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 have been known to occur when muscles are very tense and contracted. They can also happen as a result of a sprained ankle or other sudden trauma. When dealing with a soft tissue injury, you may feel weak muscles, pain, and less ability to move around freely.

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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.

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Excellent4.8★★★★★ review us on ★★★★★ I came to Progress PT for a few months because I hurt my knee. Margaret, Amanda, Jenna and Peter were all incredibly helpful and kind. They are flexible in scheduling, and they create a patient-focused program to fit each person’s needs. They keep the atmosphere friendly and relaxed, so you feel comfortable from the moment you walk in until you leave. I came in barely walking, and now I am running a mile 2-3 times a week. I cannot recommend this place enough, they are really amazing! ★★★★★ I can’t say enough about this place . The staff is amazing my Occupation Therapist was so friendly and is wonderful at her job . Becka thank you for all your work in getting my hands better after surgery. I highly recommend Synergy for any needs involving OT or PT . They also helped me with my vertigo. You will not be sorry for chosing this place for your needs.Response from the ownerWe value your feedback, thank you for your kind words! – The team at Synergy Rehab and Wellness, Staunton ★★★★★ I recently was a patient at Excel Physical Therapy in Oakland for my plantar fasciitis. From the first day that I started there, I was always greeted with a warm welcome by all of the staff. My PT Kelly is a consummate professional and her attention to detail is spot on. Kelly always took the time to listen to my concerns and created a personalized treatment plan for me. This level of care that I received made me feel like I was in good hands and that my progress was a top priority. Going to PT didn’t feel like a job and that can only be attributed to the staff that has created a warm and welcoming environment. Overall, my experience at Excel physical therapy was exceptional. Thank you to Kelly, Jeff and John for your professionalism and support in my recovery process.I would strongly recommend Excel Physical Therapy in Oakland to anyone in need.Response from the ownerThank you for sharing this with us! – The team at Excel Physical Therapy, Oakland ★★★★★ This is my second time going to Excel Orthopedic! Matt my physical therapist is just wonderful with his healing hands!! He was able to get me back to the gym shortly after I threw my back out!! The staff are extremely friendly. I am pleased with my experience.Response from the ownerThanks for your feedback, Christine! So glad to hear you’re back to the gym and feeling better. ★★★★★ I have been seeing Megan twice a week for a few months for lower back pain and she has made such a difference for me. Working with Megan, my pain has decreased significantly, and I have progressed my exercises to build strength to keep the pain down. Every session, Megan listens to my concerns since the last meeting, discusses thoughtful next steps, and encourages me. I would recommend her to anyone needing a PT.Also, the office itself is in a great location and the office front desk manager and PT aides are extremely kind and helpful, as well. The whole team has made the experience as smooth as possible, and I feel lucky to have found them!Response from the ownerThat’s wonderful to hear – thank you so much for sharing your feedback with us! – The team at Park Sports Physical Therapy, Brooklyn – Williamsburg ★★★★★ Mike and the team at Excel Therapy Westfield are the ultimate professionals in the area of PT! I can’t thank them enough, for managing to get my 16 year old son back on the soccer field in just 8 weeks following foot surgery and getting him strong and ready for both a National (MLS Next Cup- Texas) and an International (Capelli Cup -Denmark) competition this summer!Response from the ownerHi George – we’re so glad to hear about you and your son’s experience with our Westfield team. Thanks for taking the time to leave us a review. And good luck to your son this season! ★★★★★ This place is wonderful. Brenna is so great with my daughter, she’s caring and so patient with lily she’s the best therapist lily’s had. Lily loves coming to therapy and the staff is great especially Erin she’s very helpful and answers my questions honestly.Response from the ownerThank you for taking the time to share this review, it means so much! – The team at Ivy Rehab for Kids, Owosso ★★★★★ My entire PT experience was awesome and extremely valuable. I learned various exercises to help me recover from and prevent flares. Kelley is professional and she was wonderful to work with-Tonya OniyamaResponse from the ownerThank you for the great review, we really appreciate it! – The team at Ivy Rehab Physical Therapy, King of Prussia ★★★★★ Mike and Kelsey have been a fantastic team over the past three months of my physical therapy for my right knee replacement. Mike ensured that I made my progress and maintained maximum flexibility day over day. Kelsey made sure that I was going from one exercise to another without missing a beat. The team of M&K truly care about my (and all of the Excel patients) rehab and I feel that I progressed quite a bit because of them.Response from the ownerChris – we’re so happy to hear about your experience with team Westfield! Thank you for sharing. Glad you’re feeling better. 