Soft Tissue Mobilization Therapy

Physical therapists will perform soft tissue mobilization using manual techniques to break up adhesions on your muscles, fascia, and ligaments.

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Ivy Rehab / Therapy Services / Physical Therapy / Soft Tissue Mobilization

How soft tissue mobilization works

Soft tissue injuries mobilization is a hands-on therapy technique used to treat pain, tightness, and restrictions in your muscles, tendons, ligaments, and fascia.

These issues can result from: 

  • Muscle overuse or strain
  • Sprains and sudden trauma
  • Poor posture or movement habits
  • Post-surgical scarring
  • Repetitive stress injuries

When soft tissues become inflamed or restricted, you may experience pain, stiffness, and reduced range of motion. Our therapists use manual techniques — and sometimes specialized tools — to break up adhesions (scar tissue), increase circulation, and help your body heal more effectively.

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Soft issue mobilization techniques

Physical therapists will perform soft tissue mobilization using manual techniques to break up adhesions on your muscles, fascia, and ligaments. Adhesions can also be thought of like scar tissue that forms as your body heals itself after an injury to soft tissue.

A soft tissue injury comes in many forms, including:

  • Tendonitis
  • Sprains
  • Strains
  • Stress injuries
  • Bursitis
  • Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
  • Fibromyalgia
  • IT Band Syndrome
  • Tennis Elbow
  • Running injuries
  • Plantar Fasciitis
  • Post-surgical scarring

Soft tissue mobilization can help to:

  • Relieve muscle tension
  • Break down adhesions such as scar tissue
  • Decrease pain
  • Decrease swelling
  • Improve range of motion
  • Lengthen muscles and tendons
  • Strengthen the immune system
  • Improve oxygen flow
  • Increase endorphins

Techniques that involve soft tissue mobilization include:

ASTYM®

  • ASTYM® treatment is a physical therapy treatment that regenerates healthy soft tissues (muscles, tendons, etc.), and eliminates or reduces unwanted scar tissue that may be causing pain or movement restrictions.

IASTM

  • IASTM stands for “Instrument Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization” such as the Graston Technique, or HawkGrips
  • Graston Technique incorporates a patented form of instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization that enables clinicians to effectively detect and treat scar tissue and restrictions that affect normal function.

Request your appointment today at an Ivy Rehab Network location near you to learn more about soft tissue mobilization.

FAQs

How many sessions will I need?

It depends on your condition, injury history, and goals. Some patients feel relief in just a few sessions, while others benefit from ongoing care as part of a larger rehabilitation plan.

Is soft tissue mobilization painful?

You may feel some discomfort or pressure during treatment, especially in areas with tight or scarred tissue. However, therapy should never be overly painful, and your therapist will adjust based on your comfort level.

What is the difference between soft tissue mobilization and massage therapy?

Soft tissue mobilization is a clinical technique used by licensed physical therapists to treat specific injuries, muscle tightness, or movement restrictions. Massage therapy, while beneficial, is generally focused on relaxation and is not targeted in the same way.

