Instrument assisted soft tissue mobilisation
Instrument assisted soft tissue mobilisation is a treatment that is used to address soft tissue dysfunction. It relies less on traditional massage techniques and more on the use of tools. Apart from soft tissues, it can also be used to treat muscular and skeletal conditions through the use of friction.
The tools used are hand-held and require training to use properly. Their purpose is to locate and treat soft tissue dysfunction. The instruments involved are specially-designed, capable of treating fascial restrictions. Scar tissue is an example.
The instruments trigger an inflammatory response. This breaks down the tissue and allows the body to absorb it, producing new collagen at the injured site. Because of this, IASTM is often called for as part of post-injury or post-surgery care.
However, that is not its only function.
IASTM can be used to address acute and chronic soft tissue conditions, as well as assist in post-injury therapy. It is most often used to break scar tissue, but its techniques and equipment can also help in restoring mobility after an accident or accelerate the overall healing process.
Scar tissue removal is important because it can decrease the strength of the skin. If it’s in the wrong position, it may also restrict blood flow and limit the range of motion. Motion and pressure on the area not only breaks down the tissue, it can also realign them.
Restoring mobility post-surgery is also a function for IASTM. Surgical scarring and the thickening of tissues after an operation are a natural response. However, if allowed to linger too long, these can become problematic.
IASTM uses friction against the skin. This promotes blood circulation, which in turn plays into the healing process. Some patients may experience a mild discomfort, but it is not a typical response.
Overall, IASTM has three general effects on human physiology. It increases the rate of cellular exchange. It improves vascular response in target areas. Finally, it breaks down and realigns the fibres of collagen in the body.
IASTM promotes cellular exchange. This is the process of cells going out of tissues, along with new ones coming in. Friction against soft tissues helps push the process along, removing bad cells, waste products, and toxins. Oxygenated, healthy cells fill in the gaps.
The therapy also causes mild inflammation in the target area. This causes the capillaries to widen, increasing the flow of blood that is essential for cellular repair and replacement.
What You Get
Deep Tissue Massage
This is a treatment that is focused on working on deeper layers of muscle, as well as connective tissues. The purpose is to help realign the tissues, which may have been deformed by accidents, injuries, or trauma.
It’s great for relaxing muscles and working on deeper musculature.
Instrument-Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilisation
This is a treatment designed to locate and treat soft tissue dysfunctions. It relies on the use of tools, addressing muscular and skeletal conditions through the application of friction techniques on the skin.
The primary function is to break down scar tissue.
Mechanical Massage
This treatment is used in combination with other approaches, aimed towards the soft tissues. This may utilize a number of equipment and is designed for targeting specific zones or affecting larger, deeper parts of the body.
It fulfils the same function as manual massage therapies but is preferred by some due to a lack of the personal element.
Remedial Massage
This is meant to treat deep and superficial tissues alike. This treatment relies on the use of a number of skilled techniques, aimed at manipulating soft tissues. It also sees use as a method of relaxation, reducing pain and normalizing muscular tissues.
Sports Massage
This is a deep tissue mobilization treatment. Despite the name, it is applied in both a sporting and non-sporting context. The term covers a wide range of techniques and methodologies, such as kneading and hacking.
Sports massage might see a use for general relaxation. It is also used as part of a treatment regimen for athletes, relieving muscular tension and mobilizing tissues.
Swedish Massage
Gentle and vigorous, this therapeutic approach uses massage techniques and strokes to promote relaxation. Gentle methods are used to warm up muscles and increase circulation. More vigorous techniques break down soft tissues.
Swedish massage can be used as a treatment for many conditions.
Therapeutic Massage
This is involved in the mobilization of soft tissues, often to induce relaxation. This process uses a combination of specific techniques to produce the effects. It might be used to decrease pain, reduce stress, or to improve circulation and reduce heart rate.
