Instrument Assisted Soft Tissue (IAST) is a manual therapy approach to manage musculoskeletal injuries using specifically designed tools. It is often used to address movement system dysfunction that has been determined to have a soft tissue component.

Why use a tool in the first place?

Using a stainless steel tool transmits vibration that are felt by the practitioner when the tool encounters fibrous tissue. Once the troubled area is identified, the tool can be used to create a profound effect on the tissue being treated, thus enhancing the recovery process.

What does it do?

IAST can help restore pain-free movement and function by influencing a variety of factors within an injured tissue. It can help re-initiate the body’s first stage of healing, the inflammatory phase, which will allow an injured tissue to re-quickstart the healing process. It can help separate and break down collagen cross-links (scar tissue) brought on by injury, muscle overuse or surgery, thereby, increasing tissue compliance/stretch. It facilitates inhibition of abnormal muscle tone/guarding leading to reflex changes in the chronic muscle holding pattern by stimulating the nervous system. It can also increase blood flow delivery to the area being treated, therefore, increases cellular activity in the region