Instrument Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilizations for the Upper Quarter

Course overview

This course will provide the clinician with an understanding of the treatment concepts, as well as specific techniques, in order to effectively incorporate Instrument-Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilizations (IASTM) to common musculoskeletal disorders of the upper quarter. This course will review the fascial system, including local and regional fascial tracks, as well as the pathophysiology of fascial dysfunction. The evidence supporting the biological effects of IASTM on soft tissue healing, as well as clinical outcome studies will be summarized. The treatment principles and parameters of IASTM will be presented, including soft tissue assessment and treatment strategies, indications, relative precautions and absolute contraindications, the role of complimentary treatment approaches and the importance of immediate re-assessment. Other principles of IASTM, including recommended treatment time, appropriate degree of applied force and proper sequencing of therapy interventions will be discussed, based on scientific principles and expert opinion. Different tool options will be addressed and the advantages and disadvantages of each will be summarized. This course lecture will be supplemented with over 40 video-based techniques. The videos will emphasize correct patient positioning and execution of IASTM techniques. Clinical relevance will be highlighted throughout the course as specific clinical indications and case studies will be presented.