Often during a physical therapy plan of care, it is usually beneficial to include a variety of manual techniques. They are often used to reduce pain and muscle tension while also promoting optimal mobility and postural stability. More specifically, instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization has been proven to be an excellent treatment option to improve a patient’s symptoms. It has been thoroughly studied and proven to have benefits in the treatment of a wide range of musculoskeletal conditions such as muscular strains, ligament sprains, tendinitis, low back pain, neck pain, myofascial pain, after surgical procedures such as knee replacements, and much more. 

Stainless steel tools with beveled edges are used to perform a variety of strokes to first assess and then treat soft tissue disorders. The tools can be viewed as an extension of the practitioner’s hands to produce a more beneficial therapeutic response than what may be achieved with hands alone. These types of techniques can be beneficial in breaking down scar tissue and reducing fascial restriction while also promoting fluid dynamics and increasing blood flow.

 Mechanoreceptors are also stimulated during treatment, which can reduce pain. Tissue healing can also be promoted through stimulation of the inflammatory response. This subsequently produces collagen synthesis and fibroblast proliferation for optimal healing to take place. At Light The Path Physical Therapy we have earned the designation of certified instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization practitioners through HawkGrips to offer advanced care.

Kyle S. Kasman, PT, DPT
Board-Certified Orthopedic Clinical Specialist
484-781-5341
[email protected]