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Excellent Physical Therapy from.Excel PT Hackensack, across from B& W Bakery! I need PT for my knees, arm & shoulder by Brian Stinton & staff! Recommending to all who need PT❤️! Joyce Menegus
Response from the owner:Thank you so much for sharing your thoughts, we appreciate you! – The team at Excel Physical Therapy, Hackensack
I’ve gone to three PT places in Staunton. While they each had their merits (I’ve been lucky), Synergy is the only one where—after warm ups—patients have the undivided attention of physical therapists in 1-on-1 sessions in private rooms. Very effective!
Response from the owner:Thank you so much for your positive feedback, it means the world to us! – The team at Synergy Rehab and Wellness, Staunton
What a refreshing experience! My father has fell on some hard times lately and I have been trying to find a PT to help with his everyday functions. I called the North wales location and spoke to Will. Impressed would be an understatement. This guy is a rock star. He explained inside and out of how my insurance would be billed and even went through step by step of how and what would be tested and examined in the initial meeting. He went on and broke down the way the therapist would build a tailored made routine that would be tracked daily so my dad would not hit any plateaus so he can maintain steady improvement. What was even more awesome is that I called the wrong location but Will said he can still take care of all the paperwork for me and forward it to the closest location near my father. I have been a business owner for 20 years so this experience really hit home. I have never had an easier time with setting up a medical service or any type of service come to think of it. You can tell this guy is a wizard of his craft and sharp as a tack with his confidence and passion oozing through the phone.
Response from the owner:Your kind words brighten our day – thank you for sharing! – The team at Ivy Rehab Physical Therapy – North Wales – Montgomeryville
The staff is extremely efficient with managing clients & keeping your routine flowing. Very friendly & helpful navigating my journey to getting back to my normal.
Response from the owner:Thank you for the fantastic rating, we're so grateful! – The team at Ivy Rehab Physical Therapy – Monroe MI
I am very pleased with Ivy Rehab of New Hyde Park. I went there for post-surgical therapy for about five months and had an excellent result. The majority of my sessions were with Noah, who was outstanding. He was genuinely concerned with how I was feeling (before, during, and at the end of each session) and what I could tolerate, while still pushing me to do more and get the best possible outcome. I also worked with Jennifer and Katie – both great too. Everyone in this clinic – the front desk staff, aides, assistants, and therapists – was friendly and helpful. Very highly recommended.
Response from the owner:Thank you for your kind words; we appreciate your feedback! – The team at Ivy Rehab Physical Therapy, New Hyde Park
If I could give them 10 stars, I would!! This is a group of very skilled, knowledgeable and compassionate people, equipped to help you get out of pain and back to yourself. I should know because I've had a bilateral knee replacement and 1 year ago, got a new hip. People of all ages are being helped each day… Tyler and Adam have been life savers for me. They have a new therapist, Emily and she is great too! If you call you will speak to the wonderful Kathleen who will answer your questions and help you feel at ease. My physical health is greatly improved from last year and I thank Ivy Rehab in Conshohocken for it. Thank you!!!
Response from the owner:Thank you for sharing this with us! – The team at Ivy Rehab Physical Therapy, Conshohocken
Very positive experience. Nicole is an excellent physical therapist. I appreciate that she is knowledgeable, thorough and gentle. Would definitely recommend.
Response from the owner:It's always wonderful to hear such kind feedback , we appreciate you! – The team at Ivy Rehab Physical Therapy – New Hyde Park
Staff is very professional but also very personable. Both successful traits. They also know the answer to your questions. I was treated as a person with a problem. That was what we both were there for. To fix the problem! Thank you Mark!
I've been going for a knee injury and more recently scoliosis. All of the therapists there are super friendly, compassionate and understanding. They all take the time to ask questions and listen. Special shout out to Chandree and Donnie and a special thank you to AK for being sure to have blue jolly ranchers on hand – they're my favorite!
Response from the owner:Your kind words brighten our day – thank you for sharing! – The team at Ivy Rehab Physical Therapy – Naperville
Ivy Kids Rehab provides top tier pediatric physical therapy. Dr. Ozimek is passionate, caring, and so kind. She did an excellent job communicating my daughter's progress, and future care goals after each visit. My daughter made tremendous progress during her time here. I highly recommend Ivy kids rehab!
Response from the owner:That's wonderful to hear – thank you so much for sharing your feedback with us! – The team at Ivy Rehab for Kids, Canton
