IASTM - A revolutionary method in treatment and recovery

WHAT IS IASTM?

Instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization (IASTM) is an intervention including the use of specialized tools (Gua Sha, Graston, Fat tool) for diagnosing, assessing, and treating disorders of the myofascial and musculoskeletal components of the human body. Some examples of these disorders can be muscle or joint pain, muscle stiffness,  accumulation of scar tissue after a minor injury, or fascial restriction. The origin of this technique comes from traditional Chinese medicine and is more than 700 years old. Gua sha, how is the tool called in traditional Chinese medicine is used to promote cell repair, regeneration, healing, and recovery, but can also be a great assessment tool for muscle stiffness, adhesions, scar tissue, and trigger points. For some people, myself included, assessing with gua sha can be more precise and sensitive than standard palpation taught in classical medical practice. 

HOW DOES IASTM WORKS?

IASTM has many effects on human physiology, however, there is still very little scientific evidence supporting theories behind the effectiveness of its use. The most common form of treatment is scrapping, during which therapists use instruments with smoothed edges to scrape the skin. This form of treatment cause micro-trauma in the tissue, which will stimulate a local inflammatory response and will accelerate the healing process, collagen synthesis, and scar tissue breakdown. But that is not all that Gua sha does. By scrapping you can also improve the fascial gliding, leading to increased blood flow, better flexibility, and less muscle stiffness. This is something that can be highly beneficial to athletes during an intense training period, as an increased blood flow into the tissue speeds up recovery, supports muscle growth, and helps you achieve a bigger pump during the training sessions. I personally love to use Gua sha on my quads after a heavy leg day to promote recovery and muscle growth. Unfortunately despite its effectiveness and high success rate in helping with different myofascial and musculoskeletal disorders, many therapists still denounce Gua sha as it is not really respected by western medicine as an effective way of treating. What is my advice? Find a good practitioner and judge by yourself. You will not regret it. 

What are some conditions that can be successfully treated with IASTM?

Neck pain.

Back stiffness.

Carpal tunnel syndrome. 

Shin splits.

Plantar fasciitis.

Tendinitis.

Limited range of motion caused by scar tissue formation. 

Migraines are caused by muscle stiffness in the cervical area.  

What can you expect after an IASTM session?

Redness and bruises in the treated area.

Signs of inflammation like increased body temperature.

Fatigue.

Muscle soreness. 

Less muscle stiffness.

Better flexibility.

Increased blood flows into the tissue.

What are some contraindications for IASTM?

Open wounds.

Use of blood thinner medication. 

Hypersensitivity.