The term “manual therapy” refers to hands-on treatment of muscles, tendons, ligaments, and joints. Manual therapy encompasses a broad group of sophisticated techniques performed by hand and by uniquely trained physical therapists. These may include mobilizations or manipulations of soft tissue and skeletal joints.
Manual therapy techniques aim to decrease pain and increase function
Human touch is an essential ingredient in our treatment philosophy and approach, and for good reason. Patients respond positively to hands-on work when combined with exercise and education. This leads to faster recovery.
Instrument-Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization (IASTM)
Instrument-Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization (IASTM) is a type of manual therapy which utilizes tools such as Graston® and Cupping which enables clinicians to efficiently locate and treat individuals diagnosed with soft tissue dysfunction.
IASTM is performed with ergonomically designed instruments that detect and treat:
- fascial restrictions
- encourage rapid localization
- effectively treat areas exhibiting soft tissue fibrosis, chronic inflammation, or degeneration
As in any manual therapy treatment, supplementation with exercises and other modalities (e.g. joint mobilization, stretching, therapeutic exercise, ice, heat) are designed to correct biomechanical deficiencies by addressing musculoskeletal strength and muscle imbalances throughout the entire kinetic chain should be used in conjunction with IASTM.