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Support for your health

Our IASTM treatment is to support pain management .

What is IASTM?

IASTM is the acronym for instrument assisted soft tissue mobilization. It also is directly associated with the Graston brand.

IASTM is a type of manual therapy that utilizes specialized ergonomic tools that massage and scrape the skin gently.

The IASTM uses a set of stainless steel instruments to help soft tissue injuries to the connective tissues, muscles, neurological tissues and skin. It is effective for soft tissue injuries like repetitive stress injury, strains, sprains and subluxations.

 

This soft tissue mobilization technique treats a wide number of conditions, including quadricep pain, rotator cuff pain, carpal tunnel syndrome, lower back pain, plantar fasciitis, tennis elbow and even headaches. This technique has had proven results for patients.

What's different between
Gua-sha and IASTM?

The first written records of Gua-sha are 700 years old, although the modality could be much older. Virtually the same as Gua-sha, IASTM was developed and refined by western medical professionals through years of detailed research. The use of these tools and their effectiveness has been scientifically validated repeatedly.

IASTM and Gua-sha begin with applying lotion to the skin to reduce friction between the tool and the skin. This allows a precision, sensitivity, and depth that cannot be accomplished with the hands. Gua-sha and IASTM tools make it easier to detect and treat dysfunction in the fascia. The tools magnify the abnormalities (scars, restrictions, and adhesions) in the fascia and make it easier to locate the area to treat. 

The use of Gua-sha and IASTM tools focuses the force through an area smaller than your finger with less friction. The goal of the treatment is to trigger the inflammatory response, which stimulates the healing and remodeling of an injured area. A course of treatments can convert fibrotic tissues into healthier, more functional, and less painful areas.

So How Does It Work?

First, we need to understand “fascia.”

Fascia is the connective tissue of our body, covering all other soft tissue structures, including muscle. When the fascia becomes “stuck,” medical professionals may refer to that as an adhesion or restriction, which can be tight, painful or both for the patient.

By utilizing IASTM tools, the clinician can determine the exact spot where the adhesion lies because it will feel crunchy or crinkly underneath. Once the precise area of restriction is identified, the clinician can target that space with the tool. Using these tools creates friction and introduces micro-trauma to the adhesion, thus breaking up muscle belly trigger points, “knots” and scar tissue alike. IASTM can also be powerful in reducing nervous system muscle tone, allowing muscles to relax. Another great benefit is that it promotes blood to the treatment area and encourage tissue remodeling, all of which help to improve mobility.

The benefits of performing IASTM
and Gua-sha in conjunction
with acupuncture treatments  

  • Decreased overall time of treatment

  • Faster rehabilitation and recovery times

  • Reduced need for anti-inflammatory medication 

  • Resolution of chronic conditions thought to be permanent

  • Increased rate of volume and blood flow to affected areas to enhance healing

※ Require attention care ※

Some redness (petechiae) will appear on the skin after treatment with guasha/IASTM. It is best to keep this area warm and covered for a couple of days while this redness heals. Avoid exposing this area to cold air or cold water until the redness resolves.

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