Soft Tissue Mobilization Therapy

Physical therapists will perform soft tissue mobilization using manual techniques to break up adhesions on your muscles, fascia, and ligaments.

How soft tissue mobilization works

Soft tissue injuries have been known to occur when muscles are very tense and contracted. They can also happen as a result of a sprained ankle or other sudden trauma. When dealing with a soft tissue injury, you may feel weak muscles, pain, and less ability to move around freely.

Soft issue mobilization techniques

Physical therapists will perform soft tissue mobilization using manual techniques to break up adhesions on your muscles, fascia, and ligaments. Adhesions can also be thought of like scar tissue that forms as your body heals itself after an injury to soft tissue.

A soft tissue injury comes in many forms, including:

  • Tendonitis

  • Sprains

  • Strains

  • Stress injuries

  • Bursitis

  • Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

  • Fibromyalgia

  • IT Band Syndrome

  • Tennis Elbow

  • Running injuries

  • Plantar Fasciitis

  • Post-surgical scarring

Soft tissue mobilization can help to:

  • Relieve muscle tension

  • Break down adhesions such as scar tissue

  • Decrease pain

  • Decrease swelling

  • Improve range of motion

  • Lengthen muscles and tendons

  • Strengthen the immune system

  • Improve oxygen flow

  • Increase endorphins

Techniques that involve soft tissue mobilization include:

ASTYM®

  • ASTYM® treatment is a physical therapy treatment that regenerates healthy soft tissues (muscles, tendons, etc.), and eliminates or reduces unwanted scar tissue that may be causing pain or movement restrictions.

IASTM

  • IASTM stands for “Instrument Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization” such as the Graston Technique, or HawkGrips

  • Graston Technique incorporates a patented form of instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization that enables clinicians to effectively detect and treat scar tissue and restrictions that affect normal function.

Request your appointment today at an OrthoRehab Network location near you to learn more about soft tissue mobilization.

Start living your best life.

Begin your journey close to home.

read patient reviews

  • ★★★★★ "Incredible staff very patient and tentative. I look forward to being a long time patient."

    —Jessica K.

  • ★★★★★ Came in for lower back pain that was pretty bad for a few months. I was given a circuit of exercises and felt better. Staff was awesome. Highly recommend.

    —Danica B.

  • ★★★★★ "Amazing experience! I visited OrthoRehab for TMJ issues and was really impressed with the care. The doctor took the time to understand my symptoms and guided me through targeted exercises that helped relieve the tension and discomfort. After the session, I felt significantly more relaxed and less tight in my jaw and neck. Highly recommend!"

    —Jenai G.

  • ★★★★★ "Therapy here is way better than the other places I've been. Very personable and flexible depending on your body. Highly recommend..."

    —Mike D.

  • ★★★★★ "The team at Orthorehab is top notch. The facility is great as well, looking forward to my next session."

    —Logan A.

  • ★★★★★ "My husband and I have been to therapy for many years due to injuries and every therapist we have seen has helped us improve our quality of life."

    —Luz P.