Introduction
There's nothing quite like a massage after a long, hard day, right? We all need a bit of relaxation now and then. But what if there was a technique that took massage to the next level? That would definitely be IASTM.
IASTM stands for Instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization. As the name suggests, it involves using ergonomically designed instruments to massage specific areas of the body where athletes -and people in general- can feel pain or experience reduced mobility.
But that's not the only difference between a massage and IASTM. IASTM is often indicated for injury recovery, rehabilitation, and enhancing sports performance. In fact, it has become a popular treatment for athletes and anyone seeking relief from muscle pain and a boost in mobility.
In today's post, we'll dive into what IASTM is, how it works, the benefits it offers, and some of the tools used. So, if you're looking for some well-deserved rest after a tough day, sit back, relax, and keep reading.
What is IASTM?
Instrument-Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization is indeed a massage therapy. It uses tools to target and treat areas of the body where you might be feeling pain or experiencing reduced mobility.
The fundamentals of IASTM have been around for a long time. Its predecessor is a traditional Chinese medicine technique called Gua Sha. In this ancient Ming Dynasty practice, they scraped the skin with a smooth tool to promote blood flow and healing. Modern IASTM combines Gua Sha with current understanding and research in sports medicine and rehabilitation.
And how exactly is IASTM better than a traditional massage? IASTM practitioners use ergonomically designed instruments to apply pressure on specific points on the body. These tools help them reach deeper layers of tissue that aren’t as easily accessible by hands alone, breaking down scar tissue and fascial restrictions.
IASTM tools come in various shapes and sizes, each crafted to treat different parts of the body. Don’t let them scare you. IASTM instruments are often made from stainless steel and have beveled edges to ensure precise and safe application.
Imagine a football player who’s been training hard and playing harder, in the middle of the season with an eye on the playoffs. A nagging pain in their calf can be a real source of worry. For any sports player in a situation like this, IASTM helps them recover quickly and prevent injuries before the next game.
The benefits of IASTM are the dreams of any athlete: faster pain relief, improved mobility, and quicker rehabilitation. Let’s have a closer look at what IASTM has to offer.
Benefits of IASTM for Sports
Strength, agility, speed, and explosive power. For any athlete, these elements are the foundation of peak performance. But with intense training and competition comes the risk of injury and the need for efficient recovery.
This is where IASTM comes in as one of the most beneficial treatments for sports players.
Increased flexibility and mobility
Ever feel stiff after a long workout session? IASTM can help, as one of its key benefits is increasing flexibility and mobility. By breaking down scar tissue and releasing tight fascia, restoring your normal movement patterns.
Reduction of pain and muscle tension
Got a nagging pain that's holding you back? If that’s your case, your muscles need to relax and rest, and IASTM is the solution.
IASTM targets those specific areas where you need to reduce pain and muscle tension. Think of it as a precise tool that helps you stay comfortable and focused, without those annoying aches and pains. Sounds great, doesn’t it?
Accelerated injury recovery
Injuries happen. We know it can be frustrating, but taking good care and fully recovering is important. IASTM speeds up the healing process by promoting blood flow and delivering nutrients to injured areas.
Prevent Future Injuries
As we always say in our Physical Therapy Evaluations, acting beforehand and preventing injuries is also important. Regular IASTM treatments help keep your muscles and tissues healthy and flexible, reducing the risk of future injuries. Think of IASTM as a maintenance plan for your body. Preventing is even better than recovering, so you never have to worry about getting hurt again.
Improved Athletic Performance
Overall, the main benefit of IASTM is that it improves sports performance. Less pain, better mobility, and quicker recovery times make an athlete stronger, faster, and more agile.
Want to learn a bit more about the science behind IASTM? We hope you’re still sitting, relaxed, and enjoying this read. Here we go.
How IASTM Works?
IASTM therapy is all about precision and effectiveness. It targets the body’s soft tissues in a way that a traditional massage can’t. IASTM is recommended for treating joints and fascia, a connective tissue that surrounds muscles, bones, and joints. When it’s tight or damaged, it can limit movement and cause pain.
If you want to learn more, you can check out our post about Fascial Strech Therapy.
In medical terms, IASTM involves applying controlled microtrauma to the affected area. This stimulates the body’s natural healing process of damaged tissue, increasing blood flow and triggering an inflammatory response.
Common IASTM treatment areas include the neck, shoulders, back, calves, and Achilles tendon. These spots are prone to tightness and injury; we’ve all been there, right?
How an IASTM Session Feels Like
Let’s break down how an IASTM session works at Performance One.
