IASTM: Upper Extremity Fascia

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.

Pre-approved credits for:

• Integrated Manual Therapist (IMT) Certification

Pre-approved for Continuing Education Credits for:

• Athletic Trainers
• Chiropractors
• Massage Therapists
• Occupational Therapists
• Physical Therapists
• Physical Therapy Assistants

This Course Includes:

• AI Tutor
• Webinar
• Study Guide
• Text and Illustrations
• Audio Voice-over
• Research Review
• Technique Videos
• Sample Intervention
• Practice Exam
• Pre-approved Final Exam

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 Smart Tools 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 body dysfunction (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 evidence-based , systematic, integrated , patient-centered, and outcome-driven approach.

Topics Covered in this Course

• Signs of Altered Extensibility
• Sample Program
• Research Corner
• IASTM Protocols
• Techniques (with Video)

Techniques Covered in this Course:

• Brachial and Forearm Fascia IASTM
• Pectoral Fascia IASTM
• Thoracic, Infraspinatus and Deltoid Fascia IASTM

Additional IASTM Courses

• Coming Soon

For more on an integrated approach:

• Upper Body Dysfunction (UBD)

Bibliography for Research Review

• Compared to Manual Therapy

1. 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.
2. 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, 30(1), 50-61.
3. 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
4. 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.
5. Sevier, T. L., & Stegink-Jansen, C. W. (2015). Astym treatment vs. eccentric exercise for lateral elbow tendinopathy: a randomized controlled clinical trial. PeerJ, 3, e967.
6. 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. Journal of Manual & Manipulative Therapy, 1-9.
7. Blanchette, M. A., & Normand, M. C. (2011). Augmented soft tissue mobilization vs natural history in the treatment of lateral epicondylitis: a pilot study. Journal of manipulative and physiological therapeutics, 34(2), 123-130.
   • Compared to Foam Rolling, Taping, and Flossing
8. 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. Journal of Physical Therapy Science, 32(10), 611-614.
9. 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. Journal of Sport Rehabilitation, 30(7), 1028-1037.
10. 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.
11. Postural Dysfunction (and 1)
12. 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. Annals of Punjab Medical College (APMC), 16(1), 45-50.
    
    • Additional Demonstrated Outcomes
13. 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), 14(1), 88-93.
14. ÇAKIR, E., & KARADENİZLİ, Z. İ. Effect of Graston Soft Tissue Mobilization Technique on Muscular Force. International Journal of Sport Culture and Science, 9(2), 185-191.
15. 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.