IASTM

IASTM is a manual therapy technique that uses specially designed rigid instruments (steel/composite) to detect and treat soft-tissue dysfunction, such as fascial restrictions, adhesions, fibrosis, scar tissue, and chronic tendinopathy.

IASTM used to:

         -       Reduce soft-tissue adhesions

        -       Improve fascial mobility

        -       Stimulate tissue healing

        -       Modulate pain

        -       Improve range of motion and muscle function

Common IASTM Tools:-

Materials

         -       Medical-grade stainless steel (most precise)

        -       Hard plastic or polymer

        -       Ceramic

        -       Stone/composite

Shapes

         -       Concave/convex edges – vary tissue pressure

        -       Bevelled edges – increase sensitivity

        -       Point tip – trigger point release

        -       Large arcs – long muscle groups

        -       Small hooks – focused adhesion areas

Indications:-

Muscle / Myofascial Conditions

        -       Myofascial pain syndrome

        -       Muscle tightness

        -       Trigger points

        -       Chronic or acute muscle strain

Tendon Issues

         -       Achilles tendinopathy

        -       Patellar tendinopathy

        -       Tennis elbow / Golfer’s elbow

        -       Rotator cuff tendinopathy

        -       De Quervain’s tenosynovitis

        -       Plantar fasciitis

        -       Proximal hamstring tendinopathy

Ligament and Joint Issues

         -       MCL/LCL sprain recovery

        -       Post-ankle sprain fibrosis

        -       Capsular adhesions

Post-Surgical or Chronic Adhesions

         -       Scar tissue after surgery

        -       Post-immobilization stiffness

Nerve Mobility Disorders

         -       Thoracic outlet syndrome

        -       Carpal tunnel adjunct therapy

Contraindications:-

Absolute Contraindications

        -       Open wounds

        -       Active infection

        -       Local cancer

        -       Severe osteoporosis

        -       Uncontrolled hypertension

        -       Blood clotting disorders

        -       On blood thinners (e.g., warfarin)

        -       Acute fracture

        -       Hematoma

        -       Skin conditions (eczema, psoriasis flare, dermatitis)

Relative Contraindications

         -       Diabetes (reduced sensation)

        -       Varicose veins

        -       Pregnancy (avoid abdomen, deep pelvic work)

        -       Poor wound healing

        -       Steroid medication

        -       Excessive bruising tendency

BASIL ASLAM

Physiotherapist
Dr. P. Alikutty’s Ayurveda and Modern Hospital - Kottakkal