INSTRUMENT-ASSISTED SOFT TISSUE MOBILIZATION (IASTM)
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What Is It?
Instrument Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization (IASTM) is a hands-on method where your physical therapist uses a specially designed tool, made of either plastic or metal, to massage your muscles. They can adjust the pressure and speed of the tool to aid healing and reduce inflammation, and to either activate (contract) or relax (inhibit) specific muscles.
how does it work?
Instruments pinpoint and ease tightness in fascial tissue (the body's connective tissue network). Their shape lets therapists locate and apply precise pressure to target damaged spots. This application triggers a slight healing inflammation, sparking the body's repair process. It helps dissolve adhesions—scar tissue—from surgery, lack of movement, strain, or other causes, aiding in the full recovery of tissue function.
Indications
Limited motion
pain during motion
motor control issues
Muscle recruitment issues
Quick Links
FAQs
Conditions for which IASTM is usually used:
Tennis and Golfer’s elbow
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Plantar Fasciitis
Rotator Cuff Tendonitis
Patellar Tendonitis
Heel Pain /Achilles Tendinitis
Post-Surgical and Traumatic Scars
Myofascial Pain and Restrictions
Muscle Imbalances
Chronic Joint Swelling Associated with Sprains/Strains
Ligament Sprains
Muscle Strains
Bursitis
Trigger Finger
Hip Pain
IT Band Syndrome
Shin Splints
Chronic Ankle Sprains
Scars (Surgical, Traumatic)
MEET YOUR RECOVERY TEAM
Kanwal Bhardwaj
PT, M.Sc.PT, CIMT, CMNT
Meet Kanwal Bhardwaj, PT, M.Sc.PT, CIMT, CMNT, the driving force behind Stride Physical Therapy in Freehold, NJ. With over 20 years of dedicated experience in the field, Kanwal brings a wealth of expertise and a passion for holistic healing to his practice. Kanwal's journey began with a Master of Science in Orthopedic Physical Therapy from Quinnipiac University in 2004. Over the years, he honed his skills and gained invaluable insights during 18 years of service in outpatient physical therapy offices. In 2014, fueled by a desire to deepen his understanding of patient care, he pursued a manual therapy certification (CIMT). This transformative experience allowed him to adopt a whole-body perspective, focusing on treating the root cause rather than just the symptoms...
At Stride Physical Therapy, we're dedicated to transforming lives. With a focus on the root cause of your condition, we're here to help you regain mobility and embrace an active lifestyle. What sets us apart? Our genuine passion for what we do. Let's stride towards a brighter tomorrow together.
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