Soft tissue mobilization in Washington, MO. Instrument assisted soft tissue mobilization is an evidence-backed treatment technique for many injuries, conditions, and disorders. This therapeutic approach, focused on working on and smoothing out soft tissue including the muscles, ligaments, and tendons, doesn’t just alleviate pain short term, but brings back functionality and enhances the body’s natural healing process, aiding our Washington, MO patients recover safely and effectively. Soft tissue mobilization is well-suited for Washington, MO patients looking for alternative treatments to surgery.
Axes Physical Therapy is locally owned and operated by a team of expert Washington, MO physical and occupational therapists. We merge our expertise with enhancing our patients’ lives with research-supported treatment methods to get Washington, 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 partner with you to develop a treatment plan tailored to your unique needs and goals. Get in touch through our website, call the Axes location nearest you, or come to any location for a complimentary injury screening to start on your road to recovery 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 involves various hands-on methods including gentle strokes to deeper pressure, tailored to your specific needs. It’s a crucial element in the treatment of musculoskeletal disorders, providing relief and bringing back function to areas impaired 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 constructed of 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 find and manage areas with soft tissue fibrosis or chronic inflammation. Using these instruments enhances the physical therapist’s ability to uncover adhesions and restrictions in the soft tissues, and delivers 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 a range of specific therapies, each designed to tackle specific types of tissue issues and patient needs:
Manual Soft Tissue Mobilization Techniques
- Massage: One of the most well-known forms, massage includes manual pressure and strokes with a therapist’s hands. It can boost 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 focuses on trigger points, which are hyperirritable muscles that cause pain and discomfort. Pressure is applied to these points to ease tension 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 restore free movement.
- Cross-Friction Massage: A perpendicular massage technique applied perpendicular to the affected tissue. It’s frequently utilized for tendons and ligaments to enhance circulation and promote healing.
- Lymphatic Drainage: A light technique designed 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 often 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: Entails passive movement of a joint by the therapist to improve motion and reduce pain. It’s often used in combination with other soft tissue techniques.
Instrument Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization (IASTM) Techniques
- Astym® Therapy: Utilizes specific protocols and instruments to restore healthy soft tissues and clear away unwanted scar tissue.
- Graston Technique®: Involves stainless steel instruments to reduce restrictions by stretching connective tissues so that their structure is modified.
- HawkGrips® Therapy: Utilizes a range of precision-engineered tools designed to decrease pain in minutes, increase range of motion, and reduce the necessity of medication and surgery.
Each of the above treatment modalities has been confirmed by peer-backed studies to have its particular uses and benefits, and one of our professional Washington, MO physical therapists can adapt these methods to your individual needs. We’ll utilize these techniques, in combination with other therapies and patient education, to aid in your recovery and get you back to the activities you love.
Advantages of Soft Tissue Mobilization for Washington, MO Patients
Soft tissue mobilization, when conducted by qualified Washington, MO physical therapists such as those at Axes, offers a multitude of benefits to Washington, MO patients experiencing various musculoskeletal conditions. Here’s an in-depth look at some of the key advantages:
- Kickstart the Body’s Natural healing Process —
- Enhanced Blood Flow: Soft tissue mobilization techniques improve circulation, supplying essential nutrients and oxygen to injured areas, allowing the body to heal itself more effectively.
- Reduced Inflammation: These techniques aid in reducing inflammation and swelling in the injured areas, which is vital for healing.
- Breakdown of Scar Tissue: Specifically with instrument assisted soft tissue mobilization, the breakdown of scar tissue encourages faster healing of healthy tissue.
- Better Tissue Alignment and Function —
- Restoration of Normal Tissue Function: By relieving tension and restrictions in soft tissues, these techniques re-establish normal function and range of motion.
- Improved Flexibility: Regular soft tissue mobilization can cause improved 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 effective in minimizing 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 keeping 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 Washington, MO, are far-reaching. When you collaborate with us, you’ll not only experience relief from your current ailments but also relish an improved quality of life with improved physical function.
Conditions Treated with Soft Tissue Mobilization in Washington, MO
Axes Physical Therapy uses 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 techniques are used across various types of injuries and conditions in Washington, 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 function. Advanced soft tissue mobilization and other soft tissue mobilization techniques play a key 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, often due to ongoing stress or long-term wear and tear on the body. These injuries are marked by ongoing pain, stiffness, and often a gradual onset. Soft tissue mobilization is helpful in these scenarios for reducing scar tissue, alleviating pain, and increasing 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 mobility. Soft tissue mobilization, notably IASTM, is invaluable in these situations for enhancing 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 applying soft tissue mobilization techniques appropriately, Axes Physical Therapy adequately manages a wide array of conditions, aiding Washington, MO patients in their journey towards healing, improved quality of life, and coming back to the activities they enjoy.
Other conditions we treat in Washington, 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 Washington, MO Today
Axes Physical Therapy in Washington, MO brings together experience, compassion, and a patient-centered approach to provide optimal results in soft tissue mobilization. Choosing Axes entails entrusting your treatment to a team that focuses on your health and wellbeing, working not just for immediate relief but for long-term functional improvement that returns you back to the activities you love most securely and effectively. Don’t let pain or mobility issues keep you down any longer. Reach out to Axes Physical Therapy in Washington, 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.
