I utilize a technique called SASTM. It is a variation of a technique that uses instruments to apply therapy to muscles, tendons, and associated structures. For more information, click here.
The basic premise of the technique is to induce a controlled inflammatory state in order to break down scar tissue and muscle adhesions. When combined with other therapies and physical rehabillitation, as the body responds to this controlled inflammation, new tissue is laid down in an arranged pattern versus the disorganized scar tissue and adhesions. This allows for better function, more strength, and less chance of reinjury.
I just wanted to share a few real world examples of cases I have seen in my office over the years. Unlike the infomercials that say, “these results are not typical”, I can honestly say that these results are typical of what I have experienced.
Patient A — 30ish year old that was hurt on the job. He injured his low back in an accident. By the time he came to see me, he had suffered with low back pain for over a year. He spent several months in physical therapy and was under the care of an orthopedist. Despite their care, he was still in pain. We started a trial of care consisting of heat, traction, chiropractic adjustments, and SASTM. Within 6 visits over the course of 3-4 weeks, he reported that his symptoms were 80% improved. Another handful of visits and he had little to no pain, even with more demanding activities at work.
Patient B — 30ish year old female with chronic neck pain and tightness that had plagued her for a few years. There was no specific reason for her injury other than chronic tightness. She tried “a few months” of physical therapy with little to no improvement. She felt better after treatment, but it didn’t seem to last. She began treatment with me and within 5 visits consisting of heat, chiropractic adjustments, and SASTM, she reported 70% improvement.
Patient C — Late 20’s female, rotator cuff injury and surgery to repair it following a car accident. When she first saw me, she could not lift her arm above her head at all. In fact, she could not raise her arm to the side any higher than her shoulder. Prior to seeing me, she had been in physical therapy for several months. This case was a bit non typical because within 2 minutes, she was raising her hand above her head completely! The only thing we used was SASTM. I saw her for a few weeks to continue care, and after about a month, she only needed to see us about once every few months to maintain her results.
Patient D — 60ish year old male truck driver. He suffered with chronic left elbow pain that was older than me. He was in pain for well over 30 years. He was on a steady diet of Motrin to help him with his pain. Even so, that really didn’t help all that much. This might be another non typical case, but within 6 visits of SASTM and electric stim therapy, he was pain free. The area was still tender to the touch, but otherwise it was good.
Patient E — 60ish year old female with chronic knee pain. She had tried several methods of treatment including acupuncture, but nothing offered long term relief. Again, within about 6 visits using SASTM, she reported that her pain levels were 80% better, could sleep through the night without the pain waking her up as usual, and really only bothered her when the weather was cold and damp.
I could go on and on, but I think you get the idea. I don’t care what the problem is or what other doctors and therapists have said is causing your pain, if you continue to suffer and nothing else is working, give me 6 visits to figure it out. Usually within this time, we can figure out if SASTM or any of the other methods we use can help. There is very little downside since the risk of side effects is low and often only include mild soreness and bruising. Compare this to drugs, surgery, and injections which have a number of very serious side effects.
So, if you’re having any issues ranging from chronic neck and back pain, to carpal tunnel syndrome, to sciatica, to pain from arthritis, and you’re located in Orwigsburg or the surrounding areas of the Schuylkill County, give us a call at 570-366-2613 or contact me through my website at Blue Mountain Family Chiropractic.
Dr. T
Great blog post! Instrument Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization is truly an amazing technique as you so accurately describe on your blog post.
Not only have I been able to help people with chronic long term (old) injuries, but amazingly I’ve been able to help people with post hip & knee replacement pain. About 5 years post surgery, the scar tissues are very mature and begin to restrict multiplanar soft tissue function binding the tissue together. Most of these patients think something is wrong with their newly installed hip or knee when it’s really the adhesions and surgical scars.
I’ve also had success in treating people who’ve had liposuction several months following the procedure as the adhesions start interfering with the normal sliding and gliding of soft tissues. A couple sessions with the tools and accompanying therapy/stretching and they’re good to go.
More recently I launched an “all in one” tool for use in Graston Technique, SASTM, ASTYM or whatever soft tissue system you like. It’s like having everything you need in your hands all at once. I’ve love your thoughts on it. Here’s the link: http://www.NarsonBodyMechanic.com
All the best
Todd
Hi Todd,
How long is the instrument? It’s hard to tell from the website, unless I missed where you listed the dimensions. Overall, it looks pretty good though.
I’m not sure if you’ve used the SASTM tools, but the thing I like about those is the ergonomic design. I think they are easier to hang on to vs. the Graston stainless steel tools.
The weight is 5oz and it is just under 8″ in length. The nice thing about the tool I developed is it fits right into my pocket and I go from treatment room to treatment room. How is the little amplifier with the SASTM system? Do you use it often? And yes, the Graston stainless steel tools get very slippery with all of the emollient gets on it which is why I put a textured surface to keep from slipping… send me an email so we don’t have to keep posting this to your blog…. and you don’t need to post this…but email me miamibeachdoc@yahoo.com