Instrument-assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization: Effects on the Properties of Human Plantar Flexors

Abstract

• ▶ muscle-tendon stiff ness • ▶ infl ammatory response • ▶ injury • ▶ therapeutic modality Instrument-assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization: Eff ects on the Properties of Human Plantar Flexorstion following eccentric exercise may be important components for the recovery of muscle tissue [ 20 ] . Though this research provides the most recent mechanistic example of the response to soft tissue mobilization in an animal model, the physiological diff erences to that of human subjects may limit its clinical applicability [ 11 , 35 ] . In contrast, the research fi ndings on IASTM often describe clinical markers such as range of motion (ROM) and functional measures, but are not derived from randomized controlled studies [ 15 ] . Collectively, however, it appears that soft tissue mobilization therapies may play a role in reducing infl ammation [ 6 ] . The purpose of this project was to evaluate the eff ects of IASTM on intramuscular infl ammation, pain, ROM and strength following muscle damage in a randomized controlled laboratory experiment. Materials and Methods ▼ Subjects11 healthy men (mean ± SD age = 23 ± 3 years; stature = 181 ± 7 cm; mass = 83 ± 11 kg) volunteered for this investigation. Each participant was screened Introduction ▼ According to the marketing information for Graston Technique ® , a form of instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization (IASTM), more than 16 000 clinicians currently employ this technique for treating soft tissue ailments [ 17 ] . This does not include the number of clinicians and alternative medicine providers utilizing other forms of IASTM techniques such as sound-assisted soft tissue mobilization (SASTM), ASTYM ® , GuaSha, or others. Interestingly, the ability of IASTM to ameliorate loss of function, pain and infl ammation has yet to be clarifi ed. There are several physiological hypotheses as to how soft tissue mobilization works. These include increased blood fl ow, increased lymphatic drainage of toxins, reduced tissue stiff ness, alteration in neuromuscular activity and a decreased infl ammatory response [ 48 ] . However, the current literature fails to support these claims. Recently, studies have evaluated the eff ects of soft tissue mobilization on the recovery of muscular attributes following eccentric exercise-induced muscle damage [ 13 , 14 ] . Interestingly, it has been demonstrated that the intensity of the compressive load and the timing of applica-

Acute effects of instrument assisted soft tissue mobilization vs. foam rolling on knee and hip range of motion in soccer players

“…However, there is compelling evidence that pre-exercise static stretching could also impair neuromuscular performance (Behm and Chaouachi, 2011;Simic et al, 2013). Aside from stretching, self-myofascial release with foam roller (FR) or stick roller (SR) (Button et al, 2015;Halperin et al, 2014;MacDonald et al, 2013;Mohr et al, 2014;Sullivan et al, 2013), and instrument assisted soft-tissue mobilization (IASTM;Laudner et al, 2014;Vardiman et al, 2015) have been recently used in clinical and sports practice for joint ROM enhancement.…”

“…Regarding IASTM, limited previous studies provided conflicting findings (Laudner et al, 2014;Vardiman et al, 2015). Laudner et al (2014) showed that the application a Graston technique (i.e.…”

The Effect of Graston Technique and Chuna manual therapy combined with Korean Medical Treatment for fibromyalgia: A Case Report

“…TheAcupunctureVol.34No.3August2017 lief and increased ROM. The Iastm, Graston, and Astym techniques are widely used 23) .…”

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“…19 The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of Astym treatment on ADL of women who had undergone a mastectomy following a diagnosis of breast cancer. The specific aims of the study were to examine differences in 1) a patient's subjective assessment of functional disability through the DASH score, 2) the ability to wear a bra through a clothing questionnaire, 3) up to five functional activities women have reported to be difficult after mastectomy using the Patient-Specific Functional Scale (PSFS), 4) shoulder flexion, and 5) shoulder abduction, before and after a course of Astym therapy.…”