Instrument-Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization (IASTM) is a soft tissue technique that enables clinicians to effectively release fascial restrictions and break down scar tissue. The technique utilizes specially designed instruments to detect and effectively treat areas exhibiting soft tissue fibrosis or chronic inflammation. There are many available brands of IASTM such as Graston, Adhesion Breakers, Edge Mobility and Miyodac Tools. At OSPT we utilize two different styles of IASTM including Edge Mobility System and Adhesion Breakers.
Benefits of IASTM
- Improve myofascial connective tissue mobility
- Increases cellular activity in the region including fibroblasts and mast cells to promote tissue repair
- Increases blood flow to the area
- Alters spinal reflex activity (facilitated segment)
How does IASTM work?
The instruments, much like a tuning fork, resonate in the clinician's hands allowing the clinician to isolate adhesions and restrictions, and treat them very precisely. Since the metal surface of the instruments does not compress as do the fat pads of the finger, deeper restrictions can be accessed and treated. When explaining the properties of the instruments, we often use the analogy of a stethoscope. Just as a stethoscope amplifies what the human ear can hear, so do the instruments increase significantly what the human hands can feel.
