Instrument Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization

Introduction

Instrument Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilisation or Simply IASTM is a new range of tool which enables clinicians to efficiently locate and treat individuals diagnosed with soft tissue dysfunction. The technique itself is said to be a modern evolution from Traditional Chinese Medicine called Gua Sha.However Gua Sha was not used to treat Musculoskeletal conditions but was traditionally applied along meridiens to move the bad chi out through the skin.IASTM is a is a procedure that is rapidly growing in popularity due to its effectiveness and efficiency while remaining non-invasive,with its own indications and limitations.

IASTM Benefits & Physiology

Cellular Level

Studies have  addressed the benefits of IASTM at the cellular level. Benefits include increased fibroblast proliferation, reduction in scar
tissue, increased vascular response, and the remodeling of unorganized collagen fiber matrix following IASTM application.

Fibroblast is considered the most important cell in the extracellular matrix (ECM). The repair, regeneration and maintenance of soft tissue take place in the ECM. The fibroblast synthesizes the ECM, which includes collagen, elastin and proteoglycans, among many other essential substances. Fibroblasts have the ability to react as mechanotranducers, which means they are able to detect biophysical strain (deformation) such as compression, torque, shear and fluid flow, and create a mechanochemical response.

 Gehlsen, Ganion, and Helfst investigated the effects of 3 separate IASTM pressures on rat Achilles tendons. They concluded that fibroblast production is directly proportional to the magnitude of IASTM pressure used by the clinician.Gehlsen, Verhoestra, Roepke, and Sevier supported Gehlsen et al. by concluding that IM significantly increased fibroblast production in rat achilles tendons by using electron microscopy to analyze tissue samples following IM application.
Davidson et al. found morphologic changes in the rough endoplasmic reticulum following IM application.Thus, indicating micro trauma to damaged tissues, resulting in an acute fibroblast response

Clinical Benefits
Studies have also showed clinical benefits of IASTM showing improvements in range of motion,strength and pain perception following treatment.