IASTM
Instrument Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization (IATSM): Metal tools are used to rub the tissue creating immune responses and then hopefully tissue repair.

Doctors Eric and Douglas Hanks, of Hanks Chiropractic, Acupuncture & Injury Clinic are on the cutting edge with the latest techniques in rehabilitation and natural enhancement to achieve the best results for their patients. They are trained in: Instrument Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization (IASTM). This is a procedure that is rapidly growing in popularity due to its effectiveness and efficiency while remaining non-invasive. For those who are struggling with a chronic injury or want to bounce back from a recent acute injury, are good candidates for IATSM.

What is IASTM?: Once the body incurs an injury, the “immune response” aims to prevent further damage and repair the wound as quickly as possible, hence the formation of “scar tissue.” Scar tissue is not the same as skin, muscle, ligament, or tendon. The arrangement of scar tissue within a wound is in an irregular pattern and has little functional strength, like a blacktop patch for a pothole. Therefore, there may be a limited range of motion and pain in a muscle or joint that has been injured, or why a scar on the skin surface looks "tight" and non-uniform. IASTM treatment utilizes a tool, or set of tools, to break up scar tissue at an injury site to “trigger a focal inflammatory response.” This inflammation leads to the absorption of scar tissue and the production of new collagen to repair the injury site. This only takes a period of 2 to 5 minutes per treatment in most areas of treatment as the body can restore over several treatments normal tissue structure and function. We recommend 5 treatments per condition in most cases. Treatments are short, specific, and effective for a wide variety of ailments. The effects of IASTM can include pain relief, increased flexibility, increased strength and enhanced recovery.

Does it hurt?: Any time inflammation is induced, pain is quite common. Although the treatment creates some inflammation, it's common for the patient to described the treatment as a "good hurt". There will likely be petechiae, or redness in the area which shows this technique is working, and there may be some visible bruising. Often there is an immediate improvement in flexibility and decrease in pain after treatment. Of course, certain injury sites will be more painful than others and the care provider can adjust accordingly to an individual's preferences. Fortunately, the treatment takes 2-5 minutes per area and is very specific as to not disrupt healthy tissues. Common side effects include local discomfort, redness petechiae, and occasional bruising at the treatment site.

Will it work for me? It is our sincere hope that IASTM will be of benefit and we only accept those patients for evaluation and treatment we feel we might help. There are of course a multitude of conditions that have been successfully treated through the administration of IASTM and most within 10 treatments. If by 5 treatments are tried and no improvement is seen, then this technique is not likely to be of benefit. IASTM can be performed to almost any part of the body, from plantar fasciitis to TMJ, neck and back pain, to any joint related pain. Even after surgery, IASTM can help speed up recovery and prevent scar formation that may hinder a full recovery. Other successfully treated conditions include: rotator cuff injuries, knee injuries, ITB syndrome, carpal tunnel syndrome, elbow tendonitis, strains/sprains, even fibromyalgia! 

Not covered by most insurance. The cost is $50.00 a treatment with only two body areas treated at a time per visit. Call Our Office today and schedule an Evaluation and Treatment 319 753-5441

Share by: