tissue including the muscles, ligaments, and tendons, doesn’t just help reduce pain the day of your appointment, but restores functionality and boosts the body’s natural healing process, aiding our Valley Park, MO patients recover faster and more effectively. Soft tissue mobilization is particularly useful for Valley Park, MO patients in need of non-invasive treatment methods.

Axes Physical Therapy is run by a group of local Valley Park, MO physical and occupational therapists. We blend our expertise with improving our patients’ lives with evidence-backed treatment methods to get Valley Park, 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 develop a treatment plan customized to your condition, lifestyle, and goals. Get in touch online, call the Axes location nearest 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 healing treatment method 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, suited to your specific needs. It’s a vital element in the treatment of musculoskeletal disorders, delivering relief and bringing back function to areas compromised by injury, a medical condition, 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 employs specialized tools for more precise and deeper tissue manipulation. Drawing from James Cyriax‘s deep friction massage, this method employs tools made from materials like stainless steel or hard plastic. Configured to adapt to different anatomical areas, these tools are aimed to effectively break down scar tissue and fascial restrictions. IASTM techniques allow therapists to diagnose and heal areas with soft tissue fibrosis or chronic inflammation. Using these instruments enhances the physical therapist’s ability to detect adhesions and restrictions in the soft tissues, and delivers precise pressure to encourage the body’s natural healing process.

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

Soft tissue mobilization encompasses a range of techniques, each designed to tackle 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 boost circulation, relieve muscle tension, and promote relaxation.
Myofascial Release: This technique focuses on releasing tension in the connective tissue that surrounds muscles. Practitioners utilize gentle, sustained pressure to alleviate fascial restrictions and improve mobility.
Trigger Point Dry Needling and Trigger Point Therapy: This method addresses trigger points, which are taut bands within muscles that result in pain and discomfort. Pressure is applied to these points to alleviate tension and reduce pain.
Active Release Techniques (ART): ART combines patient movement with manual therapy to break up scar tissue in muscles and other soft tissues, aiming to bring back free movement.
Cross-Friction Massage: A transverse massage technique performed perpendicular to the affected tissue. It’s commonly employed for tendons and ligaments to enhance circulation and promote healing.
Lymphatic Drainage: A gentle 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 commonly incorporated into manual soft tissue mobilization to enhance flexibility and movement. They can be active (performed by the patient).
Joint Mobilization: Involves passive movement of a joint by the therapist to enhance motion and reduce pain. It’s regularly 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 eliminate unwanted adhesions.
Graston Technique®: Uses stainless steel instruments to reduce restrictions by stretching connective tissues so that their structure is modified.
HawkGrips® Therapy: Employs an array of precision-engineered tools aimed at decrease pain in minutes, increase range of motion, and diminish reliance on medication and surgery.

Each of the above techniques has been proven by peer-backed studies to have its particular applications and benefits, and one of our professional Valley Park, MO physical therapists can adapt these methods to your individual needs. We’ll utilize these techniques, in tandem with other therapies and patient education, to assist in your healing and get you back to what you love doing most.

Advantages of Soft Tissue Mobilization for Valley Park, MO Patients

Soft tissue mobilization, when carried out by professional Valley Park, MO physical therapists such as those at Axes, offers a plethora of benefits to Valley Park, MO patients experiencing 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 boost circulation, supplying essential nutrients and oxygen to injured areas, allowing the body to heal itself more effectively.
- Reduced Inflammation: These techniques aid in minimizing inflammation and swelling in the injured areas, which is vital for healing.
- Breakdown of Scar Tissue: Especially with instrument assisted soft tissue mobilization, 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 bring back normal function and range of motion.
- Improved Flexibility: Regular soft tissue mobilization can result in increased flexibility and strength in the muscles, tendons, and ligaments.
- Alignment Correction: These methods can help 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 play a role in preventing future injuries by keeping healthy, supple tissues.

The benefits of soft tissue mobilization, especially when paired with Axes Physical Therapy’s holistic and personalized approach to care in Valley Park, MO, are far-reaching. When you form a treatment team with us, you’ll not only find relief from your current ailments but also enjoy an elevated quality of life with better physical function.

Soft Tissue Mobilization | Instrument Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization | IASTM

Conditions Treated with Soft Tissue Mobilization in Valley Park, MO

Axes Physical Therapy uses soft tissue mobilization, including instrument assisted techniques, to treat a vast spectrum of conditions, each with its own challenges and requirements. Here’s how these approaches are implemented across different types of injuries and conditions in Valley Park, MO:

Acute Injuries

Acute injuries are 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 commonly involve sudden pain, swelling, and loss of stability. Advanced soft tissue mobilization and other soft tissue mobilization techniques play a crucial role in reducing 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, frequently due to repetitive stress or long-term wear and tear on the body. These injuries are marked by continuous pain, stiffness, and frequently a gradual onset. Soft tissue mobilization is effective in these scenarios for breaking down scar tissue, alleviating pain, and improving 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 scar tissue formation and restricted flexibility. Soft tissue mobilization, especially instrument assisted soft tissue mobilization, 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 effectively, Axes Physical Therapy adequately manages a vast array of conditions, aiding Valley Park, MO patients in their path towards wellness, enhanced quality of life, and returning to the activities they cherish.

Other services we offer in Valley Park, MO include:

Call Axes Physical Therapy for Your Soft Tissue Mobilization in Valley Park, MO Today

Axes Physical Therapy in Valley Park, MO brings together experience, compassion, and a patient-centered approach to deliver optimal results in soft tissue mobilization. Choosing Axes signifies becoming part of a team that prioritizes your health and wellbeing, working not just for immediate relief but for sustained functional improvement that returns you back to the activities you enjoy the most safely and effectively. Don’t let pain or mobility issues stop you any longer. Reach out to Axes Physical Therapy in Valley Park, 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.

Soft Tissue Mobilization Valley Park, MO