Modalities: What is IASTM?

June 1, 2023

What is Instrument-Assisted Soft Tissue Manipulation (IASTM)?

IASTM is a manual therapy technique that is a form of myofascial mobilization. Your therapist may use metal or plastic tools to manipulate soft tissue to release areas of adhesions and promote the remodeling of scar tissue. It is sometimes referred to as GrastonTechnique®, muscle scraping (very off-putting!), or “coining”. Gua Sha is the Eastern Medicine counterpart to Western Medicine’s IASTM. This modality can help reduce pain and inflammation, improve mobility and flexibility, and even reduce the frequency of muscle spasms.

If you are interested in adding this modality to your treatment plan, please ask your provider at your next visit if it is right for you.