Graston Soft Tissue Mobilization

Instrument Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization

IASTM is a technique that uses a hand held instruments to help detect and release fascia adhesions, scaring, and restrictions in the soft tissue. Healthy muscle slides very easily, but if injured or over used the body begins to lay down “adhesions” meant to protect the muscle. When the muscle is “injured” by trauma or over use, collagen is increased by the body’s fibroblasts causing an increase in the fascia density. This increase in density is known as adhesions. The over production of these adhesions cause a decrease in range of motion in the corresponding muscles and joints. The use of IASTM (Instrument Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization) allows the release of these adhesions by causing a normal inflammatory response allowing the body to break up adhesions along with remodeling the soft tissue areas.. IASTM also works at the neurological level eliciting neuropath ways and reflexes that effect muscle tone and mobility.

Possible side effects are slight pain/discomfort, bruising, petechiae (small red spots), and possible spontaneous connective tissue release. Spontaneous connective tissue release is a response to the release of scar binding felt after treatment has been preformed.

TREATMENT INDICATIONS:

  • Lateral epicondylosis
  • Medial epicondylosis
  • Supraspinatus tendinitis
  • Achilles tendinitis
  • De Quervain’s
  • Patellar tendonitis
  • Plantar fasciitis
  • ITB syndrome
  • Chronic compartment syndrome
  • Trigger finger
  • MCL/LCL sprains
  • Coronary ligament sprains
  • Ankle sprains
  • Ulnar collateral sprains
  • Edema reaction
  • Postsurgical scar tissue
  • Traumatic scar tissue
  • Carpal tunnel/Tarsal Tunnel
  • Ulnar entrapment
  • Thoracic outlet

POSSIBLE CONTRAINDICATIONS: (need to know about)

  • Cancer
  • Burn Scars
  • Kidney dysfunction
  • Pregnancy
  • Medications – anticoagulants, steroids, hormone replacements,
  • Rheumatoid arthritis
  • Acute inflammation
  • Varicose veins
  • Osteoporosis
  • Lymphedema-heart failure, pitting edema
  • RSD
  • Chronic regional pain syndrome
  • Polyneuropathies
  • Unhealed non-complicated fractures

ABSOLUTE CONTRAINDICATIONS: (Can not preform IASTM on)

  • Open wounds, unhealed suture sites
  • Thrombophlebitis
  • Uncontrolled hypertension
  • Inflammation because of infection

ASK DR. DODSON ABOUT IASTM TO MAKE SURE IT IS THE RIGHT TREATMENT FOR YOU.