Instrument-Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization (IASTM)
Instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization (IASTM), which patients often call scraping or muscle scraping, is a manual therapy technique in which your physical therapist glides smooth, specially shaped hand-held instruments over the skin to find and treat scar tissue and restricted soft tissue. PAR Physical Therapy provides it in Myrtle Beach and Murrells Inlet, South Carolina.
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How the instruments find the problem area
IASTM is used for people diagnosed with soft tissue problems. The ergonomically designed instruments help the therapist detect fascial (connective tissue) restrictions, including areas of soft tissue fibrosis, which is excess scar tissue, as well as chronic inflammation or degeneration.
The therapist combs the instruments over the skin to find the problem, then applies the right amount of pressure to the area. The aim is to break down adhesions in the soft tissue so you can recover range of motion and function. No medication is involved.
What an IASTM visit looks like
A warm-up
You may be asked to do about five minutes of light cardiovascular activity, such as a stationary bike or treadmill walk. Ultrasound or heat may then be applied to warm up the soft tissue.
Scan, then treat
The therapist uses the instruments to scan and then treat the affected area with specific, calculated massage strokes. Treatment usually lasts 30 to 60 seconds over each area.
What you may notice
Some discomfort may be felt during treatment. There may be bruising and small red dots, called petechiae, over the treated area. Ice for about 15 to 20 minutes afterward will probably ease the discomfort.
Exercise comes with it
IASTM is generally done along with an exercise, stretching and strengthening program for rehabilitation.
Problems IASTM is used for
Some people notice a change after one treatment, but most need 8 to 10 treatments over a few weeks.
- Tennis and golfer’s elbow
- Rotator cuff tendinitis
- Patellar tendinitis
- Plantar fasciitis, Achilles tendinitis and chronic ankle sprains
- Muscle strains and ligament sprains
- Post-surgical and traumatic scars
- Neck pain and back pain
- IT band syndrome and shin splints
- Myofascial pain and restrictions
Tell us before IASTM if
- You take blood thinners
- The skin in the area is fragile
- There is an open wound or an infection in the area
Redness and bruising can follow IASTM, so tell your therapist if you bruise easily.
Where IASTM sits among the hands-on options
IASTM is one of several hands-on options your therapist can use. Joint and muscle work is covered under manual therapy, and cups that lift the tissue instead of gliding over it are covered under cupping therapy.
Visits typically last 30 to 60 minutes. You do not need a physician’s referral to be evaluated by a physical therapist in South Carolina. PAR accepts most insurance plans, and we make every effort to verify your benefits before your first visit. Same-day appointments are possible.
Related care
IASTM in Myrtle Beach and Murrells Inlet
Call either clinic or request an appointment. We see patients in Myrtle Beach and Murrells Inlet, South Carolina.
We see patients in Myrtle Beach and Murrells Inlet, South Carolina.
Request an Appointment Call Myrtle Beach Call Murrells Inlet