Massage

Understanding Instrument-Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization

Share

Can physical therapy with instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization or IASTM improve mobility, flexibility, and health for individuals with musculoskeletal injuries or illnesses?

Instrument Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization

Instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization or IASTM is also known as the Graston technique. It is a myofascial release and massage technique used in physical therapy where the therapist uses metal or plastic tools to improve soft tissue mobility in the body. The ergonomically shaped tool is gently or vigorously scraped and rubbed across the injured or painful area. The rubbing is used to locate and release tightness in the fascia/collagen covering the muscles and the tendons. This helps reduce pain and improve movement.

Massage and Myofascial Release

Instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization rehabilitation helps:

  • Improve soft tissue mobility.
  • Release of restrictions in tight fascia.
  • Decrease muscle spasms.
  • Improve flexibility.
  • Increased circulation to the tissues.
  • Relieve pain. (Fahimeh Kamali et al., 2014)

Individuals often develop tissue tightness or restrictions in the muscles and fascia after an injury. These soft tissue restrictions can limit the range of motion – ROM and can trigger pain symptoms. (Kim J, Sung DJ, Lee J. 2017)

History

The Graston technique of instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization was developed by an athlete who created their instruments to treat soft tissue injuries. The practice has grown with input from medical experts, trainers, researchers, and clinicians.

  • Physical therapists use different types of tools to perform IASTM.
  • These massage instruments comprise various types for specific massage and release.
  • The Graston company designs some of the tools.
  • Other companies have their version of metal or plastic scraping and rubbing tools.
  • The objective is to help release soft tissue and myofascial restrictions to improve body movement. (Kim J, Sung DJ, Lee J. 2017)

How It Works

  • The theory is that scraping the tissues causes microtrauma to the affected area, activating the body’s natural inflammatory response. (Kim J, Sung DJ, Lee J. 2017)
  • The body activates to reabsorb the tightened or scar tissue, causing the restriction.
  • The therapist can then stretch the adhesions to alleviate pain and improve mobility.

Treatment

Certain conditions respond well to instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization, including (Kim J, Sung DJ, Lee J. 2017)

  • Limited mobility
  • Decreased muscle recruitment
  • Loss of range of motion – ROM
  • Pain with movement
  • Excessive scar tissue formation

Augmented soft tissue mobilization or ASTM techniques can treat certain injuries and medical conditions that include:

  • Musculoskeletal imbalance/s
  • Ligament sprains
  • Plantar fasciitis
  • Myofascial pain
  • Tendonitis and tendinopathy
  • Scar tissue from surgery or trauma (Morad Chughtai et al., 2019)

Benefits and Side Effects

Benefits include: (Kim J, Sung DJ, Lee J. 2017)

  • Improved range of motion
  • Increased tissue flexibility
  • Improved cell activity at the site of injury
  • Reduced pain
  • Reduced scar tissue formation

Side effects may include:

Research

  • A review compared hands-on myofascial release to instrument myofascial release for chronic low back pain. (Williams M. 2017)
  • Little difference was found between the two techniques for pain relief.
  • Another review compared IASTM to other methods for treating pain and function loss. (Matthew Lambert et al., 2017)
  • The researchers concluded that IASTM could positively affect blood circulation and tissue flexibility and reduce pain.
  • Another study examined the use of IASTM, pseudo-fake ultrasound therapy, and spinal manipulation for patients with thoracic/upper back pain. (Amy L. Crothers et al., 2016)
  • All groups improved over time with no significant negative events.
  • The researchers concluded that instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization is no more or less effective than spinal manipulation or pseudo-ultrasound therapy for thoracic back pain.

Every case is different, and musculoskeletal conditions respond differently to various treatments. For any questions or concerns, contact your primary healthcare provider to determine if IASTM is an appropriate treatment that can help.


