Chiropractic adjustment may be the meat of your practice, but soft tissue manipulation is the side dish that shouldn't be ignored.
Often, patients present with soft tissue issues related to the ligaments, tendons and muscles, or they may require soft tissue manipulation as an adjunct to chiropractic care.
While there are many forms of soft tissue manipulation, often offered in conjunction with a massage therapist or physical therapist, DCs themselves most often use instrument-assisted soft tissue manipulation (or mobilization). By using a variety of specially shaped tools, you can successfully and gently relieve soreness and pain in the soft tissues. As a result, instrument assisted soft tissue manipulation (IASTM) has a firm place in today's chiropractic practice.
There are a number of methods employed by practitioners to perform soft tissue manipulation. Well-known modalities such as massage therapy, acupuncture and certain types of physical therapy are all forms of soft tissue manipulation.
Specific tools are sometimes necessary for treatment. Tendinopathies, such as plantar fasciitis, can be successfully treated with instrument assisted soft tissue manipulation (IASTM). In the case of plantar fasciitis, the instruments are needed to reach the small areas of the foot.
This article excerpt, by ChiroEco.com, originally appeared here: www.chiroeco.com/add-soft-tissue-manipulation-to-your-treatment-plan
