What is Instrument-Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization (IASTM)?

IASTM techniques are a collection of modalities where a trained practitioner uses a specific instrument or set of instruments to mobilize your soft tissues, including muscles, tendons, and fascia. The targeted, controlled use of these instruments creates microtraumas that break up scar tissue and other adhesions that cause musculoskeletal pain and limits the muscles’ range of motion. Dr. McConnell is a certified provider of Graston Technique®, an IASTM modality that utilizes special instruments. Percussive Therapy is another IASTM method that our practitioners use to loosen soft tissue — check back soon to learn more about the ways we’re integrating Percussive Therapy modalities.

Graston Technique®

Dr. McConnell is trained in Graston Technique®, an evidence-based form of Instrument-Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization (IASTM) that helps detect and correct areas of “scar tissue” or adhesions in soft tissue (muscles, tendons, and ligaments). Whether it is from sports injuries, car accidents, repetitive stress injuries, or other traumas, our bodies repair these injured areas with scar tissue. This can lead to reduced joint range of motion, pain, inflammation, and sometimes even nerve irritation or entrapment.

Graston Technique® uses specialized stainless-steel instruments to detect and treat areas of scar tissue by gliding over the muscles, tendons, and ligaments with the right amount of pressure. The instruments help break up the scar tissue restrictions that are causing the patient pain and stiffness. Functional movement and stretching exercises post-treatment aid the healing process by promoting the rebuilding of new soft tissue, that is more flexible and healthier.

The Graston Technique® instruments, while enhancing the clinician's ability to detect and address scar tissue, have been clinically proven to achieve quicker and better outcomes in treating both acute and chronic conditions.