Soft Tissue Mobilization in Wilbur Park, MO | Instrument Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization | Physical Therapy

Soft tissue mobilization in Wilbur Park, MO. Instrument assisted soft tissue mobilization is an evidence-backed treatment technique for many injuries, conditions, and disorders. This treatment method, centered around working on and relieving soft tissue like the muscles, ligaments, and tendons, doesn’t just help reduce pain momentarily, but restores functionality and boosts the body’s natural healing process, assisting our Wilbur Park, MO patients heal safely and properly. Soft tissue mobilization is ideal for Wilbur Park, MO patients seeking non-invasive treatment methods.

Axes Physical Therapy is run by a group of local Wilbur Park, MO physical therapists. We combine our passion with bettering our patients’ lives with evidence-backed treatment methods to get Wilbur Park, MO residents back to the things they love doing most. Whether you were recently injured, suffer from a chronic condition, or are in post-surgical rehabilitation, Axes Physical Therapy will partner with you to create a treatment plan specific to your unique needs and goals. Contact us 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 treatment method used in physical therapy to treat conditions affecting the soft tissues of the body, which are the muscles, tendons, and ligaments. This approach incorporates various hands-on methods ranging from gentle strokes to deeper pressure, depending on what condition or injury is affecting you. It’s a crucial element in the treatment of musculoskeletal disorders, offering 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 an advanced form of soft tissue mobilization that employs specialized tools for more precise and deeper tissue manipulation. Based on James Cyriax‘s deep friction massage, this method involves tools constructed of materials like stainless steel or hard plastic. Designed to fit to different parts of the body, these tools are designed to effectively break down scar tissue and fascial restrictions. IASTM techniques permit therapists to detect and address 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 applies precise pressure to promote the body’s natural healing process.

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

Soft tissue mobilization includes an array of techniques, all intended to tackle specific types of tissue issues and patient needs:

Manual Soft Tissue Mobilization Techniques

Massage: A popular method, massage includes various strokes and pressures to manipulate soft tissues. It can improve circulation, relieve muscle tension, and promote relaxation.
Myofascial Release: This technique aims at releasing tension in the fascia. Practitioners apply 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 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 combines patient movement with soft tissue mobilization to break up scar tissue in muscles and other soft tissues, striving to restore free movement.
Cross-Friction Massage: A transverse massage technique applied perpendicular to the affected tissue. It’s frequently utilized for tendons and ligaments to improve circulation and promote healing.
Lymphatic Drainage: A soothing technique designed to stimulate the lymphatic system, assisting to remove waste products and reduce swelling, especially in patients with lymphedema.
Stretching and Range of Motion Exercises: These are often incorporated into manual soft tissue mobilization to improve flexibility and range of motion. They can be passive (performed by the therapist).
Joint Mobilization: Involves passive movement of a joint by the therapist to enhance range of 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 eliminate unwanted scar tissue.
Graston Technique®: Uses stainless steel instruments to alleviate restrictions by stretching connective tissues so that their structure is modified.
HawkGrips® Therapy: Makes use of a range of precision-engineered tools designed to decrease pain in minutes, increase flexibility, and reduce the necessity of medication and surgery.

Each of the above treatment methods has been confirmed by science to have its particular applications and benefits, and one of our professional Wilbur Park, MO physical therapists can tailor these methods to the condition affecting you and your lifestyle goals. We’ll employ these techniques, in tandem with other therapies and patient education, to help heal you and get you back to what you love doing most.

Benefits of Soft Tissue Mobilization for Wilbur Park, MO Patients

Soft tissue mobilization, when conducted by professional Wilbur Park, MO physical therapists such as those at Axes, offers a multitude of benefits to Wilbur Park, MO patients experiencing various musculoskeletal conditions. Here’s a detailed look at some of the key advantages:

Accelerated Healing Process —
- Improved Blood Flow: Soft tissue mobilization techniques enhance blood flow to the affected area, bringing essential nutrients and oxygen to injured areas, thus speeding up the healing process.
- Reduced Inflammation: These techniques contribute to reducing inflammation and swelling in the injured areas, which is essential for healing.
- Breakdown of Scar Tissue: Particularly with instrument assisted soft tissue mobilization, the breakdown of scar tissue encourages quicker regeneration 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 result in enhanced flexibility and strength in the muscles, tendons, and ligaments.
- Alignment Correction: These methods can aid in adjusting 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 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 be instrumental in preventing future injuries by maintaining healthy, supple tissues.

The benefits of soft tissue mobilization, especially when coupled with Axes Physical Therapy’s holistic and personalized approach to care in Wilbur Park, MO, are profound. When you collaborate with us, you’ll not only experience relief from your current ailments but also relish an improved quality of life with enhanced physical function.

Soft Tissue Mobilization | Instrument Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization | IASTM

Conditions Treated with Soft Tissue Mobilization in Wilbur Park, MO

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

Acute Injuries

Acute injuries refer to sudden physical traumas to the body, usually resulting from accidents or specific incidents during activities, like sports injuries. These injuries commonly involve sudden pain, swelling, and loss of stability. Instrument assisted soft tissue mobilization and other soft tissue mobilization techniques play a key role in reducing 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, often due to continuous stress or extended wear and tear on the body. These injuries are identified by continuous pain, stiffness, and frequently a gradual onset. Soft tissue mobilization is effective in these scenarios for dissolving scar tissue, relieving 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, particularly instrument assisted soft tissue mobilization, is crucial 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 utilizing soft tissue mobilization techniques appropriately, Axes Physical Therapy successfully treats a vast array of conditions, helping Wilbur Park, MO patients in their path towards healing, improved quality of life, and getting back to the activities they enjoy.

Other conditions we treat in Wilbur Park, MO include:

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

Axes Physical Therapy in Wilbur Park, MO combines expertise, compassion, and a client-focused approach to provide optimal results in soft tissue mobilization. Choosing Axes means becoming part of a team that focuses on your health and wellbeing, striving not just for immediate relief but for ongoing functional improvement that returns you back to the activities you cherish efficiently and effectively. Don’t let pain or mobility issues keep you down any longer. Reach out to Axes Physical Therapy in Wilbur Park, MO and take the first step towards a more active life. Contact us online, call the Axes location nearest you, or come to any location for a free injury screening to get started today.