IASTM

For IASTM Physical Therapy treatment look for Prep Performance Center in Chicago, Illinois, United States

What is IASTM?

It is an Instrument-Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization (IASTM) is a manual technique your physical therapist can perform using a plastic or metal tool or “blade.” Your physical therapist can perform IASTM using a variety of pressures and speeds to help heal and reduce inflammation, facilitate a contraction (turn a muscle on), or inhibit a muscle (turn a muscle off). While according to Physiopedia, it is used for the detection and treatment of soft tissue disorders.

How does it work?

Instruments effectively break down fascial restrictions and scar tissue. (Fascia is a fancy word for connective tissue that goes all over the body). The design of these instruments provides the physical therapist with the ability to find damaged areas and allows the physical therapist to treat the area with the appropriate amount of pressure.

The introduction of controlled small tissue damage to the affected muscles, tendons and/or ligaments causes a mild inflammatory response. This starts the natural process of healing. Adhesions (scars) within the tissues which may have developed as a result of surgery, immobilization, repeated strain or other mechanisms, are broken down allowing full functional restoration to occur.

IASTM Indications

  • Limited motion
  • pain during motion
  • motor control issues
  • Muscle recruitment issues

Conditions for which IASTM is usually used:

  • Tennis and Golfer’s elbow
  • Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
  • Neck Pain
  • Plantar Fasciitis
  • Rotator Cuff Tendonitis
  • Patellar Tendonitis
  • Heel Pain / Achilles Tendinitis
  • Post-Surgical and Traumatic Scars
  • Myofascial Pain and Restrictions
  • Muscle Imbalances
  • Chronic Joint Swelling Associated with Sprains/Strains
  • Ligament Sprains
  • Muscle Strains
  • Bursitis
  • Back Pain
  • Trigger Finger
  • Hip Pain
  • IT Band Syndrome
  • Shin Splints
  • Chronic Ankle Sprains
  • Scars (Surgical, Traumatic)

Are you wondering if IASTM is right for you? Contact PREP Performance Center in Lincoln Square, Irving Park, Lakeview, Horner Park, Roscoe Village & Ravenswood Chicago, IL today. Our friendly staff is happy to answer your questions, help you schedule an appointment, and educate you about our wide range of physiotherapy services we offer. Drug-free relief from your joint or muscle pain is possible, so make a request to get your healing journey started today.

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