IASTM Can Help You Manage Your Chronic Pain
At Apex Physical Therapy, we use instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization (IASTM) as a manual treatment at our Merrillville and Valparaiso physical therapy clinics. Specific plastic or metal tools to gently move and scrape across the skin to relieve pain, reduce inflammation, and promote healing.
Click here to make an appointment with one of our licensed physical therapists today to learn more about how this technique can help you!
How are IASTM Treatments Performed?
An IASTM-trained physical therapist will use a variety of different speeds and pressures when practising this particular procedure, and it will be dependent on the essence of your condition and your individual needs.
These techniques have been developed to allow physical therapists to find and treat affected areas with greater precision. The specialized instruments used to perform IASTM are capable of breaking down fascia (connective tissue) constraints as well as scar tissue. The varying speeds and pressures work to either encourage or prevent muscular contraction (also known as turning a muscle on) (also known as turning a muscle off).
A minor inflammatory response is generated when particular levels of pressure are given to the afflicted muscles, tendons, or ligaments through IASTM. Although it may seem counterintuitive, inflammation promotes the body’s natural healing mechanism, allowing you to recover and return to your life more quickly!
IASTM has been proven to help with:
- Pain with movement
- Muscle recruitment issues
- Limited motion
- Motor control issues
Will IASTM Treat My Condition?
You may be wondering if IASTM is right for you. The best way to find out for sure is by visiting Apex Physical Therapy in Merrillville and Valparaiso for a physical therapy consultation.
Your physical therapist will be able to help determine whether it is the best fit, however, there are several conditions that this kind of treatment can aid in healing, such as:
- Bursitis
- Carpal tunnel syndrome
- Myofascial pain and restrictions
- Ligament sprains
- Shin splints
- Chronic joint swelling associated with sprains/strains
- Plantar fasciitis
- Rotator cuff tendonitis
- Patellar tendonitis
- Back pain
- Neck pain
- Hip pain
- Tennis and golfer’s elbow
- Post-surgical and traumatic scars
- Heel pain/Achilles tendonitis
- Trigger finger
- IT band syndrome
- Muscle strains
- Muscle imbalances
Ready to add IASTM to your treatment plan?
If you have been searching for pain relief and/or if you are living with any of the aforementioned chronic pain conditions, injuries, or symptoms, know that help is available to you.
With IASTM, you can get back to living an enjoyable life. To learn more and schedule your first consultation, please contact our Merrillville or Valparaiso physical therapy clinic at (219) 525-4815. We cannot wait to show you the advantages of this incredible technology!