From Injury To Recovery


References

Kamali, F., Panahi, F., Ebrahimi, S., & Abbasi, L. (2014). Comparison between massage and routine physical therapy in women with sub acute and chronic nonspecific low back pain. Journal of back and musculoskeletal rehabilitation, 27(4), 475–480. doi.org/10.3233/BMR-140468

Kim, J., Sung, D. J., & Lee, J. (2017). Therapeutic effectiveness of instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization for soft tissue injury: mechanisms and practical application. Journal of exercise rehabilitation, 13(1), 12–22. doi.org/10.12965/jer.1732824.412

Chughtai, M., Newman, J. M., Sultan, A. A., Samuel, L. T., Rabin, J., Khlopas, A., Bhave, A., & Mont, M. A. (2019). Astym® therapy: a systematic review. Annals of translational medicine, 7(4), 70. doi.org/10.21037/atm.2018.11.49

Williams M. (2017). Comparing pain and disability outcomes of instrumental versus hands-on myofascial release in individuals with chronic low back pain: a meta-analysis. Doctoral dissertation, California State University, Fresno. repository.library.fresnostate.edu/bitstream/handle/10211.3/192491/Williams_csu_6050D_10390.pdf?sequence=1

Matthew Lambert, Rebecca Hitchcock, Kelly Lavallee, Eric Hayford, Russ Morazzini, Amber Wallace, Dakota Conroy & Josh Cleland (2017) The effects of instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization compared to other interventions on pain and function: a systematic review, Physical Therapy Reviews, 22:1-2, 76-85, DOI: 10.1080/10833196.2017.1304184

Crothers, A. L., French, S. D., Hebert, J. J., & Walker, B. F. (2016). Spinal manipulative therapy, Graston technique® and placebo for non-specific thoracic spine pain: a randomised controlled trial. Chiropractic & manual therapies, 24, 16. doi.org/10.1186/s12998-016-0096-9

Post Disclaimer

Professional Scope of Practice *

The information herein on "Understanding Instrument-Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization" is not intended to replace a one-on-one relationship with a qualified health care professional or licensed physician and is not medical advice. We encourage you to make healthcare decisions based on your research and partnership with a qualified healthcare professional.

Blog Information & Scope Discussions

Our information scope is limited to Chiropractic, musculoskeletal, acupuncture, physical medicines, wellness, contributing etiological viscerosomatic disturbances within clinical presentations, associated somatovisceral reflex clinical dynamics, subluxation complexes, sensitive health issues, and/or functional medicine articles, topics, and discussions.

We provide and present clinical collaboration with specialists from various disciplines. Each specialist is governed by their professional scope of practice and their jurisdiction of licensure. We use functional health & wellness protocols to treat and support care for the injuries or disorders of the musculoskeletal system.

Our videos, posts, topics, subjects, and insights cover clinical matters, issues, and topics that relate to and directly or indirectly support our clinical scope of practice.*

Our office has reasonably attempted to provide supportive citations and has identified the relevant research studies supporting our posts. We provide copies of supporting research studies available to regulatory boards and the public upon request.

We understand that we cover matters that require an additional explanation of how it may assist in a particular care plan or treatment protocol; therefore, to further discuss the subject matter above, please feel free to ask Dr. Alex Jimenez, DC, or contact us at 915-850-0900.

We are here to help you and your family.

Blessings

Dr. Alex Jimenez DC, MSACP, RN*, CCST, IFMCP*, CIFM*, ATN*

email: coach@elpasofunctionalmedicine.com

Licensed as a Doctor of Chiropractic (DC) in Texas & New Mexico*
Texas DC License # TX5807, New Mexico DC License # NM-DC2182

Licensed as a Registered Nurse (RN*) in Florida
Florida License RN License # RN9617241 (Control No. 3558029)
Compact Status: Multi-State License: Authorized to Practice in 40 States*

Presently Matriculated: ICHS: MSN* FNP (Family Nurse Practitioner Program)

Dr. Alex Jimenez DC, MSACP, RN* CIFM*, IFMCP*, ATN*, CCST
My Digital Business Card

Recent Posts

Treating Elbow Pain Caused from Lifting: Effective Solutions

Elbow pain from lifting is a common symptom among individuals who lift weights, heavy objects,… Read More

October 3, 2024

The Impact of Dehydration During Pregnancy and Staying Hydrated

For pregnant individuals, dehydration during pregnancy increases the risk of health problems for the individual… Read More

October 2, 2024

Discover the Beneficial Properties of a HIIT Workout: Transform Your Fitness Routine t

For individuals that are trying to change up their daily routine, can incorporating the beneficial… Read More

October 2, 2024

Exploring the Different Side Effects of Pain Medications

For individuals who may need to take pain medications to manage an injury or condition,… Read More

October 1, 2024

The Connection Between Herniated Discs and Low Back Leg Pain

Lower back leg pain depends on specific symptoms and their duration. Can having a better… Read More

September 30, 2024

Understanding Colles’ Fracture: Causes and Treatment

Can physical therapies help individuals with a Colles' or wrist fracture? Colles' Fracture A broken… Read More

September 26, 2024