Instrument-Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization (IASTM) is one form of therapy utilized by Chiropractors, Physical therapists, and Athletic trainers worldwide. A few of the bigger companies in this arena include Graston, Hawk Grips, Smart Tools, and FAKTR.
A recent study on patients with acute grade I or II inversion ankle sprains concluded:
"The FAKTR instrument assisted soft tissue mobilization treatment combined with cryotherapy indicated a trend toward greater clinical effectiveness than cryotherapy for measures of pain, pain pressure threshold, balance and proprioception, and foot function."
Why is this significant? Clinically our office uses many forms of treatment with FAKTR protocols. Treatment with these protocols and instruments goes beyond ankle sprains to other areas including neck pain, back pain, shoulder pain, tennis elbow, carpal tunnel, and more!
IASTM typically involves both active and passive movements while utilizing the instrument over the painful areas. Occasionally this can be uncomfortable when being performed but in most cases would not be considered painful. It is extremely unlikely to have bruising present after treatment in the hands of a trained provider. Treatment goals typically include improving range of motion in addition to decreasing pain either immediately or shortly after treatment. It may be said that IASTM can break up scar tissue or get rid of trigger points as well. Another common use is to decrease adhesions around a surgical site/scar work.
Most providers utilizing IASTM also incorporate movement of the tissue being treated. This can include either simple bending of the elbow/wrist when working the tissue in the area, or can be more advanced such as working an achilles tendinitis while the patient performs a squat. Why is this movement significant? Current concepts in research and pain science are shifting towards a movement paradigm. For example you may have heard the R.I.C.E method is outdated and other acronyms have taken its place.
Rest
Ice
Compression
Elevation
The thought process with the R.I.C.E. method is to reduce swelling and decrease blood flow to the area in question. The problem is blood carries oxygen and other nutrients to the area that may encourage the healing process to take place. Movement is another way to increase blood flow to the area.
One alternative widely used is P.E.A.C.E and L.O.V.E.
Protect: Limit movement for 1-3 days
Elevate: promote fluid drainage
Avoid: Anti-inflammatories and icing as they may slow tissue healing
Compress: Kinesiology taping is one strategy we use to compress tissue
Educate: learn steps to recovery and how manual therapy can speed it along
Once the tissue has a few days of PEACE it will need LOVE
Load: Movement/exercise to tolerance
Optimism: a confident attitude can go a long way
Vascularisation: Pain-free exercise to tolerance (cardio) may help speed healing
Exercise: Restore pain-free movement to prevent future injury
Many athletes are aware of these conceptual changes and follow these updated protocols after an injury. Seeking out a trained provider in your area for assistance may help speed recovery and help to prevent future episodes. Feel free to reach out to your Marathon City chiropractor to find out if IASTM is right for you!
Study Cited Above:
Kahere M, Matkovich G, Korporaal C. Functional and Kinetic Treatment With Rehabilitation Combined With Cryotherapy Compared to Cryotherapy Alone in the Treatment of Acute Grade I or II Inversion Ankle Sprains: A Randomized Clinical Trial. Journal of Chiropractic Medicine. 2022 Dec 1;21(4):305-15.
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