How Instrument Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization (IASTM) Helps Relieve Myofascial Restrictions: Insights from Georgetown Chiropractors

Instrument Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization (IASTM) is a hands-on therapy where your chiropractor uses specially designed metal tools to glide over the skin and gently “scan" and treat tight, restricted areas in muscles and fascia. These tools help break down myofascial adhesions and scar tissue so your body can move more freely and with less pain.

Soft Tissue Mobilization and Myofascial Restrictions

Soft Tissue Mobilization techniques, including IASTM, focus on restoring normal movement in muscles, tendons, and fascia (thin connective tissue that surrounds and supports your muscles). Myofascial restrictions happen when your fascia becomes tight, sticky, or “glued down” to nearby tissues, often due to overuse, poor posture, trauma, surgery, or long-standing inflammation. These restrictions can create trigger points, reduce flexibility, alter how joints move, and cause pain that sometimes travels or “refers” to other areas.

How IASTM Works to Relieve Restrictions

IASTM uses contoured stainless-steel instruments to detect and treat areas of restriction more precisely than fingers alone. As the tool glides over the skin, your chiropractor feels subtle “gritty” or “rough” spots that indicate scar tissue or adhesions in the underlying fascia. With controlled strokes and pressure, IASTM applies a gentle, targeted mechanical load that helps break down disorganized scar tissue, stimulates local blood flow, and encourages the body to lay down new, better-aligned collagen. Research suggests that IASTM can improve range of motion, reduce pain, and enhance function in people with myofascial pain and soft tissue injury, although evidence is still developing (Cheatham et al., 2016; Agarwal et al., 2024).

Graston Technique at Thomas Back and Body

At Thomas Back and Body in Georgetown, chiropractor Dr. Thomas uses Graston Technique, a specific form of IASTM, as part of a comprehensive, evidence-informed treatment plan. Graston instruments are uniquely shaped stainless-steel tools that help help chiropractors detect and treat myofascial restrictions in muscles, tendons, and ligaments with greater accuracy.

After a thorough assessment of your pain, movement, and posture, Dr. Thomas applies Graston strokes to areas of chronic tightness or scarring to help remodel fibrotic tissue and restore normal glide between layers of muscle and fascia. He combines this approach with chiropractic adjustments, stretching, and corrective exercises so that once the tissue is more mobile, your joints and muscles learn to move better and stay that way.

What Patients Can Expect and Next Steps

Most patients feel a strong but tolerable pressure during IASTM, sometimes with mild redness that fades quickly as circulation increases. Over a series of visits, many people notice less pain, smoother movement, and easier daily activities as myofascial restrictions release and healthier tissue replaces old adhesions (Burke et al., 2014; Cheatham et al., 2019).

If persistent tightness, “knots,” or movement restrictions are holding you back, IASTM with the Graston Technique may be a helpful option. To find out whether this approach is right for you, book an initial assessment with Thomas Back and Body in Georgetown and let Dr. Thomas design a personalized plan to address your myofascial restrictions and get you moving comfortably again.

Disclaimer

The information provided in our blog posts and articles is for educational and informational purposes only. It is not intended to replace individualized medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional for personal health concerns or before starting any new wellness, exercise, or treatment program.

References

Agarwal, S., et al. (2024). Comparison between effects of instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization and manual myofascial release. Journal of the Hong Kong Physiotherapy Association.​

Burke, J. R., et al. (2014). Case series design on pain reduction and improved function after chiropractic care including IASTM. Journal of Chiropractic Medicine.​

Cheatham, S. W., Kolber, M. J., Cain, M., & Lee, M. (2016). The efficacy of instrument assisted soft tissue mobilization: A systematic review. Journal of the Canadian Chiropractic Association, 60(3), 200–211.

Cheatham, S. W., et al. (2019). Instrument assisted soft-tissue mobilization: An updated review of literature. International Journal of Sports Physical Therapy.​