First, we will invite you to lie down on one of our comfortable massage treatment tables. One of our expert physiotherapists will begin by applying a warm, soothing lubricant to your skin to reduce friction and prepare the area for treatment.
So, right from the start, you can get comfortable and just relax. Our IASTM therapist will gently scan your body with a tool, gliding it over your skin in smooth, deliberate strokes. The goal is to find any irregularities, like tight knots, bumps, or rough patches.
Once the treatment area is identified, our physiotherapist will focus on it with the proper IASTM tool, applying controlled pressure. You might feel a bit of discomfort as they work on breaking down the scar tissue, but it’s a good kind of discomfort – the kind that tells you something is being fixed.
IASTM techniques include brushing, sweeping, or fanning. Throughout the session, the therapist checks in with you, adjusting the pressure and technique to ensure maximum effectiveness while keeping you as comfortable as possible.
As the session progresses, you’ll feel a warming sensation as blood flow increases to the treated area. This is your body’s natural healing process kicking in. By the end of the IASTM session, you might feel a bit tender but also a sense of relief as those tight spots start to loosen up.
Who Can Use IASTM?
Athletes
Many athletes have found IASTM to be a real solution. The intense physical demands of sports like football, basketball, soccer, running, and weightlifting can lead to muscle tightness, injuries, and reduced mobility. IASTM helps athletes by targeting common treatment areas such as the neck, shoulders, back, calves, and Achilles tendon.
For example, basketball players often experience tightness and injuries in their legs, knees, and lower back due to constant jumping and sudden movements. IASTM can effectively break down scar tissue and fascial restrictions in these areas, promoting faster recovery and improved performance on the court.
Similarly, runners can benefit from IASTM to alleviate tight calf muscles and prevent Achilles tendon injuries.
The goal for athletes is to incorporate IASTM into their regular training and recovery routines. As we mentioned above, it will help them maintain peak performance, reduce the risk of injuries, and get back to the game in their best shape.
Recreational Sports Lovers
Recreational sports lovers and weekend warriors can also enjoy a relaxing IASTM experience. Maybe you’re playing a weekend soccer game, hitting the gym, or enjoying a long bike ride. All these recreational activities can still put a strain on your body.
IASTM helps recreational athletes recover quickly from any muscle soreness or minor injuries. If you are practicing sports just for fun, why not also take good care of your body and enjoy some quality relaxing time?
People Who Have Injuries or Muscle Pain
But this treatment isn’t just for athletes. IASTM can provide relief in areas like the lower back, neck, and shoulders, which are frequent sites of pain for many people due to poor posture, repetitive stress, or previous injuries.
For those who have undergone surgery or have chronic conditions like plantar fasciitis or tendinitis, IASTM can be an integral part of your rehabilitation program.
When to Get IASTM Therapy?
Feeling some knots, muscle pain, or movement restrictions? A soft tissue injury may be the problem. Here’s a closer look at when you might need IASTM therapy.
Tendonitis and Tendinopathy
If you’re dealing with conditions like Achilles tendonitis, tennis elbow, or golfer’s elbow, IASTM can be a game-changer. IASTM helps by breaking down scar tissue and promoting blood flow to the affected area, accelerating the healing process of the tendons.
Muscle Strains
Muscle strains, such as hamstring or calf strains, are common in both athletes and recreational sports lovers. These injuries can sideline you for weeks if not properly treated. IASTM targets the damaged muscle fibers, helping to repair them faster and restore strength and flexibility.
Ligament Sprains
Ligament sprains, like ankle sprains or wrist sprains, can be particularly stubborn injuries. The ligaments are tough, fibrous tissues that connect bones and stabilize joints. IASTM aids in the healing process by stimulating tissue regeneration and reducing inflammation.
Myofascial Pain
Myofascial pain syndrome involves tightness and pain in the muscular connective tissues. This condition can cause widespread discomfort and limit your mobility. IASTM is highly effective for releasing the tension in the fascia, improving blood circulation, and alleviating pain.
Post-Surgical Scar Tissue
After surgery, scar tissue can develop and restrict movement, causing pain and discomfort. IASTM is an excellent therapy for breaking down this scar tissue, promoting flexibility, and aiding in the overall healing process.
Conclusion
What makes IASTM truly effective is the combination of these specialized tools with the expertise of skilled practitioners. At Performance One, we understand the body’s biomechanics and work with state-of-the-art tools and techniques. Our staff can pinpoint the exact areas needing treatment, ensuring top performers can keep performing at their best.
Is IASTM better than a traditional massage? That’s for you to decide. We invite you to try IASTM at Performance One. Whether you are an athlete seeking better recovery times and injury prevention, or someone looking to improve your quality of life, a massage booster can’t be wrong, right?