IASTM Therapy: What It Is and Why Athletes Swear By It
Persistent discomfort or limited movement deserves an assessment that looks beyond a single treatment technique. At Forward Health and Wellness in Carrollton, instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization, or IASTM, is one option that may be discussed within an individualized care plan.
What is IASTM?
IASTM is a form of manual therapy in which a clinician moves a handheld instrument over the skin. Tools can have different shapes and edges, allowing pressure to be adjusted to the treatment area and your comfort. It differs from massage mainly in the use of an instrument rather than the clinician's hands. Our soft tissue therapy page explains this service.
What does the research tell us?
Research findings vary. A 2019 systematic review by Seffrin and colleagues reported support for certain pain, function, and range-of-motion outcomes, while identifying a need for stronger studies. A larger review by Nazari and colleagues, published in 2023, found very low-certainty evidence and no clinically meaningful improvements in those outcomes compared with other treatments.
Claims about collagen changes or scar tissue need particular care. The 2016 review by Cheatham and colleagues discussed laboratory and animal findings that had not been confirmed in human trials. This does not establish that a tool removes adhesions or repairs scar tissue in a person.
These limitations support a practical approach: discuss the reason for treatment, consider alternatives, and reassess meaningful changes rather than assuming a particular tissue mechanism or guaranteed benefit.
What should an appointment include?
Your symptoms, medical history, previous treatment, and goals should guide the conversation. An examination can help clarify whether soft tissue treatment is appropriate or whether another assessment is needed. Tell your clinician about medications, skin concerns, recent injuries, and surgery before treatment.
If IASTM is proposed, ask which area will be treated, what it may feel like, and what response to report afterward. Tell your clinician about discomfort during the session so the approach can be adjusted. The number and timing of visits should follow your assessment and response, rather than a fixed package or promise of rapid results.
How can progress be measured?
Choose goals that matter in daily life, such as walking comfortably, reaching overhead, or tolerating a workout. Changes in those activities are more useful than judging success by treatment intensity or skin appearance. Keep track of symptoms and activity tolerance between visits, and bring questions about new or persistent concerns.
A plan may also discuss exercise, activity adjustments, or other care options. Dry needling and heel pain and shockwave therapy are separate topics to explore; combining treatments does not guarantee a better result.
Discuss your options in Carrollton
Dr. Trent Ward, DC, MS, CSCS can help you discuss your symptoms and care goals at our Carrollton office. Call (214) 506-3029 or book an assessment online to start that conversation.
References
Cheatham SW, Lee M, Cain M, Baker R. (2016). The efficacy of instrument assisted soft tissue mobilization: a systematic review. Journal of the Canadian Chiropractic Association, 60(3), 200–211.
Seffrin CB, Cattano NM, Reed MA, Gardiner-Shires AM. (2019). Instrument-Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization: A Systematic Review and Effect-Size Analysis. Journal of Athletic Training, 54(7), 808–821. doi:10.4085/1062-6050-481-17.
Nazari G, et al. (2023; first published online 2022). Effectiveness of instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization for the management of upper body, lower body, and spinal conditions. An updated systematic review with meta-analyses. Disability and Rehabilitation, 45(10), 1608–1618. doi:10.1080/09638288.2022.2070288.