Targeted Soft Tissue Treatments
What is ASTYM?
ASTYM (Augmented Soft Tissue Mobilization) is a standardized PT technique using specialized tools to:
-
Glide over skin and soft tissue
-
Detect dysfunctional tissue (adhesions, fibrosis)
-
Stimulate healing response
Key idea:
It’s designed to regenerate and remodel tissue, not just “break up scar tissue”​
What is Gua Sha/IASTM?
Gua sha (and similar IASTM tools like Graston) involves:
-
Repeated scraping strokes over tissue
-
Creating controlled microtrauma
-
Increasing blood flow and fascial mobility
In PT settings, it is often called IASTM (Instrument-Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization)​​​​​​
What is Cupping?
Cupping uses suction (via plastic, silicone, or glass cups) to:
-
Lift skin and superficial fascia
-
Create negative pressure
-
Increase local circulation
Types used in PT:
-
Static cupping (cups stay in one place)
-
Dynamic cupping (cups glide over tissue)​
How These Techniques Work
1. Manual stimulation
-
Stimulates fibroblasts → may promote tissue remodeling
-
Affects fascia and connective tissue glide
-
Lifts fascia instead of compressing it (opposite of massage)
​
2. Circulatory effects
-
Increases blood flow to the area
-
May improve tissue hydration and oxygenation
3. Nervous system effects
-
Strong sensory input → can reduce pain perception
-
Provides sensory input that can downregulate pain
Benefits for Hypermobility
-
Reduces compensatory muscle tightness
-
May help with fascial stiffness from chronic guarding
-
Improves tolerance to movement
-
Provides proprioceptive/sensory input
​
Benefits for Chronic Pain
-
Reduce pain (short-term to moderate-term)
-
Decrease muscle guarding
-
Improve movement comfort
-
Provide sensory “reset”