ASTYM or IASTM Therapy

Soft tissue injuries are widespread among athletes. These injuries may be mild or severe. When ignored, they may lead to chronic pain and disability. Soft tissue mobilization is a type of physical therapy used by Wichita’s Physical Therapy By Phoenix to treat these injuries.

Two main soft tissue mobilization techniques are:

• ASTYM (Advanced Soft Tissue Mobilization) – ASTYM Therapy in Wichita involves using specialized instruments to break up the scar tissue. The tools then stimulate the body’s natural healing process.
• IASTM (Instrument-Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization)– IASTM Therapy in Wichita is a similar technique. It uses handheld instruments to massage the affected area and break up scar tissue.

How Does Soft Tissue Mobilization Work?

When a person is injured, the body’s natural healing process results in scar tissue formation at the site of the injury. The scar tissue is thicker and more rigid than the surrounding healthy tissue. The scar tissue can lead to the build-up of adhesions.

Adhesions are areas of fibrous tissue that attach to healthy tissue and cause pain and swelling. They can limit the range of motion and cause chronic pain.

Soft tissue mobilization breaks up these adhesions and improves the range of motion. The therapists will massage the affected area with hands or special instruments. As a result, the scar tissue is broken up, and the adhesions are released. The healthy tissue then heals properly and reduces pain and swelling.

Who Can Benefit from Soft Tissue Mobilization?

Anyone suffering from intense pain or limited range of motion due to a soft tissue injury can benefit from the therapy. The treatment is effective for:

• Achilles tendonitis
• Plantar fasciitis
• Rotator cuff injuries
• Tennis elbow
• Golfer’s elbow
• Neck and back pain
• Pulled hamstrings

Are There Any Risk Factors Involved?

Physical Therapy By Phoenix’s safety and patient well-being is always the top priority for our Wichita team. Soft tissue mobilization is generally a safe and effective treatment for most people. While there are no known risks associated with soft tissue mobilization, the therapist will take care to avoid any particularly tender or inflamed areas.

What Happens During an ASTYM or IASTM treatment?

During your first session of ASTYM or IASTM treatment, Physical Therapy By Phoenix therapist will start by asking about your symptoms, current medications, and the purpose of treatment. They then perform a physical examination to assess the affected area. Once the therapist understands your condition better, they will develop a treatment plan. The plan may involve using their hands or special instruments to massage the affected area and break up scar tissue.

• The therapist will take care to avoid any particularly tender areas.
• The treatment will be tailored to your specific needs and may vary from session to session.
• ASTYM or IASTM treatment is usually performed once or twice a week for several weeks. Most people start to see improvements after a few sessions.
• The therapist will use a light touch at first and then gradually increase the pressure as tolerated by the patient.

It is essential to communicate with the therapist if you experience any discomfort during the treatment. You should also follow the therapist’s instructions and attend all scheduled appointments to benefit from the therapy the most.

What Are the Key Benefits of ASTYM or IASTM?

Soft tissue mobilization is an effective treatment for various conditions that cause pain and limited range of motion. The therapy can help to:

• Improve range of motion
• Reduce pain and inflammation
• Improve circulation
• Speed up the healing process
• Achieve long-term relief from symptoms

If you suffer from pain or limited range of motion due to a soft tissue injury, consider ASTYM or IASTM treatment. Reach out to Wichita’s Physical Therapy By Phoenix’s well-trained experts for more details.