What Is Instrument Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization in Hand Therapy?

Instrument assisted soft tissue mobilization (IASTM) is a specialized intervention used by certified hand therapists to treat various soft tissue conditions of the hand, wrist, and forearm. It is an advanced technique that involves the use of specialized tools on myofascia, muscles, tendons, and skin throughout the upper extremity to restore optimal hand function.

What Are the Instruments Used in Hand Therapy?

The instruments used in hand therapy IASTM come in various shapes and sizes tailored specifically for the intricate anatomy of the hand and wrist. They are typically made of stainless steel with beveled edges and contoured curves that conform closely to the complex anatomy of the hand’s joints, tendons, and musculature. Hand therapy IASTM tools are generally smaller (two to four inches long) than those used for larger body regions to accommodate the precise treatment of small hand muscles, finger joints, and the narrow tendons of the wrist and forearm. The unique design of these hand-specific instruments allows therapists to deliver targeted treatment without causing excessive discomfort to sensitive hand structures. The certified hand therapist applies precise levels of force while using these specialized instruments to access deeper tissues than manual techniques alone can reach. A properly trained hand therapist can detect subtle tissue abnormalities in the intricate structures of the hand and wrist as the instrument glides across the treatment area, allowing for more effective treatment of finger, thumb, and wrist conditions.

How Is IASTM Utilized During Hand Rehabilitation?

In hand therapy, IASTM is typically integrated with other specialized hand treatments during the same session to optimize functional outcomes. The IASTM portion of a hand therapy session generally requires five to ten minutes, allowing time for complementary interventions. These additional treatments may include paraffin heat therapy, neuromuscular electrical stimulation, targeted finger and wrist stretching, precision grip strengthening exercises, or custom orthotic fabrication. Following IASTM, hand therapists often implement specific therapeutic activities to reinforce the biomechanical improvements achieved through the soft tissue work.

What Is the History of IASTM in Hand Rehabilitation?

While IASTM has several theories regarding its origin, with connections to traditional Chinese Gua sha scraping techniques, its application in hand therapy has evolved significantly over the past two decades. Hand specialists have adapted these techniques specifically for the unique challenges of treating the complex and delicate structures of the hand and wrist. Hand therapists recognize that IASTM improves microcirculation, disrupts adhesions between tissue layers, and helps remodel scar tissue in the hand and wrist, facilitating delivery of the body’s natural healing components to accelerate recovery of fine motor function. As hand tissues recover, the hand therapist focuses on restoring normal movement patterns and precision grip mechanics, preventing the recurrence of dysfunction and pain. Patients typically experience improved finger and wrist range of motion, enhanced grip strength, increased dexterity, and reduced pain following an IASTM session. A significant advantage for hand therapy patients is that, when applied correctly, IASTM can expedite healing times for hand injuries and decrease the number of therapy sessions required to restore functional use.

What Hand Conditions Can IASTM Treat?

IASTM in hand therapy is used to address a wide variety of upper extremity conditions, including:

• De Quervain’s tenosynovitis
• Trigger finger (stenosing tenosynovitis)
• Post-surgical scar management following hand procedures
• Carpal tunnel syndrome
• Dupuytren’s contracture
• Lateral and medial epicondylitis (tennis/golfer’s elbow)
• Hand and finger tendinopathies
• Post-traumatic finger stiffness
• Scar tissue following hand fractures or tendon repairs
• Intrinsic muscle tightness
• Thumb carpometacarpal joint pain
• Wrist tendinitis/tendinosis
• Ganglion cysts
• Hand muscle strains
• Limited finger joint mobility
• Post-immobilization stiffness

Schedule a Hand Therapy Consultation

The specialized team of hand therapists at CAO Sports Performance & Physical Therapy are extensively trained and experienced in IASTM techniques specifically adapted for hand and upper extremity conditions. Schedule a hand therapy appointment to learn more about IASTM for your hand, wrist, or forearm condition at one of our offices in California, Leonardtown, or Waldorf, Maryland. We provide the highest level of specialized hand therapy care in Southern Maryland.