I.A.S.T.M
Instrument Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization

This interdisciplinary skill-set is shared by Massage Therapists, Physical Therapists, Occupational Therapists and Chiropractors, and is applied to address myofascial scar tissue and resulting range of motion limitations. 

It uses specifically designed stainless steel instruments to identify and treat areas of soft tissue fibrosis or chronic inflammation. Stainless steel is preferred for its kinesthetic quality, which allows the practitioner to feel soft tissue fibrosis through the instrument. This helps the practitioner to zero in on affected areas while also being sensitive to the depth of the treatment, reducing patient discomfort and minimizing recovery time.

Precision

Instruments are designed with specific edges, allowing for control over the invasiveness of the treatment. This is called dosing. A rounder edge is a lower dose than a shallower edge. An inward curve is a lower dose than an outward curve. Practitioner skill and experience accounts for an even higher degree of accuracy when it comes to dosing. As the edge encounters adhesions within the tissue, it catches and pulls on them causing them to separate under tension.

Technique

I.A.S.T.M treatments do not have to result in bruising, nor be painful to see results. Pain and bruising are usually region specific. A skilled practitioner will be able to discuss with you the pros and cons of using various I.A.S.T.M techniques on a specific area. The pain associated with I.A.S.T.M is comparable to many other standard methods of treatment when administered by an experienced practitioner. Bruising may as well be substantially mitigated by skillful application.

Results

I.A.S.T.M is clinically shown to achieve faster and better outcomes in treating: 

● Achilles Tendinosis/itis 
● Carpal Tunnel Syndrome 
● Cervical Sprain/Strain 
● Fibromyalgia 
● Lateral Epicondylosis/itis (tennis elbow) or Medial (golfer’s elbow) 
● Lumbar Sprain/Strain 
● Patellofemoral Disorders 
● Plantar Fasciitis 
● Rotator Cuff Tendinosis/itis 
● Scar Tissue