IASTM Glenn Dale & Clinton, MD

IASTM

Instrument assisted soft tissue mobilization (IASTM) is a manual physical therapy technique performed at Evidence Physical Therapy. Our Glenn Dale and Clinton physical therapists use special plastic or metal tools to gently move and scrape against the skin to relieve pain, decrease inflammation, and promote the healing process.

If you have been living with a painful and/or limiting condition, IASTM will likely benefit you. Contact Evidence Physical Therapy today to request an appointment with one of our licensed Glenn Dale and Clinton physical therapists and learn more about what you can gain from this technique!

How do I know if IASTM will help me?

You may be wondering if IASTM is right for you. There are a vast number of conditions that IASTM can treat, including:

  • Back pain
  • Neck pain
  • Hip pain
  • Heel pain/Achilles tendonitis
  • Myofascial pain and restrictions
  • Muscle imbalances
  • Rotator cuff tendonitis
  • Patellar tendonitis
  • Muscle strains
  • Ligament sprains
  • Shin splints
  • Chronic joint swelling associated with sprains/strains
  • Bursitis
  • Carpal tunnel syndrome
  • Tennis and golfer’s elbow
  • Post-surgical and traumatic scars
  • Plantar fasciitis
  • Trigger finger
  • IT band syndrome

What can I expect with IASTM?

You may be wondering, “why is it necessary to use instruments in physical therapy?” Most manual physical therapy treatments are done with the hands, but there are many benefits that instruments can bring. For example, these special instruments can effectively break down fascial (connective tissue) restrictions and scar tissue across the body. These instruments are also designed to act as an aid for physical therapists, so they can find and treat affected areas with more accuracy.

There are a number of different speeds and pressures that an IASTM-trained physical therapist may use while conducting this specific technique, and it will be based on the nature of your condition and your specific needs. These different speeds and pressures work to facilitate a contraction (also known as turning a muscle on) or inhibit a muscle (also known as turning a muscle off).

When using certain levels of pressure through IASM on the affected muscles, tendons, or ligaments, a mild inflammatory response is initiated. While this may seem counterintuitive, inflammation helps promote the body’s natural healing process, so you can recover and get back to your life faster.

This also helps break down adhesions or scars that may have occurred, due to a surgical operation, repetitive use injury, or immobilization. By breaking these down, IASTM allows functional restoration to occur.

IASTM has been proven to help with:

  • Pain with movement
  • Muscle recruitment issues
  • Limited motion
  • Motor control issues

How can I get started with IASTM?

Do you have one of the symptoms listed above? Are you suffering from pain? Are you not able to breeze through your daily tasks anymore? If so, IASTM may be for you.

Contact our Glenn Dale and Clinton physical therapy office today to request your appointment and meet with one of our dedicated physical therapists who will determine the best course of treatment for you. Don’t suffer through life any longer – take a stand with physical therapy!