When pain or tightness limits the way you move, the source is often found deep within the soft tissues of the body. At Makovicka Physical Therapy, many of our clinicians use two of the most trusted and clinically proven approaches in manual therapy — the Graston Technique® and Instrument-Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization (IASTM) — to identify restrictions, relieve discomfort, and restore the fluid, pain-free movement you deserve.
What Is Instrument-Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization?
Muscles, tendons, ligaments, and fascia — the connective tissue that surrounds and supports nearly every structure in your body — can develop areas of tightness, scarring, or restriction over time. These changes may result from injury, overuse, surgery, or simply the demands of daily life. When soft tissue becomes restricted, it can limit your range of motion, alter your movement patterns, and become a persistent source of pain.
Graston Technique® and IASTM address these restrictions directly using a set of specially designed stainless steel instruments. Unlike manual techniques performed with hands alone, these precision tools allow our therapists to detect subtle changes in tissue texture and density — areas that may not be immediately apparent but are contributing significantly to your symptoms. Once identified, controlled pressure is applied to break down adhesions, stimulate healing, and restore healthy tissue mobility.
One of the most valuable aspects of instrument-assisted therapy is its ability to look beyond the obvious. Pain in your knee may originate from restrictions in your hip or calf. Shoulder discomfort may be linked to tightness in the upper back or chest. Our skilled clinicians are trained to assess the entire kinetic chain — identifying and treating contributing restrictions throughout the body, not just at the site of pain. This comprehensive approach leads to more complete, longer-lasting results.
Makovicka Physical Therapy is proud to have both Graston Technique® and IASTM trained clinicians on staff at all of our clinic locations, ensuring you receive care that meets the highest standards of training and clinical excellence.
Conditions We Treat
Soft tissue injuries encompass a broad spectrum of conditions. Whether your injury is recent or has lingered for months or years, instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization may be an effective component of your treatment plan. Commonly treated conditions include:
- Sprains — ligament injuries resulting from overstretching or tearing
- Strains — muscle or tendon injuries caused by overuse or sudden force
- Tendonitis — inflammation and irritation of the tendons from repetitive stress
- Bursitis — painful inflammation of the fluid-filled sacs that cushion joints
- Stress Injuries — cumulative damage caused by repetitive movement or chronic overload
If soft tissue tightness, scar tissue, or restricted fascia are standing between you and full recovery, Graston Technique® and IASTM offer a targeted, evidence-based path forward.
Move Freely. Feel Better. Recover Fully.
Our physical therapists will evaluate your condition thoroughly and determine whether instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization is the right tool for your recovery. When appropriate, it is integrated seamlessly into a comprehensive treatment plan tailored specifically to your needs and goals.
Contact any of our Makovicka Physical Therapy clinic locations to learn more about Graston Technique® and IASTM, or to speak with one of our clinicians. We are committed to helping you move without limits.