Instrument-assisted
Manual Therapy
What is Instrument-Assisted Manual Therapy?
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It is a form of manual therapy known as soft-tissue instrument-assisted mobilization. It is one of a number of manual therapy approaches that uses instruments with a specialized form of massage/scraping the skin gently. The therapy is designed to help the practitioner identify areas of restriction and attempt to break up scar tissue.
Who can benefit from Instrument-Assisted
Manual Therapy?
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The general goals of the therapy are to reduce the patient's pain and increase function through a combination of:
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Breaking down the scar tissue and fascia restrictions that are usually associated with some form of trauma to the soft tissue (e.g., a strained muscle or a pulled ligament, tendon, or fascia).
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Reducing restrictions by stretching connective tissue in an attempt to rearrange the structure of the soft tissue being treated (e.g., muscle, fascia, tendons, ligaments).
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Promoting a better healing environment for the injured soft tissue.