Instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilisation, or IASTM, uses smooth-edged tools to apply controlled pressure and friction to muscle, tendon and the fascia around them.
It is a hands-on technique used alongside exercise and other treatment. We use it to help ease tight or sensitive tissue so you can move and load it more comfortably.
What it is used for
- Tight, knotted or sensitive muscle after hard training
- Tendon problems such as Achilles, patellar and forearm tendon pain
- Areas that feel restricted after an old injury
- Stiffness that keeps coming back in the same spot
What it feels like
You may feel firm pressure and a scraping or gritty sensation under the tool, and the area can look pink afterwards. Bruising can happen, particularly on the first sessions. We adjust pressure to what you can tolerate and tell you what to expect before we start.
How it fits into a plan
IASTM rarely works on its own. We combine it with joint treatment, exercise and advice on training load, so the improvement holds when you get back to your sport.
For athletes
Treatment is timed around training and competition. A lighter session may suit the days before an event, while more thorough work fits in a recovery block. We will plan it with your schedule in mind.
What to expect at your first visit
The first appointment is 45 minutes. See what happens at your first visit.
- A conversation about what happened, what makes it better or worse, and what you want to get back to
- A hands-on examination of the painful area and the joints and muscles around it
- A clear explanation of what we find and what we recommend, including how long it may take
- Treatment at the first visit when it is appropriate, plus exercises to take home
