Tivoli’s Toolkit – IASTM
Many of our patient’s may have had an experience of the Instrumented Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilisation (IASTM) tool, which is sometimes nicknamed “the blade” or “the scraper”.
But what does it actually do?
In order to use the IASTM tool you have to have had training. Our Chiropractors learn this during their university degrees.
It is a relatively new method of treatment but it’s popularity, alongside positive outcomes, are growing. IASTM is the use of an instrument in the process of manipulation of the skin, myofascia, muscles and tendons by various direct compressive stroke techniques.
When an injury is healing, the soft tissue frequently heals with an irregular pattern of fibres, causing scars/adhesions. These scars/adhesions can limit range of motion and produce pain as a result. IASTM breaks up scar tissue which stimulates a healing response again, often resulting in a more regular pattern of soft tissue, thus strengthening the injured area in the process. During the treatment, areas of “scarring” or of particular tightness will give off a “vibration” sensation when the tool passes over them. It is believed that this perception of vibration increases the clinicians ability to detect altered tissue properties (i.e scar tissue or tissue adhesions) and can therefore pinpoint problematic areas to a deeper level.
What will my treatment look like?
1) The tool used:
2) Applying the tool to the skin:
3) After treatment:
It is normal for the area to feel hot after treatment. In addition to there being obvious redness and a feeling of tenderness over the site. In severe cases there can be bruising, but all of these symptoms should settle within 48 hours of the treatment.
What conditions are commonly treated with IASTM?
– scar tissue (including post injury + post surgery)
– plantar fasciitis
– shin splints
– shoulder impingement
– fascia tightness
– muscle tightness/trigger points
– any tendonitis/tendinopathy
