
Instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization (IASTM) is a popular method of treating soft tissue dysfunctions and injuries. This intervention is commonly known by the brand of the technique and tool, such as Graston® technique or Astym® therapy. Both techniques are evidence-based and offered in Altru’s Outpatient Therapy and Regional Therapy departments.
These techniques are used in conjunction with other treatments, such as strengthening, stretching or other practices. IASTM has been shown to be very beneficial in treating soft tissue, improving pain, increasing motion and returning patients to previous function quickly.
Astym and Graston use specific tools or instruments and strategies to address conditions that affect soft tissue. Both therapies can generally be described as the application of pressure to improve blood flow and tissue elasticity, as well as decrease pain in scar tissue and particular areas on the body.
IASTM treatment may help patients with a variety of conditions or injuries, including:
Most therapy episodes require the patient to do a level of home programming independently to make progress and/or maintain gains made in therapy sessions. IASTM treatment is similar, and your therapist will incorporate the proper exercises, positioning and/or activity guidelines appropriate for your level of recovery.
To schedule an appointment with a certified therapist who specializes in Astym therapy or Graston technique at Altru, call 701.780.2300.
If you’ve got arthritis, you may already know that cold weather can make joint pain seem worse. Affecting 1 in 4 American adults , arthritis presents ...
Continue ReadingOver the last two years, testing for viral illness has changed with the introduction of new coronavirus strains and rapid COVID tests. Fortunately, ...
Continue ReadingUpdated on: 12/21/2021 The holiday season brings a lot of opportunities and experiences with busy or large crowds, holiday music, bright lights and ...
Continue ReadingUpdated 2.3.2022 Cancer. A heavy topic, but never more so than when discussed in the doctor’s office. In the United States, 23.3 million people have a ...
Continue ReadingDiabetes technology has grown significantly in the last decade, greatly improving diabetes control for those with type 1, type 2 and gestational ...
Continue ReadingNo matter your age or how healthy you are, the benefits of having a primary care provider (PCP) are many. Physicians, physician assistants and nurse ...
Continue ReadingVegetables are a great way to bulk up any meal and provide extra nutrients to your diet. However, they aren’t everyone’s favorite thing to eat and can ...
Continue ReadingThe holiday season is a time of social gatherings, most of which include eating. Managing diabetes is challenging even without the holiday stress. The ...
Continue ReadingEnd-of-life planning. Not easy to talk about, but important to do. What are advance directives? What is palliative care and/or hospice care? How can I ...
Continue ReadingTouch. Taste. Sound. Sight. Smell. Body Awareness. Balance. We often take our senses for granted. The sound of waves crashing on the lakeshore. The ...
Continue Reading