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Upper Extremity Instrument Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization (IASTM)

IASTM: Upper Extremity Fascia

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I have almost completed my CPT certification and am half-way through the Human Movement certification to inform my massage practice. The different modalities of reading, watching audiovisual materials, and attending live or recorded webinars have been important to my learning style and for review.

Brookbush Institute has the most detailed, specific and effective tools for online learning for movement and/or bodywork professionals. I love the combination of the videos as well as the text available online.

I recently completed the CPT course. It was demanding yet practical. I would highly recommend it for anyone wanting an education about human movement.

I have my personal trainer certificate through here and am almost finished my human movement specialist certification. Overall, the education that Brookbush has packaged together for clinicians and trainers is invaluable. I am a physio assistant so coming from more of a rehab background I appreciate that this education has been beneficial both as a trainer and in a rehab setting. I love that I have been able to do all learning at my own pace and able to work around my schedule. Thank you for setting up this platform! Highly recommend :)

I have been a massage therapist for 10 yrs and I feel like all the “pieces” I’ve learned throughout the yrs have been put into place and can see the full picture. I am also a member to tons of great content since I love to learn! I plan to get my CPT through them as well.

I have been following Brent Brookbush for nearly a decade- back when I was a personal Trainer and now as a Physical Therapist. BBI is an incredible resource for any movement nerds and corrective exercise specialists! The information is thorough with multiple real world applications. I am looking forward to an in-person Manual Therapist course the second they do one a little bit closer to Virginia ;)

I have taken both the Human Movement Specialist and Certified Personal Trainer certificate programs and have found the value in understanding the how and ways the body moves and functions and from evidence, non-biased, outcome, conceptual, theoretical, and practical approach to helping my clients/patients look better, feel better, and move better.

Over the last years I've returned time and again to Brookbush Institute for stellar coursework as I've worked toward a Human Movement Specialist certification. (I'm currently ACE CPT, and in training with Anatomy Trains for Structural Integration Manual Therapy.) Every Brookbush Institute module is fantastic and each one includes detailed informational videos, written descriptions of how to-do, and, more importantly, why to-do!

I am a 70 yr old chiropractor and no other healthcare provider was able to come up with an exercise protocol particular to my structural and balances and muscle deficits and keep me in the game. And as for continuing education on human skeletal movement, the website is phenomenal full of great exercises for particular mechanical dysfunction.

The H.M.S. is the most valuable certificate I have earned and was a fraction of the the cost of my others. Define the best bang for your buck!

Brookbush is the most efficient Personal Training Certification I have ever come across. All the lessons are well thought out and very straight to the point.

I am getting my Master's degree in Kinesiology, and I would like to say that I have benefited greatly from the rich, comprehensive, well-documented scientific content of Brookbush Institute that links theory to practical applications. Proudly I've got my CPT certificate, and I am on my way to get my HMS certificate.

Having courses count towards different certifications makes it so users can transition seamlessly from one certification to another. In my case, going from earning the BI CPT to earning the BI HMS was an easy decision and I am proud to have earned both certifications. I have also had the pleasure of going to a Live HMS workshop that was well taught by Instructor Boettcher and that was excellent to see how the methods and techniques are implemented.



I have been a member of BBI for years and every course I have taken has been incredibly informative. I learn more from these courses than I do at local CEU courses for my PTA license. I also earned my CPT and HMS certifications through the platform. It was so convenient and the content was top notch! Forever member.

We learn principles in academia, we learn cool new modalities via whatever specialty certification, but BBI really concentrates on the nuances of passive treatment and they do a fantastic job. The format in which BBI instructs soft tissue specialists (DPTs, Chiros, ATs) like myself feels like almost like an apprenticeship. You get a thoroughly detailed explanation of the “why’s”, and a visual comprehension of how to apply. Personally, I believe application is where the good and the great are distinguished.

Brookbush has been incredibly helpful since I was in massage school and now as I’m in my career! I run my own practice and it gives me the resources I need to not only improve what I already know, but also help me navigate better, more efficient ways of treatment.

Totally loving the convenience and affordability of this program with my crazy lifestyle! I feel like I am getting a quality education without a massive cost! My favorite part is the videos I can watch in the courses. I learn so much better that way. Once I really spent more time on the site, I figured out how to maneuver around a lot better! I enjoy the sense of humor, as well as the easy explanation, and short tests. And if I am really tired, I can have the computer read me the lessons. 😁

Challenging concepts are explained in very understandable terms without dumbing down the material, and I find this program to be superior in quality to other personal training programs.

