What is Instrument-Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization (IASTM)?
Instrument-Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization (IASTM) has garnered significant attention in the ostepathy, chiropractic and sports medicine communities. This technique involves the use of specialised tools to help practitioners efficiently detect and treat soft tissue dysfunction. One of the most renowned IASTM methods is the Graston Technique, while more recent contributions from Rocktape and FAKTR have introduced new theories and applications. The primary goal of IASTM is to stimulate the body's natural healing response by promoting increased blood flow, breaking down scar tissue, and improving tissue mobility. This blog post will introduce the evidence, history and potential benefits for IASTM, we will then discuss how our Osteopath may use this as part ofr your treatment at our clinic in Varsity Lakes.
Current Evidence for IASTM
The effectiveness of IASTM has been a subject of growing interest in the medical and rehabilitation communities. Several studies have explored its benefits:
Pain Reduction: Research indicates that IASTM can be effective in reducing pain in conditions like plantar fasciitis, Achilles tendinitis, and lateral epicondylitis (tennis elbow). For example, a study published in the Journal of Orthopaedic & Sports Physical Therapy found significant pain relief in patients with chronic heel pain after a series of IASTM treatments.
Improved Mobility: IASTM has shown promise in enhancing joint range of motion and flexibility. A study in the Journal of Sports Rehabilitation reported increased ankle dorsiflexion in subjects treated with IASTM compared to those who received traditional physical therapy.
Accelerated Healing: Some evidence suggests that IASTM can accelerate the healing process by increasing localized blood flow and promoting fibroblast proliferation. This is particularly beneficial in treating acute injuries and managing post-surgical recovery.
While the evidence supporting IASTM is promising, it's worth noting that many studies are limited by small sample sizes and short follow-up periods. Therefore, more extensive, long-term research is needed to establish definitive conclusions.
Conditions Treated by IASTM
IASTM is utilized in the treatment of a variety of musculoskeletal conditions, including but not limited to:
Tendinitis and Tendinopathies: Conditions such as Achilles tendinitis, patellar tendinitis, and rotator cuff tendinopathy can benefit from IASTM due to its ability to break down scar tissue and promote tendon healing.
Fascial Restrictions: Myofascial pain syndrome and other fascial restrictions are often treated with IASTM to improve fascial mobility and reduce pain.
Ligament Injuries: IASTM can aid in the treatment of ligament sprains by enhancing tissue repair and reducing inflammation.
Chronic Pain Conditions: Conditions like plantar fasciitis, carpal tunnel syndrome, and iliotibial band syndrome often respond well to IASTM due to its targeted approach in addressing soft tissue restrictions.
Post-Surgical Recovery: IASTM is frequently used in rehabilitation settings to help patients recover from surgeries by improving scar tissue mobility and promoting overall tissue health.
Limitations and Criticisms of IASTM
Despite its benefits, IASTM is not without limitations and criticisms:
Lack of Standardization: One of the primary criticisms is the lack of standardized protocols across practitioners. This variability can lead to inconsistent outcomes and makes it difficult to compare results across studies.
Potential for Discomfort: IASTM can be uncomfortable or even painful for some patients, particularly during the initial treatments. This can be a deterrent for those with low pain tolerance.
Risk of Overuse: There is a risk that excessive or inappropriate use of IASTM could lead to tissue damage or exacerbate existing conditions. Proper training and technique are crucial to avoid such complications.
Limited High-Quality Research: While the body of evidence supporting IASTM is growing, there is still a need for more high-quality, large-scale studies to fully understand its efficacy and mechanisms of action.
Cost and Accessibility: The cost of IASTM tools and training can be prohibitive for some practitioners, which may limit its availability to patients.
Graston Technique
The Graston Technique, developed in the early 1990s by David Graston, is one of the earliest and most widely recognized forms of IASTM. David Graston, an amateur athlete, sustained a knee injury and, dissatisfied with his recovery progress, sought alternative treatment methods. Drawing inspiration from traditional cross-friction massage, Graston developed stainless steel tools to enhance the therapist’s ability to detect and treat soft tissue adhesions and restrictions.
Graston's innovative approach involves six core tools, each designed to conform to different areas of the body and treatment needs. The tools are used to scan over the skin, detecting irregularities in the tissue, and then apply targeted pressure to break down scar tissue and fascial restrictions. The technique emphasizes controlled microtrauma, which is believed to stimulate a local inflammatory response, promoting the healing process by increasing blood flow and cellular activity in the affected area.
Learn more about Graston here: https://grastontechnique.com/
Rockblades by Rocktape
Rocktape, a company known for its kinesiology tape products, has expanded into the realm of IASTM with a modern approach. Their method, often referred to as "RockBlades," introduces a comprehensive philosophy that integrates movement, neurological input, and the biopsychosocial model of pain.
Key Theories by Rocktape:
Neurological Input:
Rocktape emphasizes the importance of neurological stimulation through IASTM. By providing sensory input to the skin, the tools can help modulate pain and improve proprioception. This sensory input is thought to disrupt the pain cycle and aid in neuromuscular re-education.
Movement-Based Approach:
Rocktape promotes the use of IASTM in conjunction with active movement and exercise. This dynamic approach aims to improve tissue glide and movement patterns, enhancing functional recovery and performance.
Learn more about Rockblades here: https://www.rocktape.com/medical/products/iastm/
FAKTR
FAKTR (Functional and Kinetic Treatment with Rehabilitation) offers another progressive perspective on IASTM. Developed by Dr. Tom Hyde and Dr. Greg Doerr, FAKTR combines manual therapy with movement and functional rehabilitation exercises.
Key Theories by FAKTR:
Functional Movement Integration:
FAKTR emphasizes treating patients in functional, weight-bearing positions that replicate real-life activities. This principle is based on the belief that treating in static positions does not always translate to improved function in dynamic, everyday movements.
Combination with Rehabilitation:
The FAKTR approach integrates IASTM with various rehabilitation exercises. By combining manual therapy with active patient participation, it aims to address the neuromuscular system more effectively, promoting long-term functional improvements.
Comprehensive Treatment Protocols:
FAKTR protocols often involve a series of progressive treatment stages, starting from pain relief and progressing to functional rehabilitation and performance enhancement. This staged approach ensures that treatments are tailored to the patient’s current condition and goals.
Learn more about FAKTR here: https://faktr-store.com/
Training and Certification:
Osteopaths, physiotherapists or chiropractors that use IASTM typically undergo additional training and certification to effectively use IASTM techniques. Programs like the Graston Technique, Rocktape’s RockBlades, and FAKTR provide structured education on the proper use of tools, techniques, and patient management strategies.
Our Osteopath at Solution Health & Rehab in Varsity Lakes have undergone additiontal traning in the use of Rockblades by Rocktape.
Conclusion
Instrument Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization (IASTM) represents a promising technique in the field of manual therapy, offering potential benefits in pain reduction, improved mobility, and accelerated healing. While the current evidence is encouraging, further research is needed to standardize treatment protocols and fully understand its long-term effects. As with any therapeutic intervention, it is essential to weigh the benefits against the limitations and criticisms to determine the most appropriate course of action for each individual patient.
Interested in learning more about how IASTM might form part for your overall treatment plan at Solution Health & Rehab follow the link below: