A hand can find the restriction. An instrument can get into it.
IASTM stands for instrument assisted soft tissue mobilization. Your therapist works a handheld instrument across the muscle, tendon and fascia instead of using hands alone. Massage mostly moves the surface. The instrument gets under it, to the adhesions and scar tissue that are holding your movement back.
The tool creates controlled microtrauma in the restricted tissue, which restarts the body's own repair response. Blood flow and cellular activity increase in that spot, the tissue remodels, and the range you had lost starts coming back. Graston is one brand of IASTM with its own patented tools. We use a range of instruments and pick the one that suits the tissue.
Assess first. Then the instrument. Then load it.
Find the Restriction
Your first visit is about an hour with your Doctor of Physical Therapy. Before any instrument touches you, we work out where the tissue has stopped gliding and whether IASTM is the right tool for it.
Work the Tissue
The instrument is drawn across the restricted area at an angle and pressure set to your tolerance. Mild discomfort and temporary redness are normal. Sharp pain is not, and your therapist adjusts as you go.
Use the New Range
Tissue that has just been freed needs a reason to stay free. Stretching and strengthening follow in the same appointment, and the plan runs through all four phases: reduce pain, prevent, prime, perform.
Schedule Your Appointment
No referral needed. Utah has direct access to physical therapy. Most insurances accepted.
Your first visit is about an hour with a Doctor of Physical Therapy, and they stay for all of it. Tell us where it is stuck and we will tell you whether an instrument is the right way in.
You’re all set.
We’ll reach out within one business day to confirm your appointment. If you need to speak with us sooner, call us directly.