Sound Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization (SASTM) is a form of manual therapy that uses a set of special instruments to break down scar tissue and fascial restrictions. It’s effective in reducing pain and restoring function for many spine, neck and extremity disorders.
Sound Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization: History
Sound Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization (SASTM) was developed by David Graston to assist in his own recovery from carpal tunnel and a knee injury he suffered while skiing. Graston worked with medical doctors, therapists and athletic trainers to develop his technique and the tools used in its application. Graston continues to work with medical doctors, chiropractors, therapists, professional athletes and trainers who’ve seen improvements in range of motion, flexibility, recovery time and performance after using SASTM.
This form of treatment originates from the 2000 year old Traditional Chinese Medicine technique called Gua Sha which means to scrape toxins.
Sound Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization: Benefits
Adhesions and scar tissue can develop after surgery, immobilization or repeated strain. SASTM breaks down that scar tissue and allows your body to function normally again. SASTM is effective for a number of physical concerns:
- Relief from tendonitis
- Recovery from carpal tunnel syndrome
- Recovery from ankle strains/sprains
- Oxygenates tissues
- Detoxification of stagnant tissue
- Increased range of motion and pain relief from hamstring injuries
- Relief from hip and knee replacement dysfunction and pain
- Relief from shin splint pain
Sound Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization: Why It Works
Dave Graston’s tools are specifically designed to treat soft tissue disorders that may have developed as a result of surgery, immobilization, repetitive strains or direct injury. Treatment with the tools involves the application of cream or oil to the body and then scraping the skin with the flat tool to promote blood and lymphatic circulation, remove toxic heat, and to facilitate pain relief. With the SASTM method, therapists work beneath the level of skin to the fibrotic tissue to locate and release adhesions and restrictions in the body with friction and pressure.
The use of the tools in the affected soft tissues causes a local inflammatory response or micro trauma. This response initiates the reabsorption of fibrotic or excessive scar tissue and facilitates a cascade of immune system cell flow to the treated area. These cells begin to flush away cellular debris and begin the process of repair and restoration to normal function.