What is IASTM?
IASTM stands for Instrument-Assisted Soft Tissue Massage. It is a skilled intervention used for the treatment of soft tissue. It uses specialized tools to manipulate the skin, muscles, myofascia (dense, tough tissue that surrounds and covers all of your muscles and bones), and tendons by a variety of compressive stroke techniques.
What does it do? It effectively breaks down fascial restrictions and scar tissue! The introduction of controlled microtrauma (sounds scary… but its not!) to affected soft tissues stimulates a local inflammatory response. This response facilitates a cascade of healing activities that results in remodeling of those soft tissue structures. Studies show that IASTM helps to improve joint range of motion, muscle strength, and pain perception.
How do the fascial restrictions and adhesions get there? They can develop as a result of a variety of reasons including:
Surgery
Repetitive overuse/strain injuries (using the same body parts in the same way hundreds of times on a daily basis) from activities such as typing/mousing, handheld electronics, gardening, home improvement projects, work environments, etc.
Sustained loading as with heavy lifting, carrying babies, briefcases, boxes, wearing body armor or lifting bedridden patients.
Habitually poor posture due to our sedentary lifestyles, de-conditioning and poorly designed furniture
Improper body mechanics
Muscle clenching and tensing due to mental/emotional stress.
Direct injury such as a blow, strain, break, twist or tear. (Think car accidents, sports injuries, falling downstairs etc.)
Surprisingly, they can even develop due to inactivity/immobilization such as prolonged bed rest, wearing a cast or brace, or even sitting all day for a desk job(sedentary lifestyle).
Can the clinician actually feel what they’re doing? YES! The ergonomic design of the instruments provides the clinician with the ability to locate and treat restrictions with the appropriate amount of pressure.
The Graston Technique: An evidenced-based method of IASTM that is combined with rehabilitative exercises to improve musculoskeletal function. The entire “Graston Technique” includes not only IASTM but also a stretching and strengthening program to address the targeted tissues, promote proper fiber alignment, and improve function.
Stay tuned for more information about fascia and the Graston Technique!
References:
Wahab M.K.A., Fairouz F.A., Ashraf L., Abolade A., Jackson K. (January 27 2021). Instrument Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization. Physiopedia. https://www.physio-pedia.com/index.php?title=Instrument_Assisted_Soft_Tissue_Mobilization&oldid=265698
Carry-Loghmani M.T., Schrader J.W., Hammer W.I. Clinical Foundations for Graston Technique Therapy. In Graston Technique. Edited by Ploski M.R., Shakar J.J., Vincent R.E. 2019.