🙂 ★★★★★ Have been going there for some time now, and never once had a bad experience! All the workers give you the upmost respect and treatment! The head therapist AK, is also extremely good looking!Response from the ownerThank you so much for your positive feedback, it means the world to us! – The team at Ivy Rehab Physical Therapy, Naperville ★★★★★ The PT’s are very knowledgeable as to what treatments are best for you. They are Very professional, such a nice place. PT attend to everyone with the upmost respect.Response from the ownerWe really appreciate you taking the time to leave us this 5-star review! – The team at Ivy Rehab, Barnegat ★★★★★ I had been dealing with Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome in my knee for quite some time. John and the team put together a great program to relieve the pain. Friendly, professional and experienced, I cannot say enough good things about the group. They will having you on the mend if you’re willing to put in the time and effort. Highly recommend.Response from the ownerThank you for the great review, we really appreciate it! – The team at Excel Physical Therapy, Westfield ★★★★★ Matt is one of the best PT’s in town and more importantly a great person. Highly recommend him and his staff. You wont be disappointed with Ivy Monroe.Response from the ownerThank you for the great review, we really appreciate it! – The team at Ivy Rehab Physical Therapy, Monroe ★★★★★ IvyRehab is the BEST from the front desk to the therapists! Dre, Jenn, Maddie, and Jeremy are highly skilled, kind, and courteous! I have seen a great improvement in my functionality and mobility thanks to IvyRehab. Hopefully, I won’t be in need of pt again, BUT if so I’ll be going back to IvyRehab!!!Response from the ownerThank you for your kind words, we appreciate your feedback! – The team at Ivy Rehab PT, Virginia Beach ★★★★★ I am happy to have met such a professional and caring staff who is helping me to get back successfully on the road to recovery in helping me to recover from a complete knee replacement. ★★★★★ So GRATEFUL I found this place! Ellis has approached my healing in a super intuitive, hands-on, friendly, and creative way. If one thing isn’t working, he will try another. He’s down-to-earth, sympathetic, knowledgeable, patient, and is *fantastic* at manual therapy which I was not getting enough of at JAG Sports around the corner. Big shout out as well to Emanuel at the front desk. He is ALWAYS courteous, happy, and kind. After being met at the other place by a sour face day after day, Emanuel is consistently a welcome beam of sunshine. They also play great music here and have an all around good vibe going with the rest of the staff & aides. Highly recommend for all injuries! (For reference I am here for a torn shoulder labrum from rock climbing)Response from the ownerThat’s wonderful to hear – thank you so much for sharing your feedback with us! – The team at Park Sports Physical Therapy, Brooklyn – Williamsburg ★★★★★ I’ve been to this physical therapy office for numerous injuries. The office and rooms are always extremely clean! The staff greets you everytime with a smile and treat you like family. They will do everything they can to help get you back to the way you were before. They listen to your concerns and questions, as well as explain everything to make sure you understand. I’d recommend this office to everyone!Response from the ownerThat’s wonderful to hear – thank you so much for sharing your feedback with us! – The team at Synergy Rehab and Wellness, Staunton ★★★★★ Dr. Steve is amazing! I know I can count on him no matter what the problem is. He’s gotten me through several knee surgeries and has treated me like an athlete from day 1. He’s always trying different things to get the most out of the rehab session and I love the challenge. The clinic is a friendly, welcoming place that I ended up really enjoying despite the reason for being there.Response from the ownerThank you so much for sharing your thoughts, we appreciate you! – The team at The Physical Therapy & Wellness Institute, Blue Bell! ★★★★★ Tyler did a great job of helping me reach my goals of less pain and more joint stability. He listens well and tailors the exercises to fit each person individually. I would definitely recommend him to anyone looking for a physical therapist.Response from the ownerThank you for sharing this with us! – The team at Ivy Rehab, Conshohocken ★★★★★ I can’t say enough great things about Ivy Rehab! Both my 8-year-old son and I have had fantastic experiences here. The therapists are top-notch, especially Toren and Kirsten, who worked with us closely. My son has some physical challenges, and Kirsten was amazing at tailoring his therapy to build strength and confidence. Kirsten is always great at making sessions productive yet fun. The entire staff is warm, professional, and truly dedicated to their patients. We’re so grateful for the care and attention we’ve received at Ivy Rehab. Highly recommend!Response from the ownerThank you so much for sharing your thoughts, we appreciate you! – The team at Ivy Rehab Physical Therapy, Island Park ★★★★★ I had the best experience at Ivy rehab in Naperville! The entire staff made a great first impression as they were friendly and welcoming! I was always greeted with a smile and conversation from the front desk receptionist. She was very helpful. I received therapy from two PT’s for my lower back issues. They were both very fun to work with! Most importantly, they were very knowledgeable and professional. They helped with back strengthening which reduced my pain tremendously. I was even inspired to get a gym membership to continue my workouts!! I was actually sad when my session ended lol. Would highly recommend:)Response from the ownerIt’s great to hear this feedback! Thank you for taking the time to share your review! – The team at Ivy Rehab Physical Therapy, Naperville js_loader