Instrument-Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization (IASTM)

Old injuries, athletic overuse, or post-surgical healing can leave behind soft tissue restrictions that continue to limit movement long after the initial injury. At Webb Physical Therapy Specialists, Instrument-Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization (IASTM) is used to address these lingering restrictions and restore normal tissue mobility when stiffness or pain persists despite traditional care.  IASTM is a targeted manual therapy technique designed to improve soft tissue quality, reduce pain, and support long-term functional recovery.

IASTM uses specialized stainless-steel instruments to assess and treat soft tissue dysfunction. These tools allow physical therapists to precisely identify areas of tissue restriction, scar tissue, and abnormal density that may not be easily detected through hands-on assessment alone.  By applying controlled pressure along affected tissues, IASTM helps:

• Break down adhesions and scar tissue
• Improve tissue extensibility
• Enhance circulation to restricted areas
• Reduce pain associated with soft tissue dysfunction

At Webb Physical Therapy Specialists, mobility and function are central to long-term health and independence. Our physical therapists approach IASTM with clinical precision and a clear focus on your individual goals—whether returning to sport, improving daily movement, or resolving long-standing stiffness.  Treatment is collaborative and progressive, helping patients move beyond the belief that persistent limitations are permanent.

Your care begins with a thorough evaluation to identify areas of dysfunction, which may include:

• Localized muscle stiffness or tissue density
• Tenderness in connective tissue or tendon structures
• Thickened or restricted scar tissue
• Limited joint mobility or flexibility
• Compensatory movement patterns

Based on these findings, your therapist develops a customized treatment plan that may include:

• Instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization
• Targeted stretching and mobility work
• Therapeutic exercise to reinforce tissue changes
• Joint mobilization or manipulation when indicated
• Movement retraining to improve biomechanics

Progress is continually reassessed through changes in mobility, pain levels, and functional performance.

IASTM therapy may be effective for individuals experiencing:

• Chronic tendonitis (Achilles, patellar, elbow)
• Muscle trigger points and tightness
• Post-surgical scar tissue restrictions
• Plantar fasciitis
• Frozen shoulder (adhesive capsulitis)
• Repetitive strain injuries
• IT band, hamstring, or hip flexor tightness
• Limited shoulder or hip mobility

Targeting soft tissue restrictions helps reduce pain driven by mechanical dysfunction rather than masking symptoms.

Restoring normal tissue glide allows joints and muscles to move more freely and efficiently.

Improved circulation and tissue remodeling help resolve long-standing issues that have not responded to other treatments.

Reducing adhesions decreases compensatory movement patterns and supports more efficient biomechanics during work, sport, and daily 

activity.

At Webb Physical Therapy Specialists, IASTM is provided by licensed physical therapists as part of a structured orthopedic and manual therapy physical therapy program. It is never used in isolation and is always combined with movement-based rehabilitation.

We serve patients from New Braunfels, San Marcos, Seguin, Canyon Lake, Schertz, Cibolo, and Garden Ridgeseeking skilled, individualized physical therapy care.

Is IASTM painful?
Some discomfort may occur during treatment, but pressure is adjusted based on tolerance and tissue response.

How is IASTM different from massage?
IASTM is a clinical technique used to address specific soft tissue dysfunction rather than general relaxation.

How many sessions will I need?
Treatment duration varies depending on the severity of restriction and individual response.