I-ASTM stands for Instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization. I-ASTM is the modern evolution from Traditional Chinese Medicine called Gua Sha, However it is said that Gua Sha was not used to treat muscle, tendon, or soft tissue conditions, as it was traditionally used to remove bad energy through the skin. The modernized, clinical version is where your therapist uses a hand held tool as a myofascial intervention to assess the quality of your tissue and treat areas identified to have scar tissue, soft tissue restrictions, trigger points, or chronic inflammation. Your therapist may use I-ASTM to treat conditions such as plantar fasicitis, tendinitis, carpal tunnel, and IT Band syndrome.

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There are many different tools and versions of I-ASTM today; although the tools used are all very similar consisting of stainless steel or hard plastic and designed to contour the shape of the body.