I recently attended a seminar in Rochester entitled “Combining Soft Tissue Mobilization and Movement to Improve Function and Performance.” Let’s boil that down, shall we? Turns out I was the only chiropractor attending in a sea of physical therapists and a couple massage therapists. Too bad because it was cutting edge practical information enabling us to improve patient movement, balance, stability, flexibility and comfort through a new understanding of the fascia.
“It ain’t just paint,” folks. Until recently the fascia was considered inert wrapping and support for muscles and other tissues, something as unexciting as Saran wrap. But it’s a lot more than simply structural support. This “wrapping” actually connects all parts and systems, is vascularized (has its own blood supply), has a special network of muscle cells within it and has a detailed nervous system (ten times more than muscles). This nervous system is constantly informing our central nervous system (brain and spinal cord) about our environment to improve balance, tone (strength), comfort, etc.
Fortunately we can influence this fascia positively with various hands-on procedures which I prefer to call IASTM or Instrument Assisted Soft Tissue Massage. This is reminiscent of the Graston Technique which some of you are already familiar with but with more effective results and no discomfort as in the past. Additionally we have a few new tools to aid in the process.
You see, with Graston it was thought that our primary effect was breaking down scar tissue adhesions that developed due to injury or chronic stress from repetitive movements and chronic postures. Now we know our main effect is balancing the nervous system.
I still remember years ago when an acupuncturist came to see me with bruises on her back due to an ancient Asian healing technique called Gua Sha that involved scraping the muscles with a dull edged tool. I was told that it eliminated congested chi. Funny how time can change our understanding . But how gratifying when something beneficial can be improved.
Hope you enjoyed the info on IASTM.
PLEASE TAKE NOTE: OUR PRACTICE IS MOVING to the Village of Fairport, 5 minutes away. Our new address is 200 Village Landing in Fairport, the same building where the library is located. The move is necessary because our current building will be destroyed and replaced by apartments. As I mentioned before, times change and I hope you’ll agree that it too is for the better.
If you are interested in learning more about our office and the therapies I use in treatment, call today at 585-425-3626
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Our mailing address is:
565 Perinton Hills Office Park
Fairport, NY 14450