Instrument Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilisation or Simply IASTM is a new range of tool which enables clinicians to efficiently locate and treat individuals diagnosed with soft tissue dysfunction. The technique itself is said to be a modern evolution from Traditional Chinese Medicine called Gua Sha[1].However Gua Sha was not used to treat Musculoskeletal conditions but was traditionally applied along meridiens to move the bad chi out through the skin.IASTM is a is a procedure that is rapidly growing in popularity due to its effectiveness and efficiency while remaining non-invasive,with its own indications and limitations.
What are some of the benefits of physical therapy?
Physical therapy is widely used in many ways and for many conditions that may affect aging people. Here are a few examples.
The National Institutes of Health reports that physical therapy can help some people recover from strokes. Physical therapists use techniques to restore function to limbs affected by stroke when possible, and teach patients how to compensate for lost function. They help patients regain coordination and balance.
The Centers for Disease Control promotes physical therapy when appropriate to help health-care providers avoid opioids (pain killers).
According to the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA), in some cases physical therapy may help you avoid surgery for conditions such as:
- Degenerative disk disease
- Torn rotator cuffs
- Osteoarthritis in the knee
- Meniscal tears
- Spinal stenosis
Besides getting prescribed as a treatment for chronic disease, physical therapy can also help patients recover after an injury, illness, or surgery, the APTA reports. The physical therapist can help patients regain their strength, relearn how to perform various tasks or movements, and improve endurance.
These examples of common ailments demonstrate a few ways that physical therapy might help older people:
- Arthritis: The Centers for Disease Control reports that physical therapycan help maintain and restore balance, coordination, and strength. It might also help relieve pain. A physical therapist may have the patient perform certain exercises or use electrical stimulation.
- Osteoporosis: This condition can lead to falls, according to the National Institutes of Health. AÂ physical therapistwill work with the patient to strengthen muscles, maintain better posture, and regain balance. Physical therapy can reduce the risk of falls and injuries from falls.
- Incontinence: The physical therapistmay be able to help the patient strengthen the right muscles to regain control, according to the National Institutes of Health.
