What Is Soft Tissue Mobilization Technique?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

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Soft tissue mobilization is

a form of manual physical therapy

where your licensed PT uses hands-on techniques on your muscles, ligaments and fascia in order to break adhesions and optimize your muscle function.

What are types of soft tissue mobilization?

  • Strain – Counterstrain.
  • ASTYM – Graston Technique.
  • Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD)
  • Manual traction.
  • Trigger Point Therapy / Myofascial Release.
  • Cross friction.

What is soft tissue mobilization used for?

STM is used to treat

soft tissue injuries including muscle strains and sprains

. It is a type of manual therapy. Soft Tissue Mobilization aids in relaxing tense muscles, reducing scar tissue, and stretching and lengthening fascia to improve range of motion.

Does soft tissue mobilization work?

Although research is limited, soft-tissue mobilization therapy

may provide relief for some people with strains, sprains

, or other soft tissue injuries. The first line of treatment for soft tissue injuries is first aid.

Is soft tissue mobilization the same as massage?

While traditional massage is aimed at working out stress in the body,

medical soft tissue mobilization is directed at restoring normal function to

the affected structures.

How do you loosen soft tissue?


A few well-placed pin-and-glides with a foam roller

can be very effective at loosening up a tight muscle and improving soft tissue function.

How do you break up soft tissue?


Myofascial release (MFR)

— MFR is one of the soft tissue mobilization techniques that is primarily used to break up scar tissue in the soft tissue just under your skin. This technique involves slow motions of gentle force in a targeted area to help release tension and break up scar tissue.

What are the types of soft tissue therapy?

  • Soft Tissue Release (STR)
  • Post isometric relaxation (PIR)
  • Myofascial Release (MFR)
  • Trigger Point Therapy (TPT)

What are the types of mobilization?

  • Elbow Mobilizations.
  • Wrist/Hand Mobilizations.
  • Hip Mobilizations.
  • Knee Mobilizations.
  • Ankle and Foot Mobilisations.
  • Spinal_Manipulation.
  • Shoulder Mobilizations and Manipulation.
  • Cervicothoracic Manipulation.

What is the best treatment for a soft tissue injury?

Treatment involves healing the inflamed area with

rest, compression, elevation, and anti-inflammatory medicine

. Ice may be used in the acute phase of injury. Stretching and strengthening exercises can gradually be added to help avoid further injury.

Is massage good for soft tissue injury?

Massage therapy is a treatment that can

help relieve the pain of soft tissue injuries

and aid in faster recovery times. Often these injuries can benefit from a combination of chiropractic adjustment treatment along with massage therapy.

Why is soft tissue important?

Why Is It Important? If

your muscles and soft tissue are not stretched enough it can cause problems

. The soft tissue may tear or become stuck which results in injuries or adhesions. That can limit your mobility and flexibility as well as cause pain and discomfort.

What does soft tissue consist of?

Refers to

muscle, fat, fibrous tissue, blood vessels

, or other supporting tissue of the body.

What is soft tissue massage?

Soft tissue massage is

a form of massage therapy where the joints and soft tissues are exercised to lessen muscle tension and pain

.

What is joint and soft tissue mobilization?

Mobilization is a

hands-on manual therapy designed to restore joint movement, power, and range of motion

. The therapist gently coaxes joint motion by passive movement within or to the limit of a joint’s normal range of motion.

Who does soft tissue work?

Soft tissue work is a hands-

on approach a physical therapist

will use to improve the quality of soft tissues such as skin, muscle, fascia, tendons, and ligaments. Right after an injury, your body does its best to heal injured tissue. During this process, adhesions in and around the healing tissue may be formed.

James Park
Author
James Park
Dr. James Park is a medical doctor and health expert with a focus on disease prevention and wellness. He has written several publications on nutrition and fitness, and has been featured in various health magazines. Dr. Park's evidence-based approach to health will help you make informed decisions about your well-being.