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Chapter 1: Course Summary

This course describes instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization (IASTM) for the fascial sheaths of the upper extremity, including the brachial fascia (upper arm fascia), antebrachial fascia (forearm fascia), pectoral fascia (superficial chest fascia), upper thoracic spine fascia, infraspinatus fascia (superficial scapula fascia), and deltoid fascia (shoulder muscle fascia). Additionally, modifications of the techniques are discussed, incorporating specific treatments for trigger points, and pin and stretch techniques with IASTM.

Unfortunately, it is easy to be confused by a large number of synonyms for the techniques in this course. Instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization (IASTM) is a technique that generally includes the application of shear force (scraping) to skin and superficial fascia using a tool with a rounded, but relatively acute edge. IASTM could be viewed as a Western approach to a Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) technique called Gua Sha. While the application of IASTM is most commonly based on orthopedic assessment with stainless steel tools, the application of Gua Sha is based on TCM-specific assessments and jade or stone tools. Graston is the most well-known brand of IASTM stainless steel tools; however, we do prefer 

 based on the quality, edge, and price. Note, historically the origin of these techniques is undoubtedly Gua Sha, which is perhaps 1000s of years old, Graston popularized IASTM in the Western world, and now there are many brands and tools to choose from.

The techniques in this course are recommended as an adjunct mobility technique, included in an integrated program that already includes or has considered soft-tissue release techniques, joint mobilization and manipulation techniques, and/or lengthening (stretching) techniques. The addition of IASTM may be especially beneficial for individuals assessed with range of motion (ROM) restriction of the upper extremity, thoracic spine, or perhaps cervical spine. They may be included in a program designed to address shoulder impingement syndrome (SIS), lateral epicondylalgia (tennis elbow), scapular dyskinesis, upper thoracic spine pain, or chronic neck pain. Further, these techniques may be beneficial for those with assessed impairments including glenohumeral internal rotation deficit (GIRD), forward head posture (increased cervical vertebral angle), 

 (upper crossed syndrome), and/or rounded shoulder posture (RSP).

The techniques in this course are recommended for all clinical human movement professionals (physical therapists, physical therapy assistants, athletic trainers, massage therapists, chiropractors, occupational therapists, etc.) with the intent of developing an 

, patient-centered, and outcome-driven approach.

Thoracic, Infraspinatus and Deltoid Fascia IASTM

Course Summary: Upper Extremity Instrument Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization (IASTM)

Chapter 2: Introduction

Upper extremity IASTM is recommended as an adjunct therapy (not used alone) for the treatment of pain (e.g. chronic neck pain or shoulder impingement syndrome), an assessed range of motion deficit, and/or a change in posture and cervicothoracic alignment. It is unlikely to have an effect on strength unless strength is inhibited by pain. IASTM is likely as effective as massage, foam rolling, or Voodoo flossing, but less effective than static manual release techniques.

Correlated Postural Dysfunction and Movement Impairment

 < 35 - 45° (Note: Gross movement exams may be beneficial for identifying asymmetry, significant restriction, and pain with movement; however, cervical rotation, flexion, and extension are not reliable goniometric assessments).

: Weak or With Compensation (Cervical protraction)

: Weak or With Compensation (Shoulder abduction or scapula elevation and/or anterior tipping)

 MMT: Weak or With Compensation (Scapula elevation and/or anterior tipping)

: Weak or With Compensation (Scapula elevation and/or anterior tipping)

Sample Intervention: Arms Fall (Restricted Glenohumeral Rotation)

Shoulder (Glenohumeral) Joint Mobilization

Acromioclavicular (AC) Joint Mobilization

Introduction: Upper Extremity IASTM

Chapter 3: Research Summary

Position Statement and Research Summary

Chapter 4: Upper Extremity IASTM

Systematic Resesarch Review

Research Corner

Chapter 5: IASTM Technique and Emollient

IASTM: Technique and Emollient Recommendations

Chapter 5: Brachial And Forearm

Brachial and Forearm (Antebrachial) Fascia IASTM

Chapter 6: Pectoral Fascia

Pectoral Fascia IASTM

Chapter 7: Thoracic Infra Deltoid Fascia

Thoracic, Infraspinatus, and Deltoid Fascia IASTM

Upper Extremity IASTM Technique and Videos

Mylonas, K., Angelopoulos, P., Billis, E., Tsepis, E., & Fousekis, K. (2021). Combining targeted instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization applications and neuromuscular exercises can correct forward head posture and improve the functionality of patients with mechanical neck pain: a randomized control study. BMC musculoskeletal disorders, 22(1), 1-9.

