IASTM in Ann Arbor

IASTM at On Track Physiotherapy in Ann Arbor

Have injuries, overuse, or just the aches and pains of getting older made it difficult to stay active and do the athletic activities you love? Instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization (IASTM) offered by the physical therapists at On Track Physiotherapy in Ann Arbor can help you finally reclaim your active lifestyle.

Unlike regular massage techniques that only address the surface-level symptoms of musculoskeletal pain and stiffness, IASTM utilizes specially designed instruments to methodically break down scar tissue and restrictions deep within your soft tissues that contribute to limited mobility and discomfort.

Think of it as a purposeful deep tissue massage aimed at increasing blood flow, stimulating tissue regeneration, and restoring normal function to dysfunctional areas like:

• Lower back
• Neck
• Shoulders
• Hips
• Knees
• And more

The expert physical therapists at On Track Physiotherapy have advanced training in IASTM and years of experience using these specialized techniques to help men and women of all ages finally:

• Relieve nagging aches and pains
• Regain strength and mobility
• Recover from old injuries
• Return to athletic activities they love
• And prevent future injuries

If lack of joint mobility or lingering soft tissue injuries are limiting your quality of life, keep reading to discover how IASTM offered by On Track Physiotherapy’s skilled therapists can help you reclaim your active lifestyle.

Overview: How IASTM Relieves Pain and Restores Function

IASTM utilizes handheld stainless steel or plastic instruments designed to break down scar tissue adhesions and restrictions lurking deep within your muscles, tendons, and connective tissues. These problematic tissues act like glue, limiting normal tissue mobility and sliding that occurs during movement. As a result, stiffness, inflexibility, weakness, and compensatory movement patterns emerge, making activities like running, lifting weights, playing sports, or even everyday motions like bending or reaching painful and difficult.

The instruments used in IASTM allow therapists to apply controlled microtrauma to targeted areas of dysfunctional soft tissues. This kickstarts your body’s natural healing abilities, boosting blood flow and nutrient delivery to injured areas. Over the course of several IASTM treatment sessions, your tissues become healthier, more elastic, and better able to handle the demands of exercise and activity without pain or risk of re-injury.

3 Key Benefits of IASTM Offered by On Track Physiotherapy

Customers of On Track Physiotherapy’s skilled physical therapists enjoy remarkable benefits from IASTM treatments for muscle and soft tissue dysfunction, including:

1. Reduced Pain and Improved Function
By methodically breaking down troublesome adhesions, scar tissue, and restrictions in your soft tissues, IASTM can significantly decrease the discomfort associated with common repetitive strain injuries, chronic pain, and musculoskeletal conditions. Releasing tension deep within the muscle bellies and connective tissues allows joints to move through their full pain-free range of motion once again. This leads to marked improvements in strength, mobility, and function for better quality of life on and off “the court” when engaging in athletic pursuits or everyday activities.

2. Faster Healing and Tissue Repair
The controlled microtrauma created by IASTM instruments is thought to bring increased blood flow and delivery of healing nutrients to injured areas. For those recovering from strains, tears, and overuse injuries like tendinitis or plantar fasciitis, IASTM can potential accelerate healing times.

3. Improved Tissue Quality and Reduced Reinjury Risk
Unlike passive treatments that just address surface level symptoms, IASTM aims to restore normal tissue length, elasticity, and sliding mechanics deep below the skin.
By promoting true tissue repair and regeneration where dysfunction originates, tissues become higher quality and better equipped to handle the demands of exercise and activity.
my legs. By improving tissue quality deep in my hamstrings, it’s been 3 seasons now with no problems.” High-quality, elastic, flexible tissues move and absorb force better. This enhances athletic performance and movement while also reducing the likelihood of future repeated strain injuries.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions customers have about IASTM answered by On Track Physiotherapy’s knowledgeable therapists:

What are the techniques for IASTM?

• IASTM therapists use handheld instruments with beveled edges to deliver targeted pressure while massaging dysfunctional soft tissues. Strokes are applied parallel, perpendicular, and diagonally across muscle fibers. Friction is created both with the skin stationary while the tool moves and vice versa depending on the area being addressed.
  

What are the benefits of IASTM?

• As discussed above, major benefits include: reduced pain/improved function, expedited injury recovery, enhanced tissue quality/elasticity, increased blood flow/circulation, and
  reduced risk of re-injury.

What is the difference between Graston and IASTM?

• Graston is a branded form of IASTM, created by the Graston company. Their patented instruments require specialized training. IASTM more broadly covers any instrument-assisted manual therapy focusing on relieving myofascial restrictions. At On Track Physiotherapy, our expert therapists utilize both Graston tools and other IASTM instruments.

Does IASTM help cellulite?

• Some emerging research indicates IASTM may have benefits for improving the appearance of cellulite. The techniques increase blood flow and circulation, potentially reducing fat deposits. They also help break up fascial adhesions that can contribute to the dimpled look of cellulite. More studies are still needed, but improve aesthetics could be an added perk!

Meet Your Expert IASTM Therapists

The On Track Physiotherapy physical therapy team includes highly skilled clinicians with advanced certifications in many areas of care:

Dr. Morgan Kennedy, DPT, TPI, FDN, CIMT, CAFS
Dr. Morgan Kennedy, DPT, TPI, FDN, CIMT, CAFS, on of our licensed therapist uses her clinical experience and judgment to determine the appropriate pressure and technique application needed based on your unique injury, condition, and comfort level.

Customized treatment plans are created targeting each patient’s impaired tissues and dysfunction patterns for optimal outcomes.

Start Feeling Better – Schedule Your Consult Today

If lack of mobility and unresolved injuries are keeping you sidelined from the activities important to you, don’t wait. Contact On Track Physiotherapy in Ann Arbor today online or call to schedule your initial IASTM evaluation.

Our expert therapists will perform comprehensive assessments pinpointing your dysfunctional tissues contributing to stiffness, pain, and movement limitations. An individualized treatment plan will be created just for you, combining modalities like IASTM, stretching, joint mobilizations, and therapeutic exercises as needed to help you finally get back to 100%. We look forward to helping you relieve nagging aches and pains, enhance performance, prevent future injuries, and return to doing what you love!

About the Author

Dr. Greg Schaible, a Physical Therapist specializing in Certified Strength & Conditioning and Sports Rehab, puts patients at the forefront of his care. With years of experience, he guides individuals towards achieving their best selves. At On Track Physiotherapy in Ann Arbor, Dr. Greg Schaible crafts individualized plans using cutting-edge techniques, empowering patients to overcome limitations and thrive.