Instrument Assisted Soft Tissue Manipulation (IASTM)

Upon completion of this course, you will be able to:

• Interpret and list two sources on the foundation and origin of Instrument Assisted Soft Tissue Manipulation (IASTM) and the latest research as it applies clinically.
• Apply the fanning stroke with a patient who has active or latent trigger points in their upper trapezius muscle.
• Independently defend selection of one IASTM tool and treatment plan for a specified clinical condition.
• Correctly compare mechanical and physiologic responses of IASTM when provided with a case study.
• Explain three key differences between a fascial restriction and muscle tightness.
• Identify two indications and two contraindications of IASTM for an instructor named clinical condition.
• Explain the rationale behind IASTM by comparing mechanical vs. neurological responses using the most current research.
• Understand what fascia is, how to identify common fascial restrictions using the IASTM and latest research.
• Based on instructor specified example indicating evaluation findings, will accurately choose the IASTM technique to manage the condition.
• Compare the difference between the clinical patterns of spinal stenosis, spondylosis and lumbar radiculopathy in terms of each diagnoses behavior of symptoms, clinical findings, and common muscle imbalances.
• Compare an active trigger point vs. a latent trigger point for patients diagnosed with fibromyalgia.
• Justify the IASTM tool selected based on the presence of trigger points in a therapy evaluation.
• Design a plan of care, including the IASTM, for a patient diagnosed with either a rotator cuff repair, subacromial decompression, shoulder impingement or similar diagnoses.