Soft Tissue Mobilization in Wood River, IL | IASTM | Physical Therapy

Soft tissue mobilization in Wood River, IL. Instrument assisted soft tissue mobilization is an evidence-backed treatment technique for various injuries, conditions, and disorders. This treatment method, focused on activating and relieving soft tissue including the muscles, ligaments, and tendons, doesn’t just help reduce pain short term, but reestablishes functionality and boosts the body’s natural healing process, assisting our Wood River, IL patients recover faster and more effectively. Soft tissue mobilization is ideal for Wood River, IL patients seeking non-invasive treatment methods.

Axes Physical Therapy is run by a group of local Wood River, IL physical therapists. We blend our expertise with improving our patients’ lives with scientifically-proven treatment methods to get Wood River, IL residents back to the activities they love. Whether you’re facing an acute injury, chronic discomfort, or post-surgical rehab, Axes Physical Therapy will work closely with you to create a treatment plan customized to your unique needs and goals. Contact us through our website, 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 therapeutic treatment method used in physical therapy to treat conditions impacting the soft tissues of the body, which are the muscles, tendons, and ligaments. This approach involves various hands-on methods ranging from gentle strokes to deeper pressure, depending on your specific needs. It’s a crucial element in the treatment of musculoskeletal disorders, delivering relief and bringing back function to areas compromised by injury, surgery, or chronic conditions.

About Instrument Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization (IASTM)

Instrument assisted soft tissue mobilization (IASTM) is a sophisticated form of soft tissue mobilization that uses specialized tools for targeted and deeper tissue manipulation. Inspired by James Cyriax‘s deep friction massage, this method involves 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 permit therapists to diagnose and treat areas with soft tissue fibrosis or chronic inflammation. Their use enhances the physical therapist’s ability to uncover 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, each tailored to address specific injuries or conditions:

Manual Soft Tissue Mobilization Techniques

Massage: A popular method, massage entails various strokes and pressures to manipulate soft tissues. It can boost circulation, relieve muscle tension, and promote relaxation.
Myofascial Release: This technique targets releasing tension in the fascia. Practitioners apply gentle, sustained pressure to alleviate fascial restrictions and increase mobility.
Trigger Point Dry Needling and Trigger Point Therapy: This method targets trigger points, which are hyperirritable muscles that result in pain and discomfort. Pressure is applied to these points to ease tension 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, aiming to bring back free movement.
Cross-Friction Massage: A crosswise massage technique performed perpendicular to the affected tissue. It’s often used for tendons and ligaments to increase circulation and promote healing.
Lymphatic Drainage: A soothing technique intended 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 commonly incorporated into manual soft tissue mobilization to increase flexibility and movement. They can be passive (performed by the therapist).
Joint Mobilization: Consists of passive movement of a joint by the therapist to increase 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®: Employs stainless steel instruments to minimize restrictions by stretching connective tissues so that their structure is modified.
HawkGrips® Therapy: Makes use of a range of precision-engineered tools aimed at decrease pain in minutes, increase range of motion, and diminish reliance on medication and surgery.

Each of the listed treatment modalities has been validated by research to have its unique uses and benefits, and one of our qualified Wood River, IL physical therapists can tailor these techniques to the condition affecting you and your lifestyle goals. We’ll utilize these techniques, in tandem 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 Wood River, IL Patients

Soft tissue mobilization, when conducted by licensed Wood River, IL physical therapists such as those at Axes, offers a plethora of benefits to Wood River, IL patients experiencing various musculoskeletal conditions. Here’s a comprehensive look at some of the key advantages:

Accelerated Healing Process —
- Improved Blood Flow: Soft tissue mobilization techniques improve circulation, bringing essential nutrients and oxygen to injured areas, thus accelerating the healing process.
- Reduced Inflammation: These techniques aid in lessening inflammation and swelling in affected areas, which is crucial for healing.
- Breakdown of Scar Tissue: Specifically with instrument assisted soft tissue mobilization, the breakdown of scar tissue facilitates quicker regeneration of healthy tissue.
Better Tissue Alignment and Function —
- Restoration of Normal Tissue Function: By releasing tension and restrictions in soft tissues, these techniques restore 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 assist in realigning collagen fibers and better the overall structure of soft tissues.
Reduction of Pain and Increased Mobility —
- Pain Relief: Soft tissue mobilization is helpful in alleviating chronic pain and discomfort related to various conditions.
- Increased Mobility: By tackling the underlying causes of stiffness and immobility, these techniques help patients achieve their full range of motion.
- Prevention of Future Injuries: Regular treatment can also contribute to preventing future injuries by maintaining healthy, supple tissues.

The benefits of soft tissue mobilization, especially when coupled with Axes Physical Therapy’s comprehensive and personalized approach to care in Wood River, IL, are profound. When you form a treatment team with us, you’ll not only experience relief from your current ailments but also appreciate an elevated quality of life with improved physical function.

Soft Tissue Mobilization | Instrument Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization | IASTM

Conditions Treated with Soft Tissue Mobilization in Wood River, IL

Axes Physical Therapy utilizes soft tissue mobilization, including IASTM techniques, to treat a broad spectrum of conditions, each with its specific challenges and requirements. Here’s how these methods are applied across different types of injuries and conditions in Wood River, IL:

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. The use of 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 ongoing stress or extended wear and tear on the body. These injuries are characterized by continuous pain, stiffness, and usually a gradual onset. Soft tissue mobilization is helpful in these scenarios for dissolving scar tissue, relieving pain, and improving mobility.

Common chronic injuries treated include:

Tendonosis
ITB Syndrome
Plantar Fasciitis

Post-Surgical Rehab

Following surgery and in post-surgical rehab, patients commonly face challenges like scar tissue formation and restricted flexibility. Soft tissue mobilization, notably IASTM, is invaluable in these situations for improving 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 effectively, Axes Physical Therapy adequately manages a broad array of conditions, helping Wood River, IL patients in their journey towards healing, enhanced quality of life, and getting back to the activities they cherish.

Other conditions we treat in Wood River, IL include:

Call Axes Physical Therapy for Your Soft Tissue Mobilization in Wood River, IL Today

Axes Physical Therapy in Wood River, IL combines expertise, passion, and a patient-centered approach to deliver optimal results in soft tissue mobilization. Choosing Axes signifies becoming part of a team that focuses on your health and wellbeing, working not just for immediate relief but for long-term functional improvement that brings you back to the activities you enjoy the most securely and effectively. Don’t let pain or mobility issues stop you any longer. Reach out to Axes Physical Therapy in Wood River, IL 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 Wood River, IL