Guide to IASTM - HPE Functional Fascia Release Therapy

Functional IASTM and Fascia...

this BLOG, features the basic and advance information on the FASCIA as an organ system and its dysfunction and various effective ways to mobilize and to strengthen the fascia. 

Fascia is a brand new concept in clinical and sports medicine and rehabilitation, it has been about only 7 - 10 years of clinical research around it. 

for over 100 years, fascia as a connective tissue was ignored by anatomist and was often considered as a disposable or packaging tissue surrounding the musculoskeletal system.

Fascia recently discovered as a new organ system, not only connects the skeletal and muscular system, but perform various important task in functional movement pattern.

"There are various ways to effectively mobilize the FASCIA, the best and most effective is via IASTM "

1. What does IASTM Stand for?

IASTM stands for Instrument Assisted Soft Tissue Manipulation / Mobilization.

2. What is Soft Tissue and why we need to mobilize it?

Under recent classification - a superficial layer of skin and fascia were classified under soft tissue, muscle is no longer considered to be part of soft tissue system. 

so, SKIN + FASCIA (Superficial and Deep) = Soft tissue. 

"and soft tissue dysfunction is known as SOMATIC DYSFUNCTION "

to correct the dysfunction or disorder - you need to manipulate or mobilize the soft tissue.

Deep Fascia

3. What is the Function of Soft tissue and what kind of dysfunction it leads to?

Superficial fascia work closely in knit with Skin - 

Function:  therm regulation, protective barrier, and peripheral circulation.

The dysfunction will lead to circulatory disorder for the arterial, venous, lymphatic and nervous systems.

Deep fascia work in conjunction with Muscular system.

Function: To perform the movement, force transmission, and proprioception. 

This dysfunction will lead to Pain, Reduced ROM, impaired proprioception

4. How IASTM helps in the correction of this dysfunction?

IASTM  correct the mal-alignment (the structure which is abnormally moved from its normal anatomical place) by applying a shear force via a mechanical tool
(i.e INSTRUMENT)

5. What is A physiological Process?

IASTM was believed to be working on the Piezoelectric effect (conversion of mechanical energy into Electrical Charge(thermal Energy). Mechanical deformation in the form of break or press via performing an IASTM procedure with IASTM Tool (made of stainless steel or crystal) causes an electrical discharge of ion to release thermal energy just enough to warm up the connective tissue.

6. How Beneficial is IASTM Procedure?

IASTM protocol are used by physical therapist for clinical assessment, Identify the tenderness or tender / calcified sports, Stretch and mobilize the fascia. 

7. What Is HPE FUNCTIONAL IASTM?

Clinical research over Fascia as a connective tissue, has proven to have humongous impact of body movement pattern and performance, creating awareness of various body movement, in relation to that of environment/space.

Fascia is one continuous structure, which is embedded across all the connective tissue to provide mobility and to compartmentalize different body parts.

HPE Functional IASTM techniques work on the 

"FASCIA CONTINUITY MODEL"

Physical therapist assess the fascia in various testing position and 

later MOBILIZE,  TRAIN and STRENGTHEN  them to perform better.

"yes, we can stretch and strengthen FASCIA too.."

8. HOW does mobilizing the Fascia Helps? 

FASCIA  has a unique quality that it is DIRECTION LESS,

 VISCOELASTIC and 

Highly ADAPTABLE.  

Functionally moving them in its correct direction, helps physical therapists to lengthen them, making it less viscous by applying a shear force in form of press, squeeze and allowing them to be more elastic.

9. what is IASTM relation with VISCOELASTICITY?

Under or Overuse of physical movements, connective tissue loses its viscosity making it more dense i.e tight. 

"hyaluronan make it denser" 

The length Tension relationship on which fascia and muscle works is impaired, which eventually causes mechanical dysfunction in joints and bones. 

IASTM helps to reduce viscosity by applying the mechanical stress with the IASTM tool, making it warm via the Piezoelectric effect. 

repeated IASTM procedure helps in diapedesis 

(the passage of blood cells through the intact walls of the capillaries, typically accompanying inflammation) 

causing redness 

10. Localized IASTM causes Bruise?

it is called hyperemia, which is only visible if you perform localized IASTM procedure fast, over a period of time. Hyperemia is due to the destruction of terminal capillaries. it is an indicator to stop the procedure. stop the IASTM procedure when you start noticing 

 petechiae ( red dots on skin)

petechiae

"localized IASTM technique is outdated now !!" - Please note

11. IDEAL protocol for IASTM?  

after assessment and screening of the various fascial lines, IASTM protocol should be followed in 

Relaxed,

Stretched,

Functional Movement Pattern,

Strengthen with resistance,  

Proprioception.

"2 session per week is IDEAL on one fascial line" - 

"remember..fascia is highly adaptable."

12. An appropriate time to start IASTM?

IASTM needs to be started after the acute inflammation has totally subsided (i.e - 0 - 72 hrs)

An appropriate time to start IASTM is from 3 - 7 days during the regeneration phase of inflammation when cell proliferation takes place

13. Best available tool for IASTM

the most important topic here is - choice of the tool.

many outdated and cheap stainless tools are being used for fascia release and are available in the market.

over the years, I personally tried and tested many IASTM tool,  but I found

ROCK BLADE to be the BEST  for its outcome and its customized design to adapt to various different muscle sizes and variations. 

I would grade M2T Blade the next best, being economical 

fascia release with rock blade.

Learn more about HPE functional IASTM / FASCIA RELEASE with Dr. Swapnil Mate, Instructor at HPE UK healthcare and Education LTD, London- UK.

HPE Functional IASTM are hosted both in MUMBAI and LONDON, UK.
for more info on the course log onto www.hpeindia.in/physio-courses

http://hpeindia.in/hpe-iastm : IASTM


for more video - subscribe to youtube channel: Link Here

https://www.youtube.com/user/swapnilphysio1985