In an earlier post about using kinesiology tape to reduce bruising, I mentioned the bruise was due to treatment performed by a therapist using a hard-edged scraping tool. This technique is known as “Implement Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization”, or IASTM for short.
This technique has been growing in popularity over the past few years within the sports medicine crowd. You may hear it as trademarked names, such as Graston Technique or ASTYM. The tools associated with these techniques are generally aluminum, costing anywhere from one hundred to over one thousand dollars for a set.
However, the concept of using a tool for deep tissue massage is nothing new to our field. In fact, these techniques are similar in many ways to the ancient technique of Gua Sha, where the practitioner utilized a scraping tool made from an animal horn, jade, or stone.
The main difference is the intent of the technique. Where Gua Sha focuses on improving superficial circulation, the IASTM techniques are based on identifying and breaking down adhesions in soft tissue, as well as increasing fibroblast activity to improve healing of injured tissue. Does this mean Gua Sha doesn’t do the same thing? Not necessarily. Usually, the Gua Sha is not performed as deep as IASTM, so the effect on adhesions may be reduced.
Both techniques can create ecchymosis, or sub-cutaneous blood as a result of the scraping. But, keep in mind that bruising is not the goal. When treated by therapists who think “more is better,” I have seen athletes injured to the point they are unable to practice.
I have found great success using IASTM to find and release adhesions, as well as saving my hands when performing deep friction. It can be a great tool to add to your therapy toolbox, just start light and “listen” with your hands to find the adhesions. And, always use the least pressure necessary to enact change in the tissue.
About Earl Wenk, ATC CSCS NCTMB:
Earl has more than 20 years of experience in the field of sports medicine, working as a certified athletic trainer, massage therapist, and strength and conditioning specialist. Earl teaches continuing education courses in sports massage, functional anatomy and orthopedic assessment. Visit www.musclewisdom.com for more information.
