Instrument Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilisation
Instrument assisted soft tissue mobilisation uses specially designed tools to release scar tissue, free tight fascia and restore movement in stubborn restrictions.
What to expect
Instrument assisted soft tissue mobilisation, often called IASTM, uses smooth, ergonomically shaped tools to treat muscle, tendon and fascia. The clinician glides the tool across the skin to locate and work on areas of scar tissue, adhesion and restriction that can be hard to reach by hand alone. It is a precise way to address the tight, knotted soft tissue that often lingers after injury, surgery or years of repetitive strain.
The controlled pressure of the tool helps break down adhesions, stimulate local circulation and encourage healthy tissue to reorganise, which can restore glide between layers and improve range of movement. At Rehoboth we use IASTM as part of a wider plan, combining it with stretching and exercise so the freed tissue is retrained rather than left to tighten again. Sessions are brief and most people tolerate them well.
Why patients choose instrument assisted soft tissue mobilisation
- Releases scar tissue and adhesions after injury or surgery
- Frees tight fascia and improves tissue glide
- Restores range of movement in stiff, restricted areas
- Stimulates local circulation to support healing
- Targets stubborn tightness that is hard to reach by hand
- Combines well with stretching and exercise for lasting change
Is instrument assisted soft tissue mobilisation right for you?
- Scar tissue after injury or surgery
- Chronic muscle tightness and trigger points
- Tendinopathy in the elbow, knee or heel
- Fascial restriction and adhesions
- Reduced flexibility from repetitive strain
- Plantar fasciitis and calf tightness
Not sure? A full assessment tells you exactly what will help. Same-week appointments across five Grand Cayman clinics.
Your instrument assisted soft tissue mobilisation journey
Assessment first, a clear written plan, then treatment and review. You always know the next step.
Assessment first
We start with a physiotherapy assessment to find the exact areas of restriction and confirm IASTM is suitable for you. Your clinician checks how the tissue moves, notes any scar tissue and rules out conditions where the treatment is not appropriate, then explains the plan.
Targeted mobilisation
Using a smooth tool and a little lubricant, your physiotherapist works methodically over the restricted tissue. You may feel a slightly gritty sensation as adhesions are treated. Pressure is matched to your comfort, and each area usually takes only a few minutes.
Exercise and aftercare
We follow the treatment with stretching and strengthening so the freed tissue moves and rebuilds well. Mild redness or tenderness afterwards is normal and settles quickly. We review your response and adjust the plan over a short course of visits.
Instrument Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilisation questions, answered
IASTM stands for instrument assisted soft tissue mobilisation. A trained physiotherapist uses a smooth tool to work over muscle and fascia, helping to release scar tissue and adhesions and restore movement. It is often combined with exercise for the best result.
IASTM should be comfortable, though you may feel a gritty sensation over restricted areas and mild tenderness afterwards. Your physiotherapist adjusts the pressure to your tolerance. Any redness or soreness usually fades within a day or two.
Graston is one well known brand of IASTM. The principle is the same, using a specialised tool to treat soft tissue restriction. At Rehoboth our physiotherapists are trained in these techniques and choose the tool that suits your condition.
Yes. IASTM is available across our Grand Cayman clinics, including our George Town locations on Walkers Road and Cannon Place, usually with same-week appointments. We also bill CINICO and major insurers directly.
Related treatments
Magnetotherapy
Magnetotherapy uses pulsed magnetic fields to calm inflammation and encourage healing in bone, joint and soft tissue injuries, without needles or downtime.
Ultrasound Therapy
Therapeutic ultrasound sends focused sound waves deep into the tissues to warm them, ease pain and encourage healing in tendon, muscle and joint problems that are slow to settle.
Laser Therapy
Low level laser therapy uses focused light to reach painful, injured tissue below the skin, helping to reduce pain and support healing without heat or needles.
TENS Therapy
TENS uses gentle electrical pulses delivered through pads on the skin to interrupt pain signals and give drug free relief from acute and long standing pain.
Electrical Muscle Stimulation
Electrical muscle stimulation uses controlled pulses to make weak or inhibited muscles contract, helping to reactivate and rebuild them after injury or surgery.
Percussion Therapy
Percussion therapy uses rapid, targeted pulses to reach deep into tight muscle, easing tension and helping you recover faster from training, work or injury.