ASTYM Therapy

Professional Astym Therapy from Licensed Therapists

What is Astym treatment?

Astym (Augmented Soft Tissue Mobilization) is an evidence-based, non-invasive physical therapy rehabilitation approach designed to treat soft tissue degeneration, fibrosis, and chronic inflammation, as well as stimulate the body’s natural healing process. Astym treatment uses special instruments and a custom regimen of stretching and exercise, strategically developed to activate the body’s healing response. It eliminates scar tissue that causes pain or restricts movement.

How does Astym therapy work?

Using specialized instruments to regenerate healthy soft tissues and eliminate scar tissue, contributing to pain or dysfunction, Astym physical therapy includes gliding tools along the skin to activate underlying tissues, promoting healing and tissue regeneration. Astym therapy is typically integrated into a broader treatment regimen that includes stretching and strengthening exercises, which serve to augment its overall effectiveness. Astym therapy treats tendinopathies, scar tissue issues, and other soft tissue dysfunctions, and is often used in sports medicine and post-surgical rehabilitation. Only certified clinicians can perform Astym treatment, ensuring safe and effective application.

What are the benefits of Astym treatment?

Overall, Astym treatment is valued for its ability to stimulate healing and regeneration in soft tissues, while improving mobility and reducing pain. Here are some of the benefits Astym provides:

Effective Scar Tissue Resolution: Astym treatment for internal scar tissue is highly effective in breaking down and removing unwanted scar tissue, which restricts movement and causes pain.

Promotes Tissue Regeneration: It stimulates the regeneration of healthy soft tissues, like muscles and tendons, enhancing healing and recovery.

Improves Mobility and Function: By addressing underlying soft tissue problems, Astym treatment significantly improves range of motion and overall functional abilities.

Reduces Pain: Many patients experience rapid pain reduction and an increase in functional ability, following Astym therapy.

Staying Active: With the improved mobility and reduced pain, the results of Astym treatment can encourage patients to stay active at work and in their daily activities.

Non-Invasive Treatment: Astym is a non-invasive therapy, making it a preferable option for patients who want to avoid more aggressive treatments like surgery.

Effective for Chronic Conditions: Astym is beneficial for chronic conditions that have not responded well to other treatments, offering a new avenue for relief.

Versatile Application: Astym can be used to treat a range of conditions, including sports injuries, repetitive strain injuries, post-surgical scarring, and chronic pain conditions.

Complements Other Therapies: It is often used with other rehabilitation techniques, like stretching and strengthening exercises, to provide a comprehensive treatment approach.

Long-Term Results: Results from Astym treatment are long-lasting and can generally be seen within 4-5 weeks. Being that this is an evidence-based process, the results people see from Astym treatment are usually predictable. You know what kind of results to expect based on extensive research.

What are the side effects of Astym therapy?

Astym therapy is generally considered safe, but like all therapeutic interventions, it does have some mild side effects You may be asking yourself, is Astym treatment painful? Astym treatment is not considered painful. Astym can cause mild discomfort in sensitive or damaged soft tissue areas, but discomfort usually subsides shortly after the session. It feels similar to a deep tissue massage. Your Release PT Astym physical therapist will ensure the treatment stays within tolerable limits and will adjust it as needed for your comfort. Any Astym side effects are usually temporary and include:

Soreness: Patients may experience soreness in the treated area, similar to the feeling after a rigorous workout. This is usually a temporary response and indicates that the healing process is being activated.

Redness and Swelling: Some redness and swelling in the area being treated can occur due to increased blood flow as part of the healing process.

Bruising: Some patients may notice mild bruising along the treated areas which fades over time.

Skin Irritation: The instruments used sometimes cause superficial skin irritation or discomfort.

Patients should communicate with their therapist about any discomfort they experience during or after the treatment. Adjustments can often be made to the technique or treatment plan to minimize discomfort while continuing to achieve therapeutic goals.

How long is an Astym treatment session?

