The Awareness, Practice and Perception of Instrument- Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization (IASTM) among Malaysian Physiotherapists
Main Article Content
Abstract
Introduction: Instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization (IASTM) is a relatively recent method that has been shown to help reduce muscular tension, increase flexibility and prevent tissue adhesion. Nevertheless, there is a paucity of awareness and knowledge about the benefits of IASTM, especially following injury rehabilitation, despite its many advantages. The study aimed to investigate the awareness, practice and perception of instrument- assisted soft tissue mobilization (IASTM) among Malaysian physiotherapists (PTs). Methods: The cross-sectional study included 133 PTs who answered an online questionnaire via a google link on their awareness and perception of IASTM in their prac- tice. The Google link was given to the participants through email and the official Malaysian Physiotherapy (MPA) so- cial media group. Results: Majority of the respondents (73.7%) are aware of IASTM technique. Despite being aware on IASTM, 74.4% of respondents reported not practicing the technique. Furthermore, 73.7% of respondents stated that the main reason they don’t practice is because fingers have better force adjustment than IASTM. Over 80% of respondents revealed that practicing IASTM can save energy and convenient during myofascial release. Moreover,
82.7 % of respondents stated that one of the benefits of IASTM for PTs is that it helps alleviate stress on fingers and wrists during soft tissue mobilization. Beyond 55% of respondents stated that they will incorporate IASTM in practice in near future. Conclusion: According to the findings, the majority of Malaysian physiotherapists are aware of the IASTM. However, fewer than half of respondents declined to incorporate it into their future practice due to the PTs preference for feeling the patient’s muscle texture. More emphasis can be given to the IASTM techniques among the PTs as the participants have mentioned that IASTM has better force exertion and saves energy when applying soft tissue massage.
Downloads
Article Details
References
Nordin NAM, Leonard JH, Thye NC. Work- related injuries among physiotherapists in public hospitals: a Southeast Asian picture. Clinics (Sao Paulo). 2011;66(3):373–8. doi:10.1590/S1807-
Rajan B, Naib NABM. Prevalence of work related musculoskeletal disorders among Physiotherapists in Sabah: A cross-sectional study. Int J Phys Educ Sport Heal [Internet]. 2016;336(1):336–43. Available from: https://www.kheljournal.com/ archives/2016/vol3issue1/PartF/3-1-30-410.pdf
Baker RT, Hansberger BL, Warren L, Nasypany A. A novel approach for the reversal of chronic apparent hamstring tightness: a case report. Int J Sports Phys Ther [Internet]. 2015;10(5):723–33. Available from: http://www.ncbi.nlm. nih.gov/pubmed/26491622%0Ahttp:// www.pubmedcentral.nih.gov/articlerender. fcgi?artid=PMC4595925
Kim J, Sung DJ, Lee J. Therapeutic effectiveness of instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization for soft tissue injury: Mechanisms and practical application. J Exerc Rehabil. 2017;13(1):12–22. doi:10.12965/jer.1732824.412
Papa JA. Conservative management of De Quervain’s stenosing tenosynovitis: a case report. J Can Chiropr Assoc. 2012;56(2):112. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/ PMC3364060/
Sevier TL, Stegink-Jansen CW. Astym treatment vs. eccentric exercise for lateral elbow tendinopathy: a randomized controlled clinical trial. PeerJ. 2015;3:e967. doi:10.7717/peerj.967
Lambert M, Hitchcock R, Lavallee K, Hayford E, Morazzini R, Wallace A, et al. The effects of instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization compared to other interventions on pain and function: a systematic review. Phys Ther Rev [Internet]. 2017;22(1–2):76–85. doi:10833196.2017.1304184
Everingham JB, Martin PT, Lujan TJ. A hand-held device to apply instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization at targeted compression forces and stroke frequencies. J Med Device. 2019;13(1). doi:10.1115/1.4041696
Bailey LB, Shanley E, Hawkins R, Beattie PF, Fritz S, Kwartowitz D, et al. Mechanisms of shoulder range of motion deficits in asymptomatic baseball players. Am J Sports Med. 2015;43(11):2783–93. doi:10.1177/0363546515602446
Markovic G. Acute effects of instrument assisted soft tissue mobilization vs. foam rolling on knee and hip range of motion in soccer players. J Bodyw Mov Ther. 2015;19(4):690–6. doi:10.1016/j. jbmt.2015.04.010
Imai K, Ikoma K, Chen Q, Zhao C, An K-N, Gay RE. Biomechanical and histological effects of augmented soft tissue mobilization therapy on Achilles tendinopathy in a rabbit model. J Manipulative Physiol Ther. 2015;38(2):112–8.
doi:10.1016/j.jmpt.2014.12.003
Baker RT, Nasypany A, Seegmiller JG. Instrument- assisted soft tissue mobilization treatment for tissue extensibility dysfunction. Int J Athl Ther Train. 2013;18(5):16–21. Available from: https://www.multibriefs.com/briefs/cb-tecnica/ TecnicaGavilanResearch.pdf
Osailan A, Jamaan A, Talha K, Alhndi M. Instrument assisted soft tissue mobilization (IASTM) versus stretching: A comparison in effectiveness on hip active range of motion, muscle torque and power in people with hamstring tightness. J Bodyw Mov Ther. 2021;27:200–6. doi:10.1016/j. jbmt.2021.03.001
Carey-Loghmani MT, Schrader JW, Hammer WI, Shakar JJ. Clinical foundations for Graston Technique®. 2015. Available from: https:// jolitabrilliant.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/12/ Clinical-Foundations-for-Graston-Technique.pdf
Loghmani MT, Warden SJ. Instrument-assisted cross-fiber massage accelerates knee ligament healing. J Orthop Sports Phys Ther. 2009;39(7):506–14. doi:10.2519/jospt.2009.2997
Hammer WI. The effect of mechanical load on degenerated soft tissue. J Bodyw Mov Ther. 2008;12(3):246–56. doiL10.1016/j. jbmt.2008.03.007
Stow R. Instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization. Int J Athl Ther Train. 2011;16(3):5–8. doi:10.1123/ ijatt.16.3.5
Cheatham SW, Baker RT, Larkins LW, Baker JG, Casanova MP. Clinical Practice Patterns Among Health Care Professionals for Instrument- Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization. J Athl Train. 2021;56(10):1100–11. doi:10.4085/1062-6050-
-20
Cheatham SW, Lee M, Cain M, Baker R. The efficacy of instrument assisted soft tissue mobilization: A systematic review. J Can Chiropr Assoc. 2016;60(3):200–11. Available from: https://www. ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5039777/
Lee JJ, Lee JJ, Kim DH, You SH. Inhibitory effects of instrument-assisted neuromobilization on hyperactive gastrocnemius in a hemiparetic stroke patient. Biomed Mater Eng. 2014;24(6):2389–94. doi:10.3233/BME-141052
Cheatham SW, Baker R, Kreiswirth E. Instrument Assisted Soft-Tissue Mobilization: a Commentary on Clinical Practice Guidelines for Rehabilitation Professionals. Int J Sports Phys Ther. 2019;14(4):670–82. Available from: https://www. ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6670063/