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Writer's pictureDr. W Zach Smith

All You Need to Know About IASTM Manual Therapy

Updated: Jan 30, 2023



If you're an athlete or someone who is constantly active, you know the importance of maintaining your physical health and reducing muscle soreness. Even with if you are diligent with injury prevention, injuries can still happen, IASTM manual therapy can help treat injury and speed up recovery. This form of physical therapy uses muscle scraping tools and other instruments to help remodel scar tissue and improve muscle movement. In this blog post, we will discuss what IASTM manual therapy is, how it works, and some of its benefits.


IASTM Manual Therapy: What It Is and How It Works


IASTM, or Instrument Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization, is a type of manual therapy that uses special instruments to help assess and treat soft tissue injuries. IASTM can be used to help remodel scar tissue, increase blood flow, and reduce inflammation. It is a relatively new treatment modality that is growing in popularity due to its effectiveness in treating a variety of conditions.


There are a variety of different instruments that can be used for IASTM, but they all have a few things in common. They are all designed to provide a deep, targeted massage that can reach the deeper layers of soft tissue. The instruments are also designed to create micro-trauma to the tissue, which can help promote the healing process. The most common brand are the Graston technique tools. These are typically made of medical grade stainless steel. There are many other muscle scraping tool brands on the market. Depending your price range, you can go for name brand or simply buy one on Amazon. Some of the iastm tools have bevelled edges so they are more comfortable over the top of the affected area. There are also tools with an ergonomic design that allows deeper tissue penetration. There are also more tradiaitonal tools such as gua sha. This tool is usually used for smaller areas. Physical therapists will choose the set of tools based on their style of treatment.


IASTM is usually performed by a licensed physical therapist who will select the correct instrument to target the area of concern. The therapist will a variety of different techniques depending on your injury. IASTM is usually performed as part of a larger treatment plan that may also include other modalities such as stretching and exercises.


IASTM has been shown to be effective in treating a variety of conditions including tendinitis, plantar fasciitis, carpal tunnel syndrome, and golfer’s elbow. It can be applied to muscle or connective tissue such as tendon and ligament. It can also be used to help prevent injuries in athletes who are susceptible to overuse injuries. If you are considering IASTM for yourself or someone you know, be sure to consult with a qualified healthcare professional to see if it is right for you.


The Benefits of IASTM Manual Therapy



IASTM, or Instrument Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization, is a type of manual therapy that uses special instruments to help modify scar tissue and loosen muscles. This can help to improve range of motion, reduce pain, and improve recovery time after injuries.

IASTM has been shown to be effective for a variety of conditions, including carpal tunnel syndrome, chronic neck pain, tendinitis, and plantar fasciitis. The therapy can also be helpful for reducing inflammation and swelling after surgery.


One of the benefits of IASTM is that it is relatively gentle and can be used on patients of all ages. The instruments used in the therapy are designed to minimize tissue damage while still being effective at stimulating the remodel of scar tissue and loosening muscles.

Another benefit of IASTM is that it is a relatively short treatment. Sessions typically last between 10 and 20 minutes, which makes it convenient for busy people who may not have time for longer therapies.

If you are suffering from pain or limited range of motion due to an injury, surgery, or chronic condition, IASTM may be a good treatment option for you. Be sure to discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor or physical therapist before starting any new treatment.


How IASTM Manual Therapy Can Help Prevent Muscle Soreness


IASTM manual therapy is a type of massage that can help prevent muscle soreness. We use it on our athletes after activity at times to reduce delayed onset muscle soreness in order to improve ability to train multiple days in a row. It is a form of deep tissue massage that uses instruments to help remodel scar tissue and adhesions in the muscles. This type of therapy can be helpful in preventing muscle soreness because it helps to release muscle tension and hypertonicity that can cause pain and discomfort. IASTM manual therapy can also help improve range of motion and flexibility, which can help to prevent injuries. This manual therapy is typically applied to the muscle tissue and will usually be applied over trigger points.


How IASTM Manual Therapy Can Help Treat Injuries


IASTM manual therapy is a type of therapy that uses special instruments to massage soft tissue and promote healing. It can be used to treat a variety of injuries, including those that are chronic or difficult to heal. IASTM can be an effective treatment for pain, inflammation, and scar tissue. It can also help to improve range of motion and reduce stiffness.



IASTM Manual Therapy: The Bottom Line



IASTM manual therapy is a type of therapy that uses special instruments to massage the soft tissues of the body. This type of therapy can be used to treat a variety of conditions, including:


  • Tendinitis

  • Knee pain treatment

  • Bursitis

  • Myofascial pain syndrome

  • Arthritis

  • Muscle strains

  • Ligament sprains

  • Chronic pain


If you are suffering from an injury or if you are looking to prevent muscle soreness, IASTM manual therapy may be a good option for you. This type of therapy has many benefits and can help you to recover from your injury more quickly or to prevent future injuries from occurring.




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