IASTM
At Kinetic Sports Medicine & Rehab, we use Instrument Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization (IASTM) to help athletes and active individuals in Centennial, CO and the surrounding Denver area address soft tissue restrictions, improve mobility, and support recovery. IASTM is one of the hands-on techniques we use as part of a comprehensive, movement-focused approach to care.
What Is IASTM?
Instrument Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization, or IASTM, is a hands-on treatment technique that uses specialized instruments to work with the body’s soft tissues. These instruments allow us to apply controlled pressure to areas of muscle and connective tissue that may be tight, restricted, or contributing to limited movement.
Soft tissue restrictions can develop for a variety of reasons, including repetitive activity, sports training, injury, prolonged postures, or everyday physical demands. When tissues become restricted, they may affect mobility and how efficiently your muscles and joints move.
IASTM allows us to target specific areas of soft tissue while working through areas of restriction. Treatment may be performed directly over muscles, tendons, and other soft tissues depending on your symptoms and treatment goals.
What Can IASTM Help With?
IASTM may be incorporated into treatment when soft tissue tension or mobility restrictions are contributing to discomfort or affecting movement. It may be useful for:
- Muscle tightness and tension
- Soft tissue restrictions
- Limited mobility
- Sports and overuse injuries
- Muscle soreness
- Recovery from physical activity
- Movement restrictions
- Areas of muscular stiffness
- Improving mobility before exercise or activity
For athletes and active individuals, maintaining healthy soft tissue mobility can be an important part of training and recovery. IASTM may help address areas of restriction that are making certain movements uncomfortable or limiting your ability to perform at your best.
IASTM is not intended to be a stand-alone solution for every condition. When appropriate, it can be combined with other treatments to address both soft tissue restrictions and the movement patterns that may be contributing to them.
How We Use IASTM
At Kinetic Sports Medicine & Rehab, IASTM is one of many tools we use to help you move better and recover more effectively. We don’t use the same treatment for everyone. Instead, we evaluate your symptoms, movement, activity level, and goals to determine whether IASTM may be appropriate for you.
Depending on your needs, IASTM may be combined with sports chiropractic care, dry needling, cupping, and corrective exercise. Combining hands-on treatment with movement-based care allows us to address soft tissue restrictions while also working toward better overall function.
Our goal is more than simply treating an area that feels tight or uncomfortable. We want to help you restore mobility, improve movement, and return to the activities you enjoy. Whether you’re an athlete recovering from an injury, an active individual dealing with persistent tightness, or someone looking to improve mobility, your treatment will be personalized to your body and your goals.