Instrument assisted soft tissue mobilisation (IASTM)

Instrument Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilisation or Simply IASTM is a new range of tool which enables clinicians to efficiently locate and treat individuals diagnosed with soft tissue dysfunction. The technique itself is said to be a modern evolution from Traditional Chinese Medicine called Gua Sha.

IASTM is a is a procedure that is rapidly growing in popularity due to its effectiveness and efficiency while remaining non-invasive, with its own indications and limitations. It can help reduce your pain during motion, increase loss range of motion, motor control issues, muscle recruitment issues.

IASTM is performed with ergonomically designed instruments that detect and treat fascial restrictions, encourage rapid localisation and effectively treat areas exhibiting soft tissue fibrosis, chronic inflammation, or degeneration. As with any manual therapy treatment, a combination of exercises and additional modalities e.g. joint mobilisation designed to correct biomechanical deficiencies by addressing musculoskeletal strength and muscle imbalances throughout the entire kinetic chain should be used with IASTM. This technique may be used in our Sports Therapy and Sports Massage treatment sessions.

Photo by izusek/iStock / Getty Images
Photo by izusek/iStock / Getty Images

Conditions IASTM is used to help treat:

  • Tennis + Golfers elbow

  • Carpal Tunnel syndrome

  • Neck Pain

  • Plantar Fascitiis

  • Patellar Tendinitis

  • Tibialis Posterior Tendinitis

  • Heel Pain /Achilles Tendinitis

  • Post-Surgical and Traumatic Scars

  • Muscle pain, strains, restrictions, imbalances

  • Chronic Joint Swelling Associated with Sprains/Strains

  • Ligament Sprains

  • Back Pain

  • Hip Pain (Replacements)

  • IT Band Syndrome

  • Shin Splints

  • Chronic Ankle Sprains

  • Acute Ankle Sprains (Advanced Technique)

  • Scars (Surgical, Traumatic)

If you think this form of treatment can help you but you are completely sure, please get in contact with Hayley on 07934543683 to find out more information on how we can help you get back to doing the activities you love. Alternatively, if you would like to find out our availability and prices, click on the book now button below.

How does it work?

Instruments attempt to 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 tools aid in the controlled microtrauma to affected soft tissue structure causes the stimulation of a local inflammatory response. Microtrauma initiates reabsorption 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.[1][2].

  1. Fowler S, Wilson JK, Sevier TL.Innovative approach for the treatment of cumulative trauma disorders.Work 2000;15:9-14.

  2. Julie K. Wilson, Thomas. Sevier, Robert Helfst,Eric W. Honing, and Aly Thomann. Comparison of Rehabilitation Methods in the Treatment of Patellar Tendinitis. J. Sport Rehabil. 2000;304-314.