Soft Tissue Mobilization (STM)
Soft Tissue Mobilization (STM) in Chubbuck, ID
A soft tissue injury can leave the sufferer like a baby again. It can completely immobilize them and make them wish they had listened before getting on their bike for a ride out into the country. That crash that landed them in a position they should have stretched for probably pulled too many muscles past their breaking point. While a lot of soft tissue damage repairs over time, it’s possible a visit to a physical therapy office may be necessary. Only your orthopedic specialist will know whether or not physical therapy is right for you. If it is, Soft Tissue Mobilization (STM) may be the right step forward.
What Is Soft Tissue Mobilization (STM)?
Soft tissue mobilization is when a physical therapist uses hand motions to manipulate the muscles in the part of the body that’s injured to break adhesions and optimize the function of the affected muscles. The ligaments are also acted upon by hand motions during the process. A vocalized inflammatory response is created and that helps with the resorption of fibrotic tissue. The mobility of the muscle is thus increased.
How does Soft Tissue Mobilization (STM) Work?
Soft tissue mobilization works by creating a neural input to the brain through the use of localized pressure. This sends a signal to the brain to decrease pain in the region. A decrease in neural activity, which may be responsible for the pain in the soft tissue, is also found. Some of the effects may be psychological as the procedure feels good like a nice massage.
Applications for Soft Tissue Mobilization (STM)
This is not the same as getting a massage from a massage therapist. The licensed physical therapist performing the procedure is a medical professional who is specifically trained to deal with injury. He or she will use his hand to perform a variety of techniques:
Unlocking Spiral- Helping restricted tissue by making counterclockwise and clockwise motions.
Sustained Pressure- Using force on the pained muscle or ligament and holding it down.
Direct Oscillations- Pushing up and down on restricted tissue.
Friction Massage- pushing through ligaments, tendons, and muscles.
Perpendicular Strumming- Pushing alongside the border of muscles.
Perpendicular Mobilization- Using pressure on the seams around the muscle.
These are not all the applications as some involve tools. Of course, there’s more of a focus on hand soft tissue mobilization in this article. A lot can be done with the use of hands. Those with more severe injuries may find a therapist’s use of tools in Soft Tissue Mobilization to be beneficial.
Benefits of Soft Tissue Mobilization (STM)
Soft tissue mobilization can help the patient heal from injury. After a cast has been taken off and the bone is properly healed, there may still be issues with the muscles in the leg. Some think a cast is just hiding a broken bone when it really can be hiding a whole lot of problems. Soft tissue mobilization therapy can also help those who suffer from sports injuries. A strained elbow can actually be soft tissue damage and the therapy is sometimes used on the upper extremities. Those who type know the pain of soft tissue damage all too well. If carpal tunnel is present, soft tissue mobilization therapy should be considered before surgery.
Looking for the STM?
STM has helped hundreds of thousands of people worldwide live their best life again as they have more freedom of motion and suffer from less pain. Consider choosing Custom Rehab Physical Therapy. We have ease of scheduling and the best physical therapist in the Chubbuck Idaho region.