Soft tissue mobilization is a form of manual therapy performed by licensed physical therapists or physical therapist assistants to loosen soft tissue restrictions and improve movement and muscle activation
The soft tissue structures in the body include muscles, tendons, ligaments, and their protective covering known as facia. When these structures become tight, it can impair mobility and cause pain. Soft tissue mobilization is a form of manual therapy performed by licensed physical therapists or physical therapist assistants to loosen soft tissue restrictions and improve movement and muscle activation. Currently, there are many different types of soft tissue mobilization other than just the traditional “hands on” approach. Some of the more specialized techniques that are performed at the Wellness Institute include Instrument Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization (IASTM), Cupping, and Body Tempering.
• Instrument Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization (IASTM): IASTM uses specialized tools to mobilize scar tissue adhesions and myofascial restrictions in order to improve pain, increase mobility and maximize muscle recruitment and activation. When an injury occurs to the soft tissue and it’s not treated right away, adhesions and scar tissue can form. The use of the instruments causes microtrauma to the soft tissue which in turn stimulates a local inflammatory response. This then cause remodeling of the scar tissue and promotes better movement.
• Cupping: A myofascial release technique that involves the use of negative pressure with suction cups to create lifting of the soft tissue. Due to injury, inflammation, and change in tissue over time, the tissues become thickened and less mobile. The lifting of the tissues improves circulation to the area to promote healing, reduce pain, and improve mobility. Where IASTM and Body Tempering is more compressive manual therapy, cupping is more decompressive.
• Body Tempering: Invented by an Olympic power lifter Donnie Thompson, Body Tempering is a form of soft tissue mobilization that uses weighted steel cylinders that weigh from 22-200lb, that are held statically or moved along the length of the muscle. BT has been shown clinically to be a beneficial treatment alternative to traditional stretching, foam rolling, and deep tissue mobilization to facilitate repair of muscle strains, improve soft tissue extensibility, and reduce pain. While traditional massage is aimed at working out stress in the body, medical soft tissue mobilization is directed at restoring normal function to the affected structures.
