by Lori Francoeur
PT, MSPT, CSCS | Ahwatukee Location
We are pleased to announce that Foothills Sports Medicine has ASTYM-certified physical therapists throughout the Phoenix Metropolitan area. The ASTYM system has been used in clinical settings by certified health professionals since 1996. But many of you may not know what ASTYM is really all about and how it can help you with chronic and acute injuries. ASTYM is a soft tissue mobilization technique that is designed to effectively treat scarring, fibrosis, and degeneration that can occur in soft tissues.
The ASTYM instruments
This technique uses ergonomically designed instruments and can be very effective on both new injuries as well as chronic, nagging conditions. The ASTYM instruments are used along the surface of the skin to identify abnormal soft tissue areas and begin the body’s healing process. This healing response or inflammatory process results in the resorption and remodeling of scar tissue and/or abnormal tissue and helps to regenerate degenerative tendons.
What Treatments Is ASTYM Effective On
ASTYM has been proven to be effective with a number of common orthopedic injuries, including IT band syndrome, hip bursitis, shin splints, patellofemoral syndrome, medial and lateral epicondylitis (golfer’s and tennis elbow).
ASTYM has many advantages over conservative PT treatments. ASTYM often allows patients to remain active or continue to work while undergoing treatment. It also has an 88% success rate with patients, achieving improved function and decreased pain, even if the condition is chronic or previous treatment was not successful. It can reduce the need for surgical intervention and achieve maximum results with minimal treatments. Finally, this technique has been supported by an extensive outcomes database, clinical experience, and, most importantly, by scientific research.
The ASTYM technique may be mildly uncomfortable for some patients. ASTYM is applied not only to the affected or painful areas but to the areas above and below the injury that may be contributing to your condition. During the treatment, you may feel areas of “roughness,” which are the problem areas that will be addressed. As these areas become less rough or smooth over, the pain begins to decrease, and improved function also occurs. It is not unusual to have some mild bruising or tenderness over the abnormal or “rough” areas; this is the first indication that the new healing response has started. A comprehensive stretching and strengthening program will also be introduced to help guide the healing process, rebuild healthy tissue, and, ultimately, get you back to your desired activities without any pain or limitation.
In my first year of using ASTYM, I have had great personal success with my patients having chronic tendon injuries, plantar fasciitis, and other painful conditions. This technique is used to complement our manual and hands-on techniques, not replace them.
All Foothills clinics offer ASTYM treatment. Find a location near you to schedule a Rapid Recovery FREE assessment to see if ASTYM is right for you.
