A Physical Therapist can do many different types of manual therapy (see here for the different types). But a specific type is call soft tissue mobilization or other types of soft tissue work.
There are numerous types of these including:
- STM (soft tissue mobilization) or massage
- IASTM (instrument assisted soft tissue mobilization) with the use of a tool
- Cupping
- Stretching
- Dry Needling
IASTM
Another type of soft tissue manual therapy is call Instrument Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization or IASTM. IASTM is performed with the use of a tool. These tools are most often made of stainless steel, but I have also seen them made of wood and jade.
A common type of IASTM is called Graston Technique, however, to use this specific technique, a class must be taken. Instead, I learned in school and on my clinical rotations.
The tools I prefer are called Fibroblasters. I have had them for about 10 years and use them regularly. The tools I use are pictured below. But there are many other types in different shapes
During IASTM, the tool should be held at a 45-degree angle to the body. The technique is then performed either with the fibers of the soft tissue or against depending on the purpose. Most often, I will perform both directions during my treatments. See my last post on what with and cross fiber looks like without a tool here.
Uses of IASTM
I will use a tool for IASTM for different reasons, like tendonitis, scar mobilization, muscle strains, ligament sprains, and more.
Following surgery when scar tissue builds up it can cause limited motion and pain. With the use of the tool, scar tissue and adhesions can be broken up to restart the healing process of a tissue. This can help the tissue heal more correctly without pain.
Benefits of IASTM
There are many benefits to using the tools for this type of manual therapy.
- Improve ROM
- Decrease pain
- Improve blood flow
- Improve tissue healing
- Decrease scar tissue
Another use of the tool is the protection of the PT’s hands. The tools allow for deeper penetration of the tissues without increased pressure to the PT.
IASTM is a more recent type of manual therapy and not a lot of research has been performed to determine how effective it is (here is a review of the literature). But I have seen its effectiveness in my practice with patients feeling better after treatment.
Because a Physical Therapist can do many different types of manual therapy, IASTM is another tool in our belt.