04 Sep IASTM Explained: Another Tool I Can Use Within Your Massage Treatment
I’m always looking at ways to develop the treatments I offer and provide clients with a more individual approach.
One technique I now incorporate, where appropriate, is Instrument-Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilisation, or IASTM.
IASTM uses specially designed tools alongside hands-on treatment. Although the tools are firm, the treatment doesn’t need to be aggressive or painful.
The aim is to use them in a controlled and comfortable way as part of a wider treatment approach.
What is IASTM?
IASTM is a soft tissue technique that uses specialised tools to work over muscles and other soft tissue.
The tools let me apply pressure and movement slightly differently from traditional massage, and they can be useful when I want to work more precisely around an area of muscular tension or restricted movement.
I don’t use IASTM automatically with every client. Like any other technique, I use it only when I feel it may be appropriate for you and your treatment goals.
How I use IASTM within treatment
I don’t see IASTM as a separate treatment or a replacement for massage.
Instead, it’s another technique I can use alongside sports massage, remedial massage, deep tissue techniques, soft tissue release and movement work.
Depending on what we find during your assessment, I may use IASTM to address muscular tension or soft tissue restriction before moving on to other hands-on techniques.
When useful, treatment may also be followed by simple movement, stretching or exercises to support what we worked on during the session.
Does IASTM hurt?
One of the biggest misconceptions about IASTM is that it needs to be aggressive to work.
It doesn’t. I always adapt the pressure to you, and treatment should stay at a level that feels manageable.
Some areas may feel more sensitive than others, but I’ll communicate with you throughout the session and adjust the technique as needed.
The aim is not to make the treatment as uncomfortable as possible.
It’s to use the most appropriate technique for you at that time.
Who might IASTM be suitable for?
IASTM may be considered as part of treatment for people experiencing things such as:
- Muscular tension or stiffness
- Restricted or uncomfortable movement
- Areas that feel overworked following training or repetitive activity
- Soft tissue discomfort
- Recovery following physical activity
Whether IASTM is appropriate always depends on the individual, their medical history, symptoms and what we are trying to achieve from treatment.
Treatment tailored to you
The most important thing is that your treatment is based on you, not a particular technique.
IASTM is simply one of the tools I have available. For one client, it may form a useful part of treatment, while for another, traditional massage or a different soft tissue approach may be more appropriate.
We’ll discuss what’s been bothering you, do an assessment where needed, and then decide on the most suitable approach together.
Could IASTM be part of your treatment?
If you’re experiencing muscular tension, discomfort or restricted movement and would like to discuss whether treatment may be suitable for you, please feel free to get in touch.
You do not need to know which type of massage or technique you need before booking.
Your treatment will be tailored to your individual needs.
You can also visit my case studies to see how I have supported clients with a range of different problems and treatment approaches.
Thanks for reading, Mark
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You don’t need to choose a massage technique. Simply select the appointment duration that suits you, and I’ll tailor your treatment to your individual needs.
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