IASTM Information & Video Demonstration

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What is IASTM?

Instrument Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization or Simply IASTM uses specially designed instruments to  create a mobilizing effect to scar tissue and myofascial adhesions. The technique itself is said to be a modern evolution from Traditional Chinese Medicine called Gua Sha. However Gua Sha was not used to treat Musculoskeletal conditions but was traditionally applied along meridians to move the bad chi out through the skin.

 IASTM instruments effectively break down fascial restrictions and scar tissue. The ergonomic design of these instruments provides the clinician with the ability to locate restrictions and allows the clinician to treat the affected area with the appropriate amount of pressure.

The introduction of controlled micro-trauma to affected soft tissue structure causes the stimulation of a local inflammatory response. Micro-trauma initiates re-absorption of inappropriate fibrosis or excessive scar tissue and facilitates a cascade of healing activities resulting in remodeling of affected soft tissue structures. Adhesions within the soft tissue which may have developed as a result of surgery, immobilization, repeated strain or other mechanisms, are broken down allowing full functional restoration to occur. 

 IASTM is a treatment that is currently growing in popularity due to its effectiveness and efficiency while remaining non-invasive. IASTM is performed with ergonomically designed instruments that detect and treat fascial restrictions, and areas exhibiting soft tissue fibrosis, chronic inflammation, or degeneration. As in any Manual therapy treatment, supplementation with exercises and additional modalities e.g. chiropractic, massage therapy, joint mobilization, and stretching protocols as to address musculoskeletal strength and muscle imbalances throughout the entire kinetic chain should be used in conjunction with IASTM.  

What to Expect During Your IASTM Massage  

Your therapist will first warm up the treatment area through massage.  After the tissue is warm, your therapist will perform IASTM with tools to help apply pressure to the restricted area.  Massage will again be performed in order to calm and soothe the affected area. This will help improve movement and flexibility in the area. Patients who experience IASTM can expect slight discomfort during and possibility after therapy.  Small red “dots” or petechiae may appear for a short amount of time on the skin at the treatment location. Although rare, bruising may sometimes occur. 

How Many IASTM Massages Will I Need? 

The nature of the issues being treated, the length of time the patient has been experiencing these issues, and the overall health of the patient will ultimately determine how many sessions and how much discomfort they may feel.  The average patient will feel a sustained improvement of their conditions after 3 to 4 treatments.  Some patients with chronic conditions or scar tissue that has accumulated over long periods of time may take several months to years to obtain lasting results.  This type of therapy builds upon itself.  Each treatment expands upon the results obtained from the last.. 

 Examples of Conditions for which IASTM is Beneficial:

• Myofascial Pain and Restrictions 
• Chronic Joint Swelling Associated with Sprains/Strains
• Rotator Cuff Tendinitis 
• Muscle Strains 
• Neck Pain 
• Back Pain 
• IT Band Syndrome 
• Shin Splints 
• Plantar Fasciitis  
• Heel Pain/Achilles Tendinitis 
• Knee Pain 
• Hip Pain 
• Carpal Tunnel Syndrome 
• Sciatic Pain 
• Musculoskeletal Imbalances 
• Restrictions caused by Post Surgical and Traumatic Scarring
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• Examples of Contraindications :
• Compromised Tissue integrity (open wounds, infection, tumors) 
• Advanced Osteoporosis 
• Acute Cardiac, Liver, or Kidney disease 
• Neurological Conditions resulting in an altered sense of sensations 
• Type 1 Diabetes 
• Bleeding Disorders or patients on blood thinning medication 
• Connective Tissue Disorders  
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Studies have addressed the benefits of IASTM at the cellular level. Benefits include increased fibroblast proliferation, reduction in scar tissue, increased vascular response, and the remodeling of unorganized collagen fiber matrix following IASTM application. All of which leads to improvements in range of motion, and a decrease of pain, following multiple treatments.

Fibroblast is considered the most important cell in the extracellular matrix (ECM). The repair, regeneration and maintenance of soft tissue take place in the ECM. The fibroblast synthesizes the ECM, which includes collagen, elastin and proteoglycans, among many other essential substances. Fibroblasts have the ability to react as mechanotranducers, which means they are able to detect biophysical strain (deformation) such as compression, torque, shear and fluid flow, and create a mechanochemical response.