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IASTM Therapy

Instrument Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization – IASTM

IASTM treatments were developed by experienced medical professionals through years of detailed research. The use of these tools and their effectiveness has been scientifically validated over and over again.

IASTM is another option to resolve pain and tightness in the body. This approach to fascia work reduces friction which allows a preciseness, sensitivity and depth that cannot be accomplished with the hands, knuckles elbows etc.

IASTM instruments make it easier to detect and treat fascial dysfunction. They magnify the abnormalities (scars, restrictions and adhesions) in the fascia and make it easier to locate the area to treat. Using a tool focuses the force through an area smaller then your finger with less friction. This allows a more efficient treatment. The goal is to trigger an inflammatory healing response. This will stimulate the production of new collagen and proper, more functional, less painful healing.

Benefits of IASTM

 

  • Decreases overall time of treatment
  • Allows faster rehabilitation/recovery
  • Reduces need for anti-inflammatory medication
  • Resolves chronic conditions thought to be permanent
  • Clients can continue to engage in everyday activities

Common Issues Treated

 

  • Cervical sprain/strain (neck pain)
  • Lumbar sprain/strain (back pain)
  • Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (wrist pain)
  • Plantar Fasciitis (foot pain)
  • Lateral Epicondylitis (tennis elbow)
  • Medial Epicondylitis (golfer’s elbow)
  • Rotator Cuff Tendinitis (shoulder pain)
  • Patellofemoral Disorders (knee pain)
  • Achilles Tendinitis (ankle pain)
  • Scar Tissue
  • Trigger Finger
  • Shin Splints

In our office we use Miyodac therapy instruments in concert with Active Release Technique®, kinesiology taping and physiotherapy.

 

IASTM RESEARCH

Loghmani MT (PT, PhD, MTC); Warden SJ (PhD). Instrument-assisted cross fiber massage alters regional microvascular morphology in healing knee ligaments suggesting possible angiogenesis. APTA Combined Sections Meeting [platform presentation]. New Orleans (LA). 2011 Feb.

Looney B, Srokose T, Fernández-de-las-Peñas, Cleland J. Graston instrument soft tissue mobilization and home stretching for the management of plantar heel pain: a case series. Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics (JMPT). 2011 Feb; 138-142.

Bayliss AJ, Klene FK, Gundeck EL, Loghmani MT. Treatment of a patient with post-natal chronic calf pain utilizing instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization. APTA CSM [platform presentation]. 2010.

Loghmani MT. Instrument-assisted cross-fiber massage improves blood flow in healing knee ligaments suggesting enhanced angiogenesis. APTA CSM [orthopedic section platform presentation]. 2010.

Brantingham JW, Globe G, Jensen M, Cassa TK, Globe D, Price J, Mayer SN, Lee F. A feasibility study comparing two chiropractic protocols in the treatment of patellofemoral pain syndrome. JMPT. Sep 2009;32(7):536-548.

Loghmani MT, Warden SJ. Instrument-assisted cross-fiber massage accelerates knee ligament healing. Journal of Orthopaedic & Sports Physical Therapy (JOSPT). 2009 Jul;39(7):506-514.

Loghmani MT, Kiesel J, Lassiter J, Taylor L, Beaman M, Grogg J, Streeter H, Warden SJ. Long-term effects of instrument-assisted cross-fiber massage on healing medial collateral ligaments. JOSPT. 2007 Jan;37(1): A18.
Hayes D, Loghmani MT, Lubitz R, Moore E. A comparison of two instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization techniques: effects on therapist discomfort/fatigue and treatment time. JOSPT. 2007 Jan;37(1): A17.

Burke J, Buchberger DJ, Carey-Loghmani MT, Dougherty PE, Greco DS, Dishman JD. A pilot study comparing two manual therapy interventions for carpal tunnel syndrome. Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics (JMPT). 2007 Jan;30(1):50-61.

Hammer WI, Pfefer, MT. Treatment of a case of subacute lumbar compartment syndrome using the Graston Technique. JMPT. 2005 Mar/Apr; 28(3):199-204.

Gehlsen GM, Ganion LR, Helfst R. Fibroblast response to variation in soft tissue mobilization pressure. Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise. 1999 Apr;31(4):531-535.1

Davidson CJ, Ganion LR, Gehlsen GM, Verhoestra B, Roepke JE, Sevier TL. Rat tendon morphologic and functional changes resulting from soft tissue mobilization. Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise. 1997 Mar;29(3):313-319.1

Hammer W. The use of transverse friction massage in the management of chronic bursitis of the hip and shoulder. JMPT. 1993 Feb;16(2):107-111.

Davidson CJ, Ganion L, Gehlsen G, Roepke J, Verhoestra B, Sevier TL. Morphologic and functional changes in rat achilles tendon following collagenase injury and GASTM. Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise 1995;27(5) [presented, not published].

Sevier TL, Gehlsen GM, Wilson JK, Stover SA, and Helfst RH. Traditional physical therapy vs. Graston Technique Augmented Soft Tissue Mobilization in treatment of lateral epicondylitis Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise. 1995;27 (5) [presented, not published].