Long-lasting pain relief for aches and pains.
Are you suffering from a soft tissue injury? Do you have a sports injury or an injury from a car accident? Are scars or adhesions limiting your movement and causing ongoing pain? If so, IASTM physical therapy may help.
Instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization uses specially designed tools to target damaged soft tissues such as muscles, tendons and ligaments. This treatment is commonly used to address scar tissue buildup, promote tendon healing and restore normal movement patterns.
What is IASTM?
IASTM stands for instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization. It is a manual therapy technique used by physical therapists to treat a wide range of musculoskeletal conditions.
During treatment, your physical therapist uses specialized stainless-steel or plastic tools to apply controlled pressure to the skin. This technique helps identify and treat areas of restricted tissue caused by scar tissue adhesions and chronic inflammation.
IASTM is commonly used to address chronic pain, muscle strains and tendinopathies by improving tissue mobility and supporting the body’s natural healing response.
How IASTM Works
IASTM physical therapy targets scar tissue and adhesions that form after injury, overuse or surgery.
Scar tissue is fibrous connective tissue that forms during the healing process. While it is necessary for repair, it does not stretch or function like healthy tissue. Scar tissue can limit mobility, reduce blood flow and contribute to ongoing pain, especially in muscles and tendons.
Adhesions are bands of scar tissue that bind tissues together and restrict normal movement. These restrictions are common in tendon injuries such as tennis elbow and plantar fasciitis in one or both feet.
IASTM helps address these issues by:
- Breaking down scar tissue and adhesions
- Stimulating blood flow to injured tendons and soft tissues
- Promoting proper tendon healing and tissue remodeling
- Supporting facial release by reducing restrictions within the connective tissue
- Improving range of motion and flexibility
- Reducing pain and stiffness
The Graston technique
The Graston Technique is a specific form of IASTM that uses patented ergonomic stainless steel instruments.
These tools allow physical therapists to precisely detect areas of scar tissue and soft tissue restriction and apply targeted treatment. The Graston Technique is commonly used to treat conditions involving chronic tendon irritation and soft tissue damage.
Common conditions treated include lower back pain, carpal tunnel syndrome, rotator cuff injuries, quadriceps pain, tennis elbow, plantar fasciitis and headaches.
Facts about the Graston technique
Before adding the Graston technique to your treatment plan, here are some helpful facts:
- Used by 16 NBA teams, 18 NFL teams and 16 MLB teams
- Utilized by more than 500 professional and amateur sports organizations
- More than 31,000 clinicians worldwide are trained in the technique
- Applied at over 3,600 outpatient facilities
- Included in the curriculum at more than 50 colleges and universities
What to expect from IASTM treatment
At the start of an IASTM physical therapy session, your physical therapist will assess areas of soft tissue restriction and scar tissue.
The edge of the instrument is then gently glided across the affected area until areas of adhesion or tendon restriction are identified. Controlled pressure is applied to help stimulate tissue movement and initiate the healing response.
This process helps promote tendon healing by increasing circulation and encouraging the body to replace damaged tissue with healthier, more flexible tissue.
Treatment pressure and speed vary depending on your condition and comfort level and are adjusted throughout the session.
After treatment, the area is typically stretched, and ice may be applied if soreness occurs. Most patients receive two treatments per week for approximately five weeks and often notice improvement by the third or fourth visit.
Is IASTM painful?
IASTM can cause some discomfort, but it should not be painful. Mild soreness or bruising may occur after treatment, especially when addressing dense scar tissue or chronic tendon issues. These symptoms typically resolve within a few days.
Communication with your physical therapist during treatment is important to ensure your comfort and safety.
Conditions treated with IASTM
IASTM can be effective for many musculoskeletal conditions including:
- Chronic pain
- Muscle strains
- Tendinopathies such as tennis elbow and plantar fasciitis
- Adhesive capsulitis or frozen shoulder
- Scar tissue and soft tissue restrictions
- Post-surgical scarring and adhesions
- IT band syndrome
Benefits of IASTM
IASTM therapy offers several benefits for patients dealing with soft tissue and tendon injuries:
- Reduces pain caused by scar tissue and adhesions
- Improves tendon healing and tissue flexibility
- Increases range of motion and mobility
- Enhances circulation to support tissue repair
- Non-invasive with no medication or surgery required
- Complements exercise and other manual therapy techniques
- Cost-effective compared to more invasive treatment options
Is IASTM right for me?
IASTM physical therapy may be an effective treatment option if you are experiencing pain, stiffness or limited mobility related to scar tissue, adhesions or tendon injuries.
A physical therapist will evaluate your condition, medical history and treatment goals to determine if IASTM is appropriate for you. When combined with therapeutic exercise and education, IASTM can play a key role in restoring function and supporting long-term recovery.
Schedule your IASTM therapy
Are you ready to begin your path toward pain relief, improved mobility and healthier tissue with our safe, effective IASTM treatment services? Our team is ready to help you heal and get back to the activities you enjoy.
Find a Mountain Land Physical Therapy Partners location near you in Utah, Idaho or Montana and schedule your first IASTM therapy session today.
Schedule your IASTM therapy
Are you ready to begin your path toward pain relief, improved mobility and healthier tissue with our safe, effective IASTM treatment services? Our team is ready to help you heal and get back to the activities you enjoy.
Find a Mountain Land Physical Therapy Partners location near you in Utah, Idaho or Montana and schedule your first IASTM therapy session today.