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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Health Blog
Preparing for Surgery? Try Pre-hab to Speed up Your Recovery Process.
Getting ready for surgery? Understand that rehabilitation after surgery is key for a speedy recovery. It returns your movement and helps you stand on your feet again. Interestingly, rehabilitation before surgery, known as pre-hab, can also make your post-surgery recovery faster and even enhance the outcome of your surgery. Pre-hab means working with a physical therapist to prepare your body for surgery. Post-surgery, rehab takes over the healing process.
For a swift return to your daily life after surgery, consider Stript Physical Therapy in Freehold, NJ. Our dedicated team designs a personalized treatment plan to expedite your recovery and prepare you for your upcoming surgery.
Understanding Pre-hab vs. Rehab
Pre-hab: Participating in a pre-hab program with a physical therapist helps you get a head start on recovery and ensures a more successful surgery. Your therapist will prescribe exercises and therapeutic modalities to reduce inflammation and increase strength, giving your body an advantage as it heals from surgery. Even a few sessions can improve your overall health, so you have more strength to draw on post-surgery. Pre-hab prevents extreme weakness after surgery by building up your strength in advance.
Rehab: While pre-hab prepares your body for surgery, rehab focuses on strengthening your body afterward. Post-surgery pain and discomfort are natural, and certain motions may be challenging. However, it’s crucial to maintain movement to regain your range of motion and ensure a full recovery. Rehab helps you move safely, prevent reinjury, fight inflammation, and keep painful adhesions from forming. It also builds strength to help you quickly return to your routine.
What Results Can You Expect from Pre-hab?
Pre-hab dramatically helps people about to have surgery. Research from the Arthritis Foundation found that patients doing pre-hab recovered better after surgery and could leave the hospital sooner. Knee replacement patients who did pre-hab could walk and climb stairs well enough to be discharged from the hospital faster than those who skipped pre-hab.
Get a Jump Start on Your Recovery with Stride Physical Therapy
The health benefits of pre-hab are undeniable. If your surgery date is approaching, call Stride Physical Therapy in Freehold, NJ today to take advantage of our strengthening pre-hab services. Our team of dedicated movement experts will help you improve your strength before surgery, ensuring a smoother post-operative outcome and a faster recovery. Don’t face this journey alone—contact Stride Physical Therapy today to get the supportive, knowledgeable care you deserve.
