Contemporary Healthcare
Instrument Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilisation Dee Why
Instrument Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilisation (IASTM) in Dee Why at Contemporary Healthcare Northern Beaches Sydney
Instrument Assisted Soft Tissue mobilisation in Dee Why at Contemporary Healthcare Northern Beaches Sydney is a relatively new form of treatment for myofascial restriction in Australia. Instead of using a traditional hands on approach using cross friction, IASTM is applied using specially designed instruments to provide a mobilising effect to soft tissue structures such as scar tissue and myofascial adhesions. It works on the superficial and deep fascial layers, breaking up scar tissue, adhesions, improving tissue mobility and can improve blood flow and neurological function in the area.
The net effect is a decrease in pain, improved range of motion and improved function. The use of the instrument provides a mechanical advantage for the clinician by allowing deeper penetration and more specific treatment to the patients area of lesion.
How does IASTM help?
The IASTM treatment is said to stimulate connective tissue remodelling through resorption of excessive fibrosis, along with inducing repair and regeneration of collagen secondary to fibroblast recruitment. A fibroblast is a type of cell that is responsible for making the extracellular matrix and collagen. Together, this extracellular matrix and collagen form the structural framework of tissues in humans and plays an important role in tissue repair. Fibroblasts are the main connective tissue cells present in the body. Therefore stimulating fibroblast cells, will result in the release and breakdown of scar tissue, adhesions, and fascial restrictions. These benefits have been demonstrated in many clinical studies.
The concept of myofascial lines.
Fascial tissues bind us together as human beings helping to give us structural integrity. Fascial tissue is said to be organised into 12 myofascial lines. These myofascial lines are tracks of myofascial tissue that distribute strain, facilitate movement, and provide stability throughout the structures of the body. There are myofascial line at the front, side, back and across the body. These can be deep or superficial.
These myofascial lines are very important clinically because when one part of the system is dysfunctional it can result in clinical pain in a totally different area. For example in the myofascial line along the back part of the body, myofascial adhesions or scar tissue in the bottom of the foot may result in pain along any part of the involved myofascial line, in this case the back and neck.
When using IASTM, the doctor treats not only the local area of complaint, but also looks at other areas that are directly linked to this area through these myofascial lines. This results in less pain, increase movement and restoration of normal functional movement patterns to help prevent further injury. This also means that you can do the things that you love to do, such as play with the children, sit and read your favourite book, play golf, run or go to the gym better.
IASTM has been shown to be very effective in treating:
- Achilles tendonitis
- Carpal tunnel syndrome
- Coccydynia (pain in the tailbone)
- Heel spurs/plantar fasciitis
- Iliotibial band syndrome
- Lateral epicondylitis/osis (tennis elbow)
- Medial epicondylitis/osis (golfers elbow)
- Piriformis syndrome
- Rotator cuff syndrome
- Tension headaches
- Trigger finger
- Tendon injuries
- Muscle injuries
- Chronic soft tissue injuries
- Sprains and strains
- Chronic joint swelling associated with soft tissue injuries
- Post surgical scarring
- Traumatic scarring
- Pain and restriction associated with bunions
- Pain and restriction associated with arthritis and other degenerative conditions
Contemporary Healthcare Dee Why is a multidisciplinary practice that incorporates Chiropractic, Shockwave Therapy, Hypervibe Therapy, Applied Kinesiology, NET , Active Release Technique (ART), Instrument Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilisation (IASTM). It is located in Dee Why on the Northern Beaches of Sydney.
If you have any questions regarding IASTM or if you want to make an appointment, please call the Dee Why practice on 9971 4408.
This article was written by Dr .Orazio Trevisan (Integrative Chiropractor) and Director of Contemporary Healthcare Dee Why