Instrument-Assisted Soft Tissue Massage (IASTM)
Instrument-Assisted Soft Tissue Massage (IASTM) is any therapy utilizing specialized instruments to relieve muscle tension, tendon strain, and/or ligament sprain. At Bozeman Chiropractic we use the Erchonia Percussor, an oscillating, gently percussing massager. By breaking down adhesions and improving blood flow, the Percussor helps speed recovery and enhance overall mobility.
- Identifies and relaxes hyper-tensile (excessively tight) muscles
- Reduces pain and stiffness by targeting key soft-tissue areas
- Complements chiropractic adjustments for improved alignment and function
What is IASTM?
IASTM therapy is a skilled myofascial intervention that uses an oscillating massager instead of hands to treat sore, tight muscles and soft-tissue injuries. By applying targeted vibration and pressure, it helps reduce tension, break down adhesions, and improve overall mobility.
How Does IASTM Work?
Hyper-Tensile Muscle Focus: The massager identifies “muscle twitch,” signaling areas of excessive tightness. By applying pressure or vibration until the muscle relaxes, tension is significantly reduced.
Improved Circulation & Healing: Tissue deformation and vibration stimulate mechanoreceptors, increasing blood flow and promoting faster recovery.
Adhesion Breakdown: Chronic soft-tissue adhesions, developed from injury, surgery, repeated strain, or immobilization, can be released, restoring function.
Benefits of IASTM
- Faster Pain Relief: Helps alleviate discomfort in muscles, tendons, and ligaments by addressing the root cause of tightness.
- Enhanced Range of Motion: Loosens restricted areas to improve flexibility, which can benefit a variety of musculoskeletal conditions.
- Joint Alignment Support: When combined with Activator Methods, malpositioned joints and the tight muscles pulling on them are both addressed, optimizing treatment outcomes.
Who Can Benefit?
IASTM is suitable for anyone dealing with soft-tissue pain or injuries, including:
- Tendinitis or Tendinopathy
- Taught Muscles & Trigger Points
- Muscle Splinting
- Muscle & Tendon Strains
- Ligament Sprains
- Piriformis Syndrome
- Iliotibial (IT) Band Syndrome
Instrument-Assisted Massage is highly effective at reducing the musculoskeletal condition known as muscle splinting, whereby the muscles surrounding a malpositioned joint are recruited by the body’s central nervous system to tighten around the malpositioned, destabilized joint in an attempt to splint and stabilize the joint.
Dual-Modality Approach at Bozeman Chiropractic
At Bozeman Chiropractic, IASTM is used alongside Activator Methods:
- Correcting Joint Misalignment: Activator Methods realign malpositioned joints safely and precisely.
- Releasing Tight Muscles: IASTM addresses hyper-tensile muscle fibers that may be contributing to or resulting from joint issues.
This comprehensive approach ensures that both the joints and the surrounding musculature are properly treated, helping to prevent future recurrences and promote optimal function.
Get in Touch
Experience IASTM Today
If you’re experiencing muscle pain, soft-tissue injuries, or reduced mobility, contact a IASTM chiropractor to find out if Instrument-Assisted Soft Tissue Massage is right for you. We’re here to help you achieve long-lasting relief and improved wellness.