IASTM

Since I have been involved in treating myofascial dysfunction I have been very impressed recently with the developments of (dare I say it) the Chiropracters!!!!!

They now seem to be employing techniques to reduce myofascial dysfunction through the use of instrument assisted soft tissue mobilisation techniques.

On first glance this seem like the old 'folklore' of gua sha, but on further reading you will find the techniques used would have a basis in the technique of Cyriax and Travell & Simons.

I have been using instruments (myo-bar I have found to be of great quality and reasonable price) and when combined with functional active release technique (I love writing FART on my pt notes!!) have noticed immediate improvements in ROM.

I am signed up to do a FAKTR course in Nov and am looking forward to what this might bring to my techniques.

Following the use of IASTM I would generally manipulate any restricted segments and advise on rehab.

I think it's time the Osteopathic profession become more 'updated' in developing technique with using the quality of continuing advancements in treating myo-fascial dysfunction (inc k-tape etc.,.).

Anyone else use these techniques?

Treatments: 436

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Permalink Reply by Roger Kingston on September 3, 2011 at 3:45am

Another intreresting approach is GRASTON Technique which utilises metal instruments.

I've used these for a couple of years now and they have a place in treating myofascial dysfunction.

Have a look on Ebay for Miodac Instruments / chiropractic and you'll pick up a set "cheaper".

 

Permalink Reply by Lucy GArdner on September 5, 2011 at 9:40pm
Hi Roger and Rob, I too use IASTM in the form of Graston tools which was developed by an American chiropractor. In fact, i am told,that the chiropractic school in bournemouth train and provide their students with the tools for use in their clinics. I am pleased to find other osteopaths using this type of myofascial tools. I find them to be a valuable tool in conjunction with my understanding of tom myers anatomy trains in releasing myofascial chains effectively and efficiently without causing injury to myself. Would be interested like you in hearing others views.
Permalink Reply by Roger Kingston on September 5, 2011 at 11:26pm

Lucy,

 

www.graston.com and http://www.miyodac.com

You can get the Miyodac instruments often on Ebay.

Frankly you don't need to do the course - there are plenty of Utube clips on how to use them and then its practice. Knowing the muscle chains etc is a big help.

They are invaluable in finding hidden trigger points which I then treat with strain counterstrain - switches thgem off quickly without subjecting the patient to the pain of an ischaemic compression technique.

When treating a chronic hamstring the expression "pillow biter" becomes explanatory! The techniques can reveal exquisite ly tender tissue, especially in pathological scars etc.

 

Certainly a useful tool in the box! 

Permalink Reply by Small Fry on September 6, 2011 at 8:39am

Roger, have you done the course?

You know, before I trained in osteopathy, a practitioner in 'another field' said "don't bother with all that training - get yourself some anatomy books and I can show you the techniques".  Recently I discovered a therapist in my clinic offering 'osteopathic massage' - apparently he'd picked up some techniques on a workshop.  What was startling was the level of indignance, that he proceeded to lecture me on osteopathic principles, and went on to say that the proper training didn't offer anything he didn't already have.

What would you say to this?

Permalink Reply by Roger Kingston on September 6, 2011 at 11:24am

No I have not done the course.  I was shown by a chiropractor how to do the technique which takes about 30 seconds to learn - getting expertise in it takes some time. Simply using the tools is a replacement for your thumbs

Its not rocket science!  As someone with 18 years experience I think I have a pretty good feel for technique and do not struggle to pick it up quickly. Your osteopathic skills are already there!

No doubt my faithful Troll will seize on this!

As to your therapist I'd tell him about the GOstC and to be careful.

 

Permalink Reply by Rob Marshall on September 11, 2011 at 12:03pm
There is no reason that anyone who has had in depth training in anatomy and physiology cannot use these tools for applying Osteopathic technique. The fact that I get to save my hands a little is a bonus. I would find that these tools definitely seem to amplify the adhesions and seem to make trigger points easier to find and treat. I'm pleased to see others have found benefit from using these tools. I was very happy with my tools & the service I recieved from myo-bar. Definitely would recommend them to anyone.
Permalink Reply by Vince on September 12, 2011 at 12:45am

Viewing the GRASTON technique on their site one can only see the resemblance of Gua Sha. I'm all for us Osteopaths saving our hands and having longevity in our profession. I've recently started using a myobar for trigger points and hard to shift tissue build up.

 

 

Permalink Reply by Roger Kingston on September 12, 2011 at 10:45am

Vince - there is very little thats new in manual therapy and if the Chinese were doing this thousands of years ago then great.

The Myodac tools I use have a certain place and are useful in at least 30% of my clients.

They do save your thumbs and are actually very useful diagnostically in finding trigger points and fascial adhesions that you would miss through standard palpation.

Would strongly recommend them.

Permalink Reply by Lucy GArdner on September 12, 2011 at 3:31pm

Hi All,

As mentioned before I use the Graston IASTM tools which was eye wateringly expensive due to it being sold as part of a 3day course. The MYO-BAR looks very promising and an attractive financial option but without the training. Personally, I valued the training that I received as part of my package. Although, I guess a one day course and a good manual would have been more than sufficient for the purpose.

 

We have a little inhouse joke where i practice. When we use the graston tools for self treatment we love it so much we call it 'grastibation'. (naughty grin) Certainly a very valuable myofascial release tool and as already mentioned has a useful diagnostic role.

 

Lucy

Permalink Reply by Rob Marshall on September 16, 2011 at 9:35am
Just out of interest what do you use for lubrication before applying IASTM? I was supplied with a small tub of bees wax which is great but am unable to find anywhere that sells it here (Eire) or in UK. Have used vaseline which seems quite good but a bit more sticky.
Permalink Reply by Roger Kingston on September 16, 2011 at 10:11am

Nivea!

There are special "Graston Creams" available but good old Nivea is as good as anything!

Permalink Reply by Rob Marshall on September 16, 2011 at 1:52pm
Thanks!! Will steal some from the wife & give it a try!!!

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