PTW Montgomeryville makes physical therapy enjoyable. The staff are amazing: kind, friendly, and knowledgeable. Everyone knows your name and seems genuinely happy to see you and hear about your progress. Exercises are creative and tailored to your needs. What I like the most, however, is their hands-on approach, that you don’t get everywhere, and that there is always a staff member paying attention to you and ready to respond to each person’s needs. It’s not always easy, but the staff at PTW Montgomeryville always makes PT fun.
Jenna and Jeff have an incredible team dynamic. You essentially get the attention of two therapists during your sessions. They are knowledgeable, helpful, and honestly just make Therapy fun! Thanks for making me feel better!
Holly and Joe are amazing!!! I am so happy with my results post total knee replacement I was treated with kindness and respect and Colleen and Chris make everyone feel welcome Excel is excellent 😊
Response from the owner:We're thrilled you had such a positive experience, thank you! – The team at Excel Physical Therapy – West Deptford – 1007 Mantua Pke
Currently being treated here, Everyone has been great here from the receptionist to the therapist and even other the other patients. I lucked out when workman's comp picked this place they actually treat you like a person and not just another workmans comp case.
Response from the owner:Hearing this feedback means so much to us, thank you for sharing! – The team at Excel Physical Therapy – West Deptford – 1007 Mantua Pke
Dr Brian has every letter after his name and it shows it since my first session. He was very knowledgeable and was up to date with the latest research and explained everything thoroughly
Response from the owner:We're thrilled you had such a positive experience, thank you! – The team at Ivy Rehab Physical Therapy – Indian Trail
I have to highlight the exemplary service and treatment of the entire team here, from reception to the DPT. I spent the majority of my knee rehabilitation with Patrick Drudy, who was able to successfully get me back to my life as usual and introduce me to a program of lifelong maintenance . I cannot recommend this Granby location enough. Thank you everyone.
Response from the owner:Thank you for your kind words; we appreciate your feedback! – The team at Ivy Rehab Physical Therapy, Norfolk – Granby
Everyone at Ivy Rehab was awesome! Olivia and Matt were fantastic to work with, and Amanda was always so helpful at the front desk. I feel so much better than when I first started, and I was even given workouts to do at home to keep me motivated in my recovery. If I ever need PT again, I would definitely return.
Response from the owner:Thank you so much for your positive feedback, it means the world to us! – The team at Ivy Rehab Physical Therapy – Monroe
I would like to express my sincere gratitude to the team at Ivy Rehab in Moorestown, NJ lead by Tanner Kerr, DPT (Rachel, Zachary, Chris, Laura). I cannot speak highly enough of this practice. All the staff are very knowledgeable and provide genuine care for their patients. They changed-up my routine and kept me challenged as I progressed through therapy sessions and even showed me what I can do at home to help myself. Thanks to everyone at this practice, I can feel strength and mobility coming back 100%! 5-stars!!!
Response from the owner:Thank you for taking the time to share your experience, it means so much! – The team at Ivy Rehab PT, Moorestown
Excel says it all. Cosmo Carrieri was so knowledge as to my injury and adjusted my therapy each time to improve my healing process. The personal attention by him and every staff member was absolutely amazing. Clean center with so many machines and equipment for use. I highly recommend this therapy location to anyone, hands down.
Response from the owner:Thank you for the great review, we really appreciate it! – The team at Excel Physical Therapy, Hackensack
I was very impressed with the staff at All Care in Barnegat. They were knowledgeable and competent. I enjoyed and benefited from the time I spent at All Care.
Response from the owner:We are very happy to hear that you felt your time at All-Care was well spent. We wish you good health and happiness in the future. Please call us if you need anything!
This review is long overdue, as I need to call out the wonderful team at Ivy Rehab in Island Park. From the great ladies at the front desk to the dedicated Physical Therapists and PT assistants—everyone is extremely kind, caring, and supportive. They have been managing my care for the past two years. I initially came to them after having a hip replacement in April of 2024.  With consistent visits, Kirsten and the entire team of Therapists and Assistants have all helped me through my rehab successfully. I continue to go to them as my other hip needs replacement down the line as well. I recommend this office highly.  They are truly dedicated to helping people in need. Many, many thanks. A grateful client.
Response from the owner:Thank you for taking the time to share this review, it means so much! – The team at Ivy Rehab Physical Therapy – Island Park