Burke, J., Buchberger, D. J., Carey-Loghmani, M. T., Dougherty, P. E., Greco, D. S., & Dishman, J. D. (2007). A pilot study comparing two manual therapy interventions for carpal tunnel syndrome. 

Journal of manipulative and physiological therapeutics

Aksan Sadikoglu, B., Analay Akbaba, Y., & Taskiran, H. (2022). Effects of ischemic compression and instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization techniques in trigger point therapy in patients with rotator cuff pathology: randomized controlled study. Somatosensory & Motor Research, 39(1), 70-80.

Compared to ROM and Strengthening Exercises

Amin, F., Abdel-Aal, N. M., Ali, N. S., & Moharram, A. EFFECT OF INSTRUMENT ASSISTED SOFT TISSUE MOBILIZATION ONHAND GRIP STRENGTH IN PATIENTS WITH SUBACROMIAL IMPINGfEMENT SYNDROME: A RANDOMIZED CONTROLLED STUDY. Turkish Journal of Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation, 32, 3.

Sevier, T. L., & Stegink-Jansen, C. W. (2015). Astym treatment vs. eccentric exercise for lateral elbow tendinopathy: a randomized controlled clinical trial. 

Bhosale, P., & Kolke, S. (2022). Effectiveness of instrument assisted soft tissue mobilization (IASTM) and muscle energy technique (MET) on post-operative elbow stiffness: a randomized clinical trial. 

Blanchette, M. A., & Normand, M. C. (2011). Augmented soft tissue mobilization vs natural history in the treatment of lateral epicondylitis: a pilot study. 

Compared to Foam Rolling, Taping, and Flossing

Maniatakis, A., Mavraganis, N., Kallistratos, E., Mandalidis, D., Mylonas, K., Angelopoulos, P., ... & Fousekis, K. (2020). The effectiveness of Ergon Instrument-Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization, foam rolling, and athletic elastic taping in improving volleyball players’ shoulder range of motion and throwing performance: a pilot study on elite athletes. 

Angelopoulos, P., Mylonas, K., Tsepis, E., Billis, E., Vaitsis, N., & Fousekis, K. (2021). The effects of instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization, tissue flossing, and kinesiology taping on shoulder functional capacities in amateur athletes. 

Rivera, M., Eberman, L., Games, K., & Powden, C. J. (2020). Comparison of myofascial release techniques on pectoralis minor length, glenohumeral total arc of motion, and skin temperature: a pilot study. Journal of sport rehabilitation, 29(2), 137-141.

Mahmood, T., Afzal, M. W., Waseem, I., Arif, M. A., & Mahmood, W. (2022). Comparative Effectiveness of Routine Physical Therapy with and without Instrument Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization for Improving Pain and Disability in Patients with Neck Pain Due to Upper Crossed Syndrome. 

Gohil, D., Swami, A., Baxi, G., Tai, Z., Edgaonkar, R., & Palekar, T. (2020). Effectiveness of Instrument Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization in Management of Athletes with Gleno-Humeral Internal Rotation Deficit. 

Indian Journal of Physiotherapy & Occupational Therapy Print-(ISSN 0973-5666) and Electronic–(ISSN 0973-5674)

ÇAKIR, E., & KARADENİZLİ, Z. İ. Effect of Graston Soft Tissue Mobilization Technique on Muscular Force. 

International Journal of Sport Culture and Science

Beaupre, M., Tassoul, T., LeMire, P., Elsing, M., Braun, S. I., & Stow, R. C. Effects of the Graston Technique on Overhead Throwing Velocity in Collegiate Baseball Players.

IASTM: Upper Extremity Fascia

Related Courses:

Course Summary: Upper Extremity Instrument Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization (IASTM)

Introduction: Upper Extremity IASTM

Research Corner
2 Sub Sections

Upper Extremity IASTM Technique and Videos
4 Sub Sections

Bibliography

Related Courses:

Comments

Guest

IASTM: Upper Extremity Fascia

Related Courses:

Course Summary: Upper Extremity Instrument Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization (IASTM)

Introduction: Upper Extremity IASTM

Research Corner2 Sub Sections

Upper Extremity IASTM Technique and Videos4 Sub Sections

Bibliography

Related Courses:

Comments

Guest

Research Corner
2 Sub Sections

Upper Extremity IASTM Technique and Videos
4 Sub Sections