What is it?

 It’s a skilled myofascial intervention used for soft-tissue treatment and is a frequently used technique in physiotherapy. It’s used to treat the soft tissues that are involved in the movement in a more direct manner. 

The tissues include the following:

• Muscles
• The connective tissue that covers and separates muscles is known as fascia. 
• Ligaments are connective tissue that links bones to one another. 
• Tendons are the connective tissue that connects muscles to bones. 

How is it performed? 

It is performed with stainless steel implements with bevelled edges and shapes that can fit to various body anatomical positions and enable deeper penetration. Soft tissue problems are detected and treated using this technique. 

What are the benefits?

• Faster pain relief 
• Improved mobility 
• Quicker rehabilitation and recovery 

What conditions does it treat? 

• Tendinitis/Tendinosis (Achilles, epicondylitis, patellar rotator cuff) 
• Plantar Fasciitis
• Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
• Trigger Finger 
• Neck and back pain 
• Sprains and Strains 
• ITB Syndrome 
• Myofascial Restrictions
• Post-surgical scaring 
• Post-mastectomy scarring 
• Caesarean scarring 
• Back Pain
• Trigger Finger
• Hip Pain (Replacements) 
• IT Band Syndrome
• Shin Splints 
• Chronic Ankle Sprains 
• Acute Ankle Sprains (Advanced Technique)
• Scars (Surgical, Traumatic) 

References: 

https://www.athletico.com/2020/01/31/everyone-is-talking-about-iastm-what-is-it/ 

https://www.physio-pedia.com/Instrument_Assisted_Soft_Tissue_Mobilization 

https://www.selectphysicaltherapy.com/services/specialty-services/iastm