What is the science behind IASTM in hand therapy?

The scientific foundation of IASTM in hand therapy is based on the principles of targeted soft tissue mobilization, which involve the precise application of mechanical force to improve the function and healing of the complex soft tissue structures within the hand, wrist, and forearm.

Research studies have demonstrated that IASTM can significantly improve pain levels, joint range of motion, and functional outcomes in patients with upper extremity conditions such as De Quervain’s tenosynovitis, lateral epicondylitis (tennis elbow), carpal tunnel syndrome, and post-surgical hand rehabilitation. Hand therapy research has shown IASTM to have particularly beneficial effects on the healing of tendon injuries in the fingers and wrist, reduction of scar tissue formation after hand surgery, and decreased inflammation in the small joints of the hand.

How does IASTM work in the hand and upper extremity?

In hand therapy applications, IASTM is believed to work by creating controlled micro-trauma to the targeted hand tissues, which initiates a localized inflammatory cascade. This precise inflammatory response activates the body’s natural healing mechanisms within the intricate structures of the hand, resulting in the production of new healthy tissue and improvement in the functional capacity of the affected areas.

The controlled application of pressure with specialized hand instruments helps to increase microcirculation to poorly vascularized structures like finger tendons, reduce localized inflammation in small joint spaces, and break down restrictive scar tissue and adhesions that limit finger and wrist movement. The precision-designed instruments provide a more targeted and effective form of mobilization compared to manual techniques, allowing the hand therapist to access specific intrinsic muscles, tendon sheaths, and joint capsules within the hand’s complex anatomy.

When a controlled mechanical stimulus is applied to injured hand tissue using an appropriately sized instrument, the activity and number of fibroblasts increase, along with fibronectin, through localized inflammation, which facilitates the synthesis and realignment of collagen in the correct orientation. Fibroblasts play a crucial role in tissue remodeling within the hand’s delicate structures, particularly following injury or surgical intervention.

IASTM has become an increasingly popular intervention among hand therapists and has prompted growing research on its efficacy for upper extremity conditions. The scientific literature supports the use of IASTM in hand therapy for the following conditions:

• Trigger finger (stenosing tenosynovitis)
• De Quervain’s tenosynovitis
• Dupuytren’s contracture
• Post-operative hand and wrist rehabilitation
• Carpal tunnel syndrome
• Guyon’s canal compression
• Lateral and medial epicondylitis
• Wrist extensor and flexor tendinopathies
• Post-fracture scarring and stiffness
• Limited finger joint mobility
• Hand and wrist arthrofibrosis — a joint disorder characterized by excessive collagen production and adhesions that result in restricted joint movement and pain
• Post-surgical scar tissue management
• Digital nerve compression syndromes
• Thumb carpometacarpal joint osteoarthritis
• Recovery from hand sports injuries
• Cubital tunnel syndrome
• Shortening hand rehabilitation timeframes
• Improving finger and thumb range of motion
• Scar tissue reduction after tendon repair

IASTM is particularly effective in the treatment and rehabilitation of both high-level athletes with hand injuries and individuals with occupational hand conditions. It can accelerate healing after hand injury and promote successful return to sports, work activities, and daily hand function. The primary goal in hand therapy applications is to remove restrictive scar tissue and facilitate a return to normal hand function through controlled soft tissue regeneration.

At CAO Sports Performance and Physical Therapy in Waldorf, Leonardtown, and California, Maryland, our specialized hand therapy team offers IASTM and other innovative and advanced techniques specifically tailored for hand and upper extremity conditions. Contact us to schedule a consultation with a certified hand therapist and learn how our evidence-based approach can help you regain pain-free hand function and return to the activities you love.