On average, an Astym treatment session is around 15-30 minutes depending on your injury or condition. Most conditions resolve after 4-5 weeks of treatment and therapy.

What does Astym treatment feel like?

During Astym treatment, you may feel areas that are rough or bumpy. These are the areas that need to be addressed. Over the course of treatment you will notice that as these rough areas smooth out, and you will notice decreased pain and increase in function.

What should I expect after Astym treatment?

You may experience some soreness and/or mild bruising following Astym treatments initially; however, this rapidly improves as healing progresses. You are expected to carry out simple stretching exercises at home. Adhering to the home program as directed by your your physical therapist is essential for maximizing treatment results. You are also encouraged to stay active while you are receiving Astym therapy.

How effective is Astym treatment?

Clinical studies and patient reports show an 88% rate of effectiveness and positive outcomes for reduced pain and improved function after patients have Astym therapy.

What conditions respond well to Astym therapy?

Astym therapy provides solutions for all kinds of soft tissue problems, even hard-to-treat conditions that have not been resolved through other methods in the past.

post-surgical scarring
post-traumatic scarring
lateral epicondylosis
medial epicondylosis
carpal tunnel syndrome
de Quervain’s tenosynovitis

rotator cuff tendinopathy
plantar fasciopathy
chronic ankle sprains
achilles tendinopathy
shin splints
anterior knee pain

patellar tendinopathy
hamstring strains
IT band syndrome
hip pain / trochanteric bursitis
SI / low back pain
chronic tendinopathies

How long do the results of Astym therapy last?

Longevity of Astym treatment results from can vary for each person based on the specific condition being treated, and the overall approach to treatment and rehabilitation. For acute conditions, the results of Astym therapy can be rapid and long-lasting once the injury heals. For chronic conditions, Astym therapy provides sustainable relief and improved function.

The key to long-lasting results is combining Astym therapy with ongoing physical activity and proper body mechanics. Follow-up sessions may also be advised to maintain benefits and prevent the recurrence of the issue. Working with your Astym physical therapist is advised for optimum overall results.

How long does it take to feel results from Astym treatment?

Astym delivers improvements within a few treatment sessions with significant results appearing in about 4-5 weeks. Each person's response to the treatment is unique, and some may feel results faster than others with effectiveness depending on the specific condition being treated and adherence to the treatment protocol.

How often should I get Astym therapy?

The frequency of Astym therapy sessions is customized for each patient, initially starting with 1-2 times per week to kickstart the healing process. The frequency might be adjusted by your Astym-certified physical therapist and your treatment plan, based on progress. For chronic issues, ongoing treatments may be needed, while a maintenance phase with less frequent sessions could follow significant improvements. Our therapists recommend that you stay active while you are receiving Astym therapy.

Is Astym treatment safe for everyone?

Astym treatments are safe, but not suitable for everyone. It should be used cautiously or avoided in those with medical conditions like severe diabetes, blood clotting disorders, active infections, or skin issues. Cancer patients, especially those with bone cancer, and pregnant women should consult their healthcare providers before undergoing Astym treatment. Astym therapy is also not advisable for people who have medical implants, open wounds, recent surgical sites, or healing fractures. While it can be used for children and the elderly, it requires specific considerations and professional guidance. Anyone considering Astym treatment should seek a healthcare professional's evaluation first to determine its suitability for their health needs.

Reach out to Release Physical Therapy for more specific information about Astym therapy and its positive results. Book your session with one of our Astym-certified physical therapists at Release PT to decrease your pain, increase functionality, and experience greater healing.

Certified Astym Providers in Washington, D.C.

Astym-certified physical therapists at Release Physical Therapy are required to go through advanced education and the certification process in order to provide Astym therapy to our patients. Contact Release Physical Therapy to learn more about the Astym treatment, including the research and rationale behind the system and clinical outcomes for specific diagnosis. Schedule an appointment at Release Physical Therapy with full body certified Astym provider today!

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