Astym is a physical therapy treatment that regenerates healthy soft tissues (muscles, tendons, etc.), and eliminates or reduces unwanted scar tissue that may be causing pain or movement restrictions.
This form of treatment is non-invasive, which means there are no injections or incisions. Instruments are applied topically (on top of the skin) to locate dysfunctional (unhealthy) tissue, and to transfer mild to moderate pressure to the underlying soft tissue structures. Astym treatment stimulates tissue turnover, scar tissue resorption, and the regeneration of tendons, muscles, and other soft tissue structures.
It is highly effective in chronic conditions such as plantar fasciopathy, lateral epicondylopathy, chronic hamstring or groin injuries, tendinopathies and post-traumatic/post-surgical scarring. It is also very effective on strains, sprains, and speeds recovery in acute and sub-acute soft tissue injuries.
Astym treatment is done in conjunction with eccentric loading, stretching, and functional exercises. Unlike other treatments, Astym encourages patients to remain active, workers to stay on the job, and athletes to stay in their sport during treatment. The treatment process actually makes the tissues of the body stronger and allows a patient’s body to become adapted to greater stress without injury.