What is Instrument Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization?
Instrument Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization (IASTM) is the use of instruments (or tools) to perform soft tissue massage. Soft tissue includes muscle, tendon, ligament, and fascia. The physio uses the instruments to both detect and treat soft tissue restrictions and disorders.
How does it work?
By performing IASTM, the physio creates controlled micro trauma to the soft tissue. This stimulates a local inflammatory response, which leads to tissue remodelling. This includes:
Increased fibroblast activity, which creates and remodels collagen. Collagen is the main structural protein found in all connective tissues
Increased blood flow
Increased stem cell production
Because the tool creates a different amount of pressure than a therapist’s hands, IASTM can potentially be less painful than normal soft tissue massage for the patient.
What is it used for?
IASTM can be used for a variety of conditions. The most common are:
Tendinopathies:
ex. Achilles tendinopathy, rotator cuff tendinopathy
Scar tissue build up
ex. after surgery or a traumatic injury
Fascial syndromes
ex. Myofascial pain syndrome, IT band syndrome
Muscle strains
ex. Quadriceps strain, calf strain
Ligament injuries
ex. Ankle sprain, MCL sprain
What types of tools are used?
There are many different types of IASTM tools. Tools are made of a variety of materials, such as steel, plastic, or jade. Tools also come in a variety of shapes. Many tools are designed to have a variety of treatment edges within the same tool. These different shapes and edges allow the physio to address issues in muscles, tendons and ligaments of different sizes and locations.
What is the treatment like?
A treatment will usually start with the physio assessing the area to be worked on with their hands. The tool will then be used. The area may be worked on in different directions, with varying pressures and different treatment edges- generally working from less pressure to more pressure.
After the treatment, there can sometimes be some redness and/or bruising. This is a normal response to the treatment.