A Comparison and Review of Indirect Myofascial Release Therapy, Instrument-Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization, and Active Release Techniques to Inform Clinical Decision Making

The Comparison of Instrument-Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization and Self-Stretch Measures to Increase Shoulder Range of Motion in Overhead Athletes: A Critically Appraised Topic

“…[1][2][3] IASTM is indicated for the acute treatment for ROM deficiencies in patients with a lack in soft tissue extensibility. 4 Treatment length varies across the literature, but positive results have been produced with treatment lengths lasting approximately 5-6 minutes per treatment region. 4 There is currently no consensus for specific treatment pressure recommendations with IASTM.…”

“…4 Treatment length varies across the literature, but positive results have been produced with treatment lengths lasting approximately 5-6 minutes per treatment region. 4 There is currently no consensus for specific treatment pressure recommendations with IASTM. The amount of intensity used by the clinician, should be based on presentation of the patient's condition, pain tolerance of the patient, as well as clinical judgement throughout the course of treatment.…”

“…4 McMurray et al 4 states that IASTM can be used for immediate improvements in ROM and can have a positive impact on degraded tissue. 4 Another potential advantage of IASTM is that it may produce improvements in ROM and function in shorter individual treatment periods than other methods of manual therapy. There have been several studies that address the relationship between ROM deficits and overhead injuries; however, it is unclear which interventions are most effective for restoring ROM to normative ranges.…”

“…[1][2][3] Current research identifies a few soft tissue therapy techniques for treating pain and increasing ROM including myofascial release, Active Release Technique (ART), and instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization (IASTM). 4 All of these techniques are backed by similar theoretical bases, and utilize application procedures that involve multiple treatment directions to treat fascial disfigurement. 4 One key differentiating factor that sets IASTM apart is the utilization of a tool or instrument that provides the clinician with a mechanical advantage.…”

“…4 All of these techniques are backed by similar theoretical bases, and utilize application procedures that involve multiple treatment directions to treat fascial disfigurement. 4 One key differentiating factor that sets IASTM apart is the utilization of a tool or instrument that provides the clinician with a mechanical advantage. These instruments help to provide clinicians with the ability to apply a greater amount of force to the tissues while minimizing stress to the clinician's own hands and joints.…”