Instrument-Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization (IASTM): A Smarter Way to Heal

Struggling with stubborn tightness or pain that just won’t go away?

Instrument-Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization (IASTM) might be exactly what your body needs. This targeted, evidence-based treatment helps restore movement, ease pain, and break down scar tissue—so you can finally feel like yourself again. 

>>>Request your appointment today and explore how this therapy can support your recovery.

What Is IASTM?

IASTM uses specially designed instruments to gently scrape or glide across the skin. This controlled technique stimulates the body's natural healing response, targeting soft tissue dysfunctions that limit movement or cause pain.

The tools allow us to detect and treat adhesions, scar tissue, and fascial restrictions more precisely than hands alone. Think of it as a smarter, more focused form of manual therapy.

It's particularly effective for:

  • Tendonitis and tendinopathy (Achilles, patellar, rotator cuff)

  • Muscle strains and tightness

  • Scar tissue from surgery or injury

  • Plantar fasciitis

  • Carpal tunnel syndrome

This approach complements many of our other treatments, including Manual Therapy, Dry Needling, and Sports Rehab.

How IASTM Helps You Move and Feel Better

If you’ve tried traditional stretching or massage and still feel limited, IASTM may be the missing piece. Here's how it helps:

  • Breaks up restrictions: Scar tissue and fascial adhesions can trap nerves and restrict blood flow. IASTM frees them up.

  • Reduces inflammation: The treatment initiates a mild inflammatory response, jumpstarting the body's repair processes.

  • Improves mobility: Less restriction means better range of motion and less pain during daily activities.

  • Accelerates healing: Especially beneficial in chronic or recurring injuries where the body has "stalled."

We tailor each session to your needs and combine IASTM with movement retraining and strengthening so your results last.

Why People in Cache Valley Choose IASTM at Our Clinics

More than just technique—it's our people and personalized approach that make the difference. Here’s why patients across Providence, Logan, and beyond trust us:

  • One-on-one sessions with licensed physical therapists

  • Customized treatment plans based on your lifestyle and goals

  • Integration with modern rehab strategies

  • Proven success treating athletes, parents, and active adults alike

Our Cache Valley clinics are highly rated for personalized care. Explore our Providence location or North Logan clinic to see why the community chooses us.

How IASTM Supports Long-Term Recovery

One of the biggest challenges in rehab is maintaining progress after pain starts to fade. That’s where IASTM plays a crucial role.

This technique not only addresses the immediate tension or restriction but also enhances the body’s ability to rebuild stronger, more resilient tissue. It complements other rehab methods by speeding up tissue regeneration and improving joint mechanics.

By integrating IASTM into your recovery, we set the stage for long-term success, helping you avoid future setbacks and stay active in the life you love.

Is IASTM Right for You?

If you’re unsure whether IASTM fits into your recovery, consider how long you’ve been dealing with muscle tightness, pain, or mobility issues. This treatment is especially suited for people who feel like they’ve hit a plateau in healing or are looking for alternatives to injections, medications, or surgery.

IASTM can be integrated into your physical therapy plan at nearly any stage—from acute injuries to long-standing discomfort—and works well for athletes, parents, and active adults trying to stay consistent in their routines.

Whether you're dealing with a sports injury, post-surgical scar tissue, or everyday aches from repetitive tasks, this therapy can be a powerful part of your recovery toolkit.

Ready to Take Action?

We believe your body has the power to heal—sometimes it just needs a little help.

Our team is here to guide you every step of the way with expert physical therapy and compassionate support.

Call us at (435) 535-3677 for Providence or (435) 213-9268 for North Logan, or book an appointment online today. Let's get you moving better, faster.



Joseph Carley DPT

Licensed Physical Therapist, DPT and the owner of Reactive Physical Therapy, brings personalized, compassionate care to the Cache Valley community. With advanced training in dry needling and a broad background in orthopedic and post-surgical rehab, he’s dedicated to helping patients live pain-free and get back to doing what they love.

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