Instrument-Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization (IASTM)
Instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization, or IASTM, is a hands-on technique where your physical therapist glides a smooth plastic or metal tool over the skin to find and loosen scar tissue and tight tissue. Patients often call it scraping therapy. We offer it at our clinic in Chubbuck, Idaho, with Jared Pugmire, PT, DPT, FAAOMPT, Dip Osteopractic, Cert. SMT/DN/VCS among the therapists trained in advanced manual therapy.
Why patients call it muscle scraping
The tool has a shaped edge, sometimes called a blade, that lets your therapist feel where the tissue is rough, thick or restricted, then treat it with just the right pressure. Done with different pressures and speeds, it can ease pain, and help turn a muscle on or settle one that is overactive.
Scars and adhesions can form after surgery, a period in a cast or brace, or repeated strain. The point of soft tissue scraping is to work through those restrictions so the tissue can move the way it should.
What IASTM is used for
It suits tendon trouble, scar tissue and tight muscle. Typical reasons we use it:
Tendinitis treatment and tendon problems
- Tennis and golfer's elbow
- Rotator cuff tendinitis
- Patellar tendinitis
- Achilles tendinitis and heel pain
Scar tissue treatment
- Surgical scars
- Traumatic scars
- Adhesions after a sprain or strain
- Chronic joint swelling after a sprain
Tight or sore tissue
- Plantar fasciitis
- IT band syndrome and shin splints
- Muscle imbalances and myofascial restrictions
- Neck, back and hip pain
What you will feel
Expect firm but tolerable pressure along the treated area. Redness is common and usually fades in a short time, and mild bruising is possible. Tell your therapist if the pressure is too much and they will adjust.
Treatment is a part of your visit rather than the whole of it. We pair it with exercise so the better motion it gives you gets used and kept, which is also how it fits next to manual therapy.
When we skip IASTM
Tell your therapist before we start if any of these apply:
- You take blood thinners
- Your skin is fragile
- There is an open wound or an infection in the area
Conditions where it comes up
The pages for these areas mention IASTM:
Cost, coverage and a related technique
If you are curious about a different way of lifting tissue, cupping uses suction instead of a tool.
We see patients from Chubbuck and Pocatello, Idaho.
Idaho allows direct access to physical therapy, so you do not need a referral from a doctor to begin. Some insurance plans, and Medicare typically, may still require one. If you are unsure, call us and we will check your plan.
We accept most insurance plans and verify your benefits before you arrive. Auto injury liens, Medpay and workers compensation are accepted, and there is a self-pay option. Call the office to confirm your plan.
Related care
IASTM in Chubbuck, Idaho
Call or request an appointment at our Chubbuck clinic. We see patients from Chubbuck, Pocatello and the surrounding area.
We see patients at our Chubbuck clinic from Chubbuck and Pocatello, Idaho.