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As we get older, we become more prone to complicated injuries. Some of these more complicated but common injuries come in the form of soft tissue injuries.
Your soft tissue is basically everything that wouldn’t be considered a part of your skeleton or your organs. This includes your skin, muscles, nerves, ligaments, tendons, and so forth. The kind of injuries that you’re looking at that affect soft tissue are sprains, strains, and other similar kinds of injuries that can cause pain, discomfort, and limit mobility.
One approach to managing soft tissue injuries is known as soft tissue mobilization. This form of physical therapy incorporates several techniques to treat the affected area, reduce pain, and increase mobility. Some forms of soft tissue mobilization include the use of specially designed tools. These are known as instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization therapy, or IASTM for short.
Studies have shown that soft tissue mobilization can be more effective in pain reduction than even corticosteroid shots. What else do we know about IASTM?
Can IASTM Break Up Scar Tissue?
The short answer is yes, IASTM can help to break up scar tissue that has formed over your soft tissue. Scar tissue build-up is a major factor in limited mobility due to a soft tissue injury, in addition to stress and improperly stretched-out tissue. IASTM treatment can reduce scar tissue, relax tension in your muscles, and more to help alleviate pain and discomfort.
How Long Does It Take for IASTM To Work?
The amount of time it takes to feel pain reduction or relief using IASTM depends on a few factors, including the type of injury and the severity. The average seems to be around four to six weeks utilizing one to two sessions a week. Some studies have shown significant pain reduction in chronic back pain clients within about four weeks of treatment.
Please keep in mind that the people involved had soft tissue injuries that could be treated effectively with IASTM. To see if IASTM is the best choice as you seek pain relief, you’ll have to consult with a professional.
Can You Do IASTM On Yourself?
You cannot perform IASTM on yourself. Soft tissue mobility therapy must be provided by a professional such as a physical therapist or chiropractor. And because of how instrument-assisted soft tissue mobility is administered, you would need a professional to use the instruments at the right angle with the right leverage. Otherwise, you run the risk of further injury.
In fact, to have access to the IASTM tools used in the Graston Technique®, you would need to go through their specific training and instrument eligibility program. This is done for your safety and comfort.
East Bay Utilizes the Graston Technique® To Perform Soft Tissue Therapy
Soft tissue injuries may be common, but the pain and discomfort they bring don’t have to control your life. At East Bay Chiropractic and Wellness, we have multiple treatment methods at our disposal, including the Graston Technique® for pain management and relief caused by soft tissue injuries that create chronic inflammation and pain. And with over 30 years of experience, you know you’ll be in good hands. Contact East Bay Chiropractic today and learn more about how instrument-assisted chiropractic care can improve your quality of life. You can also give us a call directly to set up your appointment at (516) 679-2225.
