Instrument assisted soft tissue mobilization, or more commonly known as IASTM, is
the use of tools to assess tissue quality and to treat areas identified to have scar tissue, soft tissue restrictions, chronic inflammation or degeneration
.
What is Iastm in physical therapy?
Effective treatment for muscle, ligament and tendon injuries
Instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization
(IASTM) is a technique we often use in physical therapy. IASTM works like a standard massage, but specialized instruments are used in place of a physical therapist’s hands.
What is graston technique used for?
Graston Technique incorporates a patented form of instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization that enables clinicians to effectively detect and treat scar tissue and restrictions that affect normal function. Graston Technique has been effective in the treatment of:
Carpal tunnel syndrome
.
Cervical pain
.
Does graston technique really work?
Clinical Data on the Graston Technique
Research that has been conducted indicates
a relatively high success rate for patients with chronic pain and acute pain from soft tissue injuries
, both in terms of improving the patient’s function and reducing pain.
What is the purpose of Iastm?
Instrument Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization (IASTM) is a set of
handheld instruments we use to break down the scar tissue and fascial restrictions in your soft tissues
. This includes your muscles, ligaments, tendons, nerves and fascia.
Is Astym treatment painful?
Astym usually takes about 10-15 minutes depending on the body part(s) being treated. If there is fibrotic tissue in the area being treated, it often feels bumpy or “crunchy” as the tool glides over the area and can sometimes be a
bit uncomfortable
.
How often can you do Iastm?
The number of treatments may vary from person to person, but usually
two treatments per week for up to five weeks
. Generally, positive results can be experienced by the third or fourth treatment. Exercise after the IASTM treatment is important.
Who can perform manual therapy?
Manual therapy is often defined slightly differently, depending on the medical professional’s scope of practice, whether an osteopathic doctor (DO),
a chiropractor
, or a physical therapist.
What does muscle scraping do?
During your scraping therapy your physician will use a tool to gently “scrape” back and forth over any muscle that is experiencing problems. This is to
reduce soft tissue restrictions and muscle restrictions
. Scraping can be very helpful to patients that have scar tissue, fascia restrictions, and strained muscles.
Can Iastm break up scar tissue?
Scar tissue is less supple than normal tissue and can cause restricted motion and pain.
IASTM helps to break down
that abnormal scar tissue and get the body back to healing normally. IASTM restarts the healing process for the injured tissues by bringing blood flow and fibroblasts to the area.
Is the Graston Technique painful?
When your chiropractor uses the Graston Technique, he or she will use stainless steel instruments to first detect areas of soft-tissue injury and then to break up the restricted tissue. Although some minor discomfort may occur,
the treatment is not painful
.
Can you do graston on yourself?
Self-treating with the wrong tools and without expert help can cause more harm than good. I have seen patients try to perform a Graston-like technique at home using butter knives or
wrenches
. Unfortunately, they often apply too much pressure or target the wrong areas, making the problem worse.
What do you do after Graston Technique?
If any soreness is felt after the procedure, ice application for 15 to 20 minutes following the treatment may ease the discomfort. It is recommended that an
exercise, stretching, and strengthening program
be used in conjunction with the Graston Technique to rehabilitate the back and help the injured tissues heal.
How much does graston technique cost?
The training and instrument costs can be found by entering through Clinician portal off home page, to Training & Education and then Training Fees. The M1 is $650. The M2 is $695. The
full set of 6 instruments costs $2295
.
How long does graston take to work?
Most patients see results
within 3-4 sessions
.
Who can perform the Graston technique?
The Graston Technique is often practiced by
chiropractors, osteopathic physicians, physical therapists, occupational therapists
, and some licensed massage therapists and athletic trainers.
