Instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization (IASTM) is a method clinicians use to effectively locate and treat areas of soft tissue dysfunction. Therapists use instruments to detect and treat areas of “scar tissue” or adhesions in muscles, tendons, and ligaments which can reduce range of motion and cause pain. Instruments effectively break down fascial restrictions and scar tissue. This innovative soft tissue, instrument-based treatment is designed to help our patients feel better – fast!
Phoenix Physical Therapy is experienced in multiple types of instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization techniques, including:
- Sound Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization (SASTM)
- Fluid Motion Soft Tissue Tools (FMST)
- Graston Technique®
The SASTM method is a form of instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization. The design of these instruments provides the clinician with the ability to locate restrictions through sound waves. This allows the clinician to locate and treat the affected area with the appropriate amount of pressure.
If you suffer from soft tissue adhesions caused by surgery, immobilization, or repeated strain, you may regain full functional restoration through the SATSM method. By introducing “controlled micro-trauma” to the affected soft tissue, sometimes referred to as muscle scraping, the stimulation of a local inflammatory response forms. This process ‘initiates healing’ in the re-absorption of excessive scar tissue and facilitates a cascade of healing activities, resulting in remodeling of affected soft tissue structures. Adhesions within the soft tissue are broken down allowing full functional restoration to occur.
FMST tools have proven successful in reducing scar tissue problems from old injuries and/or surgeries and help achieve greater results with pain control, joint and muscle flexibility.
The Graston Technique® therapy allows for better discovery and treatment because it uses a stainless steel instrument that glides along the muscle, tendon or ligament. By applying the correct mount of pressure, the instrument is able to detect the location of the scar tissue or restrictions faster and easier. The instrument can then be used to “breakup” this restriction. Stretching exercises are used to promote re-alignment of the fibers into the normal pattern of healthy tissue. Combining these two reduces scar tissue and promotes better movement and mobility.
The Graston Technique® has been effective in the treatment of:
- Carpal tunnel syndrome
- Cervical pain
- De Quervain’s syndrome
- Epicondylitis/osis
- Fibromyalgia
- IT band syndrome
- Joint Sprain
- Lower back pain
- Muscle strain
- Myofascial pain
- Nerve entrapment
- Painful scars
- Plantar fasciitis
- Post-fracture pain (healed)
- Shin splints
- Tendinitis/tendonosis
- Trigger finger
- Women’s health (post-mastectomy and Caesarean scarring)
Historically, the Graston Technique® has had positive outcomes in 75-90 percent of all conditions treated.
Only clinicians who have been trained and accredited in the Graston Technique® Basic Training course are qualified to obtain the Graston Technique® instruments and apply the technique to treat patients.
Direct Access Without A Physician's Referral
Did you know that you don't need a physician's referral to receive physical therapy treatment at this Phoenix Physical Therapy location? We also accept most insurance plans.
If you have a question about insurance or scheduling your first appointment, please call us at (717) 212-9229 or submit the contact form.
We're so excited to have you join our Phoenix Etters family!
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564 Old York Road
Suite 5
Etters, PA, 17319-9536
Phone: (717) 212-9229
Fax: (717) 212-2877
Email: etters@phoenixrehab.com
New Patient Info
Welcome to the Phoenix family! You’re one step closer to feeling like you again. You can expect superior care at each step of your rehabilitation journey, starting with scheduling your first appointment. After scheduling your first appointment, we encourage you to download and fill out your patient forms and insurance information.
• Medicare (Novitas)
• Highmark BCBS (Traditional)
• Premier Blue Shield Network, Medicare Advantage, Keystone Health Plan West Network
o KeystoneBlue HMO
o PPOBlue
o SelectBlue HMO, POS
o SecurityBlue MC, HMO
o CommunityBlue HMO, POS
o DirectBlue
o FreedomBlue MC, PPO
• Highmark Blue Shield
• Premier Blue Shield Network, Medicare Advantage, Participating Network
• Blue Cross of NEPA
o First Priority Health HMO, POS
o First Priority Life EPO
o BlueCare Senior
• Independence Blue Cross
o Personal Choice PPO
• Horizon BC/BS NJ (PPO)
• Capital BC/Capital Advantage Ins. Co (Traditional, Comprehensive, Options, PPO, SeniorBlue)
• Keystone Health Plan Central (KHPC) HMO
• AmeriHealth Administrators (PPO)
• Tricare Standard (INDEMNITY)
• Health America
o West (HMO)
o Central (HMO)
o Heath Assurance (PPO, POS), Advantra (MC HMO)
• Great-West Healthcare (PPO/POS)
• UPMC
o NON Par – Latrobe, Mt. Lebanon, New Castle
• CIGNA
• ASH formerly OrthoNet
• Geisinger Health Plan
• Medicaid
o AETNA Better Health formerly Coventry Cares
o Amerihealth Caritas/N. East
o Coventry Cares
o Gateway
o Geisinger Family
o UHC Community Plan (Families, Kids & Dual Complete)
o UPMC For You
• AETNA (PPO, POS, HMO)
• United Healthcare
Welcome to Etters
At Phoenix, we make sure you don’t have to choose between effective, purposeful or cost-efficient rehabilitative care. Your journey back to feeling like you begins with your very first appointment. Our highly trained staff of passionate professionals will work directly with you to create a personalized patient care and treatment plan centered around you and your wellness goals. From start to finish, you can expect high-quality care in a professional health care setting. Take your first step towards feeling like you again with our Etters location’s Physical Therapy and Occupational Health Rehabilitation services...
Phoenix Physical Therapy is the reason I am able to use my shoulder again comfortably. The staff is friendly, helpful and committed to your well being. Physical therapy is hard, your weak spots are targeted. They are however there to ensure you will be made wholesome again