Instrument Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization
WHAT IS IASTM?
IASTM refers to Instrument Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization (IASTM). IASTM is a range of stainless steel tools which enable clinicians to efficiently locate and treat soft tissue dysfunction. IASTM is commonly known as Graston Technique. The soft tissues targeted by IASTM include muscles, tendons, ligaments, and fascia.
The Graston Technique was created by water skiing athlete, David Graston, who patented the technique after the frustration he faced from his knee surgery rehabilitation. He felt that tools and techniques that were used during his rehabilitation could not accurately pinpoint the soft tissue adhesions that had been impeding his rehabilitation process. After researching different therapeutic techniques, particularly cross-friction massage, Graston decided to use his experience to design a new soft tissue technique that could help others in his situation.
The Graston Technique is an instrument-assisted, soft tissue mobilization therapy. It breaks up restrictions, scar tissue adhesions, and reduces chronic inflammation and fibrosis to help improve range of motion of the affected joint. Graston has been known to help a countless number of conditions, most notably: tennis elbow and golfer’s elbow, rotator cuff tendinitis, plantar fasciitis, and even Achilles tendinitis.
SOME BENEFITS OF IASTM INCLUDE:
- Pain reduction
- Increase soft tissue mobility and range of motion
- Decreased muscle spasms
- Increased blood flow and circulation to soft tissues
HOW DO CHIROPRACTORS PERFORM IASTM?
Chiropractors use different tools to perform IASTM and may refer to the technique as “scraping.” During IASTM, the area of complaint will need to be exposed as IASTM requires contact to the skin. Each tool is ergonomically dedicated to different parts of the body: knees, shoulders, back, elbows and may consist of metal or plastic. While IASTM is being performed, you may feel scraping sensations that can become painful over sore or tight musculature. Make sure to let your chiropractor know if you cannot tolerate the discomfort. You may also see some redness after your session. This redness is caused by the influx of blood flow to the affected area – which promotes healing through extra nutrition and hydration. However, icing the area worked on can help reduce this redness and heat.
If you would like to learn more about IASTM and its benefits please contact us or book online with one of our practitioners.
HOW DOES IASTM WORK?
Research suggests that IASTM may have an impact on physiological changes by providing an increase in blood flow, reduction in tissue viscosity, myofascial release, interruption of pain receptors, and improvement of flexibility of underlying tissue. Research also suggests that IASTM creates microtrauma to the area thus enabling your body’s natural inflammatory response. The body then heals or reabsorbs the scar tissue or adhesions that were causing pain and restriction.
HOW TO MAKE AN APPOINTMENT
To schedule an appointment, please call us at 408-248-8700 or visit our website at customchiropractor.com.
After scheduling your appointment, intake forms will be conveniently emailed to you to complete prior to your initial evaluation. These forms will include questions about your health history so our chiropractors can get a clear picture on how to get you back to your pain-free life again.
