Instrument Assisted Augmented Soft Tissue Mobilization
IAASTM is an advanced form of soft tissue mobilization, which enables clinicians to efficiently locate and treat individuals diagnosed with soft tissue dysfunction. IAASTM uses specially designed instruments intended to locate and manipulate soft tissue. These instruments provide clinicians with a mechanical advantage, thus preventing over-use to the hands. The success of this advanced treatment protocol was more than they had imagined, and the instruments earned several U.S. patents. Today, there are several versions of instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization being utilized, all fashioned from the original version of these instruments.
IAASTM is performed with ergonomically designed instruments that detect and treat fascial restrictions, encourage rapid localization and effectively treat areas exhibiting soft tissue fibrosis, chronic inflammation, or degeneration. Treatment is conducted in conjunction with a rehabilitation regimen designed to restore patients to their pre-injury level of activity. Rehabilitation is accomplished through the implementation of a functional progression program designed to correct biomechanical deficiencies by addressing musculoskeletal strength and muscle imbalances throughout the entire kinetic chain. Flexibility, strengthening and muscle re-education are employed, as well as, additional modalities i.e. joint mobilization; to provide patients with optimal results in a minimal number of treatments.
How does IAASTM Work?
IAASTM is effective because of the following:
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Instruments effectively break down fascial restrictions and scar tissue. The ergonomic design of these instruments provides the clinician with the ability to locate restrictions and allows the clinician to treat the affected area with the appropriate amount of pressure. |
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The introduction of controlled microtrauma to affected soft tissue structure causes the stimulation of a local inflammatory response. Microtrauma initiates reabsorption of inappropriate fibrosis or excessive scar tissue and facilitates a cascade of healing activities resulting in remodeling of affected soft tissue structures. Adhesions within the soft tissue which may have developed as a result of surgery, immobilization, repeated strain or other mechanisms, are broken down allowing full functional restoration to occur. |
Who Can Benefit from IAASTM
Soft tissue mobilization has been used to treat a number of diagnoses for some time. IAASTM is another form of this process, but it utilizes instruments designed for treatment of soft tissue disorders. Based on literature and years of clinical research, they have determined a list of disorders that instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization has most effectively been used for in the restoration of function and the reduction of pain. Because clinicians throughout the country are still studying the benefits of the method, the following list will continue to grow.
Medial Epicondylitis, Lateral Epicondylitis
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Neck Pain
Plantar Fascitis
Rotator Cuff Tendinitis
Patellar Tendinitis
Tibialis Posterior Tendinitis
Heel Pain /Achilles Tendinitis
DeQuervain's Syndrome
Post-Surgical and Traumatic Scars
Myofascial Pain and Restrictions
Musculoskeletal Imbalances
Chronic Joint Swelling Associated with Sprains/Strains
Ligament Sprains
Muscle Strains
Non-Acute Bursitis
RSD (Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy)
Back Pain
Trigger Finger
Hip Pain (Replacements)
IT Band Syndrome
Shin Splints
Chronic Ankle Sprains
Acute Ankle Sprains (Advanced Technique)
Scars (Surgical, Traumatic)
What Diagnoses are not Recommended for this Method?
Contraindications
Any condition contraindicated for soft tissue mobilization is
contraindicated for IAASTM. Possible contraindications include:
Open Wound/Unhealed Suture Site/Sutures
Cancer
Varicose Veins
Burn Scars
Unhealed Fracture
Thrombophlebitis
Uncontrolled Hypertension
Kidney Dysfunction
Patient Intolerance/Noncompliance/Hypersensitivity
Acute Inflammatory Conditions i.e. Synovitis
Inflammatory Condition Secondary to Infection
Rheumatoid Arthritis*
Hematoma
Osteomyelitis
Myositis Ossificans
Anticoagulants, i.e. Coumadin, Heparin
Cancer (Relative)
Burn Scars (not enough information on outcomes)
*Generally, if acute inflammation is present with rheumatoid arthritis, then IAASTM is NOT recommended as it may promote further inflammation. Further inflammation is not a desired goal in this case.
What Can the Patient Expect?
Individuals receiving IAASTM can expect the following:
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A thorough evaluation from their clinician. During the evaluation, the clinician, following the manual palpation, will perform a brief scan of the area with the instruments to assess if there are any soft tissue restrictions, as well as determine their level of reactivity to the instruments. |
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Instruments to be applied during each visit until restrictions have been reduced to an acceptable level. |
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A functional, progressive program. |
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To be responsible for maintaining a home exercise program that will include stretching and strengthening exercises. |
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The possibility of some post treatment soreness from the instruments. This is a normal occurrence and should subside by the third or fourth visit. |
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Possible mild bruising. This occurs from a controlled micro-injury that causes microvascular trauma and capillary hemorrhage that induces a localized inflammatory response. |
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A substantial change in severity of symptoms by the 4th or 5th visit. |
What are some of the Advantages of this Method?
IAASTM provides the following benefits:
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Restores function and reduces pain where other treatments have failed. |
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Reduces the need for surgical intervention. |
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Contributes to the overall reduction of health related costs. |
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Allows individuals to stay on the job, and keeps athletes in action. |
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Provides clinician with an alternative to offer their patients. |
