Week 5 Lab- IASTM and Self-Mob Stimulus Questions

Question 1

What is Instrument Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization (IASTM)?

Answer 1

Process in which the clinician uses a set of hand-held instruments to perform manual techniques.

Question 2

What is the purpose of using a tool for soft tissue mobilization?

Answer 2

Surface of the instrument minimizes the force used by the practitioner.

Question 3

List the goals of IASTM. (3)

Answer 3

• Remove scar tissues.
• Stimulate tendons and muscles.
• Promote a return to normal function following soft tissue regeneration.

Question 4

Mechanism Behind IASTM:

• Localized ______________ restarts the healing process by reducing the scar tissue and releasing adhesions.
• IASTM increases ________ and ________ supply to the injured area and migration of fibroblasts.
• New collagen is synthesized and realigned, which enables turnover and _____________ of the injured tissue.

Answer 4

• inflammation
• blood and nutrient
• regeneration

Question 5

What does the research say about IASTM use for the following:

• Pain
• Inflammation
• ROM

Answer 5

Pain
-YES, pain reduction effects have been proven thus far in MSK studies.

Inflammation
-NO, has not been shown to have any effect on inflammation related factors, despite being shown to be effective at reducing exercise induced inflammation.

ROM
-YES, studies suggest that IASTM can improve ROM.

Question 6

IASTM Primary Dosage:

• ___-___s
• angle of ___-___ degrees
• Sufficient ________ intake is required before and after IASTM application.

Answer 6

• 20-120s
• 30-60 degrees
• fluid

Question 7

Why is sufficient fluid intake needed for IASTM?

Answer 7

Assists the blood supply to the inured tissue to facilitate delivery of oxygen and nutrients.

Question 8

What side effects might a patient who has received IASTM experience?

Answer 8

• Bruising
• Petechiae
• Soreness

Question 9

What are the Relative Contraindications to IASTM?

Answer 9

• Cancer
• Kidney dysfunction
• Pregnancy
• Rheumatoid arthritis
• Varicose veins
• Osteoporosis
• Lymphedema
• Fracture
• Chronic regional pain syndrome
• Use of certain medications (e.g., anticoagulants, steroids, or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs)

Question 10

What are the Absolute Contraindications to IASTM?

Answer 10

• Open wound
• Unhealed suture sites
• Thrombophlebitis
• Uncontrolled hypertension
• Skin infection
• Hematoma
• Myositis ossificans
• Unstable fractures

Question 11

What is the purpose of including a self-mobilization as part of a patient’s POC or HEP?

Answer 11

Similar to the joint mobilizations you are including in a patient’s POC is a great way to reinforce the mobility gains you are achieving in the clinic at home.

Question 12

List the contraindications for self-mobilization.

Answer 12

• The patient is not appropriate for aggressive stretching/mobilization.
• The patient is early in their post-surgical rehabilitation.
• The patient cannot safely get in/out of the mobilization position.