Additional Resources about IASTM Therapy You Might Want to Read

These books and works cover a range of topics related to IASTM, including techniques, clinical implications, and practical applications for therapeutic massage and bodywork. They are authored by experts in the field with a variety of credentials, including doctors of physical therapy, certified massage therapists, and chiropractors.

"The effects of instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization compared to other interventions on pain and function: a systematic review." Physical Therapy Reviews. 2017

Authors: Lambert M, Hitchcock R, Lavallee K, Hayford E, Morazzini R, Wallace A, Conroy D, Cleland J. 

This article examines the effectiveness of Instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization (IASTM) in comparison to other interventions for patients with musculoskeletal impairments. Through a systematic review of seven randomized clinical trials, the results indicate that IASTM may be an effective treatment intervention for reducing pain and improving function. The studies show significant improvements in pain and range of motion, suggesting that IASTM may impact physiological changes by increasing blood flow, reducing tissue viscosity, and improving flexibility of underlying tissue. These findings demonstrate the potential benefits of IASTM for patients with pain and disability resulting from musculoskeletal impairments.

"Instrument assisted soft-tissue mobilization: A commentary on clinical practice guidelines for rehabilitation professionals." International journal of sports physical therapy. 2019

Authors: Cheatham SW, Baker R, Kreiswirth E.

Instrument assisted soft-tissue mobilization (IASTM) is a widely used myofascial intervention in sports medicine, but there is a lack of consensus on clinical standards. This includes a clear description of the intervention, indications, precautions, contraindications, tool hygiene, safe treatment, and assessment. To address this gap, experts in the field are proposing clinical standards to establish universal guidelines. The aim of this commentary is to encourage collaboration and expertise from other sports medicine professionals and researchers to develop these guidelines. Establishing best practice standards for IASTM will benefit clinicians and patients alike by ensuring safety and efficacy in the use of this popular intervention.

"The Graston Technique: An Instrument-Assisted Soft Tissue Manual Therapy for Recovery and Rehabilitation".

Author: David Graston

This book provides a comprehensive guide to the Graston Technique, a form of instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization used by healthcare professionals to treat musculoskeletal injuries and pain. The book covers the history and development of the technique, its principles, indications and contraindications, as well as step-by-step instructions on how to perform it effectively. It also provides case studies and clinical examples to illustrate the technique’s application in various rehabilitation and recovery settings. The book is intended for healthcare professionals, including physical therapists, chiropractors, athletic trainers, and massage therapists, who want to incorporate the Graston Technique into their practice to help their patients achieve better outcomes.

"Therapeutic effectiveness of instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization for soft tissue injury: mechanisms and practical application." Journal of exercise rehabilitation. 2017

Authors: Kim J, Sung DJ, Lee J.

The article discusses the mechanism and effects of instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization (IASTM) and its growing use in sports rehabilitation and athlete training. IASTM involves using instruments to remove scar tissues and promote the formation of new extracellular matrix proteins, leading to improved soft tissue function, range of motion, and reduced pain following sports injuries. Although case reports have shown promising results, there is a lack of well-designed experimental studies on the mechanisms and effects of IASTM. The article suggests the need for future studies to broaden their scope beyond tendons and examine other soft tissues such as muscles and ligaments. Overall, the article emphasizes the potential benefits of IASTM in shortening the rehabilitation period and time to return to sports for athletes and individuals who have suffered sports injuries.

"The effectiveness of Instrument-Assisted soft tissue mobilization in athletes, participants without extremity or spinal conditions, and individuals with upper extremity, lower extremity, and spinal conditions: a systematic review." Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation. 2019

Authors: Nazari G, Bobos P, MacDermid JC, Birmingham T.

This study aimed to assess the effectiveness of instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization (IASTM) in athletes and individuals with extremity or spinal conditions. The research included nine trials with 43 reported outcomes and six trials with 15 reported outcomes. The trials compared the addition of IASTM over other treatments or placebo vs. other treatments or placebo alone. The results showed that six trials reported no significant differences in outcomes between the two groups, while two trials favored the other treatment group. Additionally, one trial reported small effects of IASTM in terms of improving muscle performance in physically active individuals compared to a no-treatment group. Overall, the study highlights the need for more research on IASTM and its effectiveness compared to other treatments or placebo in different populations.

"Chronic ankle pain and fibrosis successfully treated with a new noninvasive augmented soft tissue mobilization technique (ASTM): a case report." Medicine and science in sports and exercise. 1998

Authors: Melham TJ, Sevier TL, Malnofski MJ, Wilson JK, Helfst Jr RH

This clinical case report highlights the effectiveness of augmented soft tissue mobilization (ASTM) in treating excessive connective tissue fibrosis around an athlete’s injured ankle. The athlete had been experiencing pain, decreased range of motion, and loss of function, despite undergoing surgery and several months of conventional physical therapy. After administering ASTM, which uses specially designed instruments to locate and treat areas with excessive soft tissue fibrosis, along with a stretching and strengthening program, the athlete showed significant improvement. After just six weeks of treatment, the athlete reported no pain and had regained full range of motion and function. This case report demonstrates the potential of ASTM as a noninvasive treatment modality for conditions caused by connective tissue fibrosis.