Your physical therapist may decide to use an instrument during hands on therapy to effectively break down fascial restrictions and scar tissue. The design of these specific instruments provides the therapist with the ability to locate restrictions and to treat the affected area with the appropriate amount of pressure.
The IASTM tool is used to break down scar tissue or fascial restrictions. The IASTM tool helps to break down not only scar tissue but also release fascial restrictions by means of controlled microtrauma. What this means is the use of the tool will actually irritate an area and facilitate an inflammatory response. After the inflammatory response, scar tissue will reabsorb and new cells will be brought to the area with the intention of becoming healthy cells. Some of the new cells are collagen cells. The problem is that the collagen cells are typically laid down in an abnormal pattern, which can affect the skin’s ability to resist stretching and other forces. Therefore, it is very important to loosen the scar tissue so that normal cells can replace these cells in the normal alignment.
Although a therapist can mobilize the tissue by hand, it is most effective to use a tool for precise work to the area. This technique is safe and should not cause any increase in pain.
To learn more about how Specialized Physical Therapy can help with your condition using IASTM, contact us here to set up a consultation or give us a call @ 201-773-8851 today.