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