Evolving Importance of IASTM in Modern Healing
Instrument Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization (IASTM) is widely used by therapists, chiropractors, and athletic trainers to treat soft-tissue injuries and conditions. It helps alleviate body pain by mobilizing stiff or injured muscles through controlled manual and instrumental pressure.
If you are a therapist planning to incorporate IASTM into your clinical practice, you should have adequate knowledge of basic and advanced IASTM techniques to keep your patients safe from adverse effects.
Not just techniques, but using the right tools also plays an important role. With ergonomically designed instruments, such as HawkGrips IASTM tools, therapists can mitigate hand fatigue and deliver consistent pressure throughout the session.
In the further sections of this guide, we will explore basic and advanced IASTM techniques, areas of caution, and practical tips to help you apply them safely in clinical settings. Let’s get started!
A Clinical Breakdown of IASTM
IASTM is a method developed from muscle scraping techniques and has been refined into a more precise approach used in prominent rehabilitation settings today.
By applying graded pressure through defined IASTM tools, clinicians can improve tissue extensibility, stimulate circulation, and support better collagen realignment during the healing process.
This method is frequently used to address issues such as tendinopathies, plantar fasciitis, post-operative scarring, and overall movement limitations, in a manner that's effective for both patients and the therapist’s hands.
Here’s an example video of an IASTM professional is treating Achilles, Calf & Hamstring with HawkGrips tools:
IASTM Tools Every Therapist Must Have
IASTM tools are available in different shapes and edge designs, each crafted to target specific body regions. Some have a surface ideal for large muscles, such as the quadriceps, whereas smaller instruments are more appropriate for tendons, joints, and more confined areas of the body.
To make tool selection easier, many specialists begin with a carefully selected instrument collection. HawkGrips provides expertly crafted IASTM tool sets that deliver a well-rounded selection of tools in diverse sizes and shapes for overall body therapy.
With the right tool in hand, implementing techniques becomes easier, especially for the advanced treatments described later in this guide.
IASTM Basics: Clinically Proven Techniques for Beginners
Below are frequently applied basic methods that will assist you in safely incorporating IASTM for your patients:
1. Tissue Scanning / Assessment
Examining tissues is a key phase of every IASTM treatment. It detects zones of limitation variations in tissue density and spots requiring attention.
Recommended Tools from HawkGrips
How to Perform It
- Position the patient comfortably to ensure the targeted region remains relaxed.
- Hold the tool at a 30–60° angle and apply light pressure on the affected area.
- Glide it slowly along the muscles, keeping the strokes smooth and constant.
- Observe tissue “grittiness,” vibration, or abrupt changes in glide to indicate restriction.
- Mark areas of interest for more specific techniques.
2. Sweeping / Long Strokes
Sweeping is a beginner-friendly IASTM method that helps to warm up tissues, enhance blood flow, and prepare muscles for more complex treatments.
Recommended Tools from HawkGrips
How to Perform It
- Apply a thin layer of emollient for smooth tool movement.
- Select a multiedge or curved instrument that corresponds to the shape of the impacted region.
- Maintain a consistent 30–45° tool angle.
- Use long, flowing movements that are performed in conjunction with those muscle fibres moving in a natural direction.
- Gradually increase the amount of pressure you apply once you've warmed the tissue and made it more pliable.
3. Framing Around Joints
It’s a contour-focused technique designed to treat tissues surrounding bony structures safely.
Recommended Tools from HawkGrips
How to Perform It
- Use a smaller, more precise instrument edge.
- Glide around the perimeter of the joint without applying pressure directly over bones.
- Practice short, gentle strokes to treat adhesions and improve mobility in tight joint capsules.
Pro Tip: You can join our Virtual Level I: IASTM Fundamentals Training to learn the fundamentals of IASTM and earn up to 7.5 hours of CE credit.
IASTM Advanced: Techniques for Intermediates
Strengthen your technique with these intermediate-level IASTM methods that improve accuracy, efficiency, and therapeutic impact:
1. Pin and Glide Technique
Pin & glide works for tendons and fascial tissues that gain from continuous tension and controlled directional motion.
Recommended Tools from HawkGrips
HG4 – Small Multi-Curve (for smaller regions or tendons)
HG5 – Medium Multi-Curve (part of Intro Set; adaptable & conforms nicely to shapes)
How to Perform It
- Comfort the tissue by applying steady pressure with the tool.
- Request the patient to actively move their limb within a pain scope as you maintain consistent pressure.
- Trace, along the tissue’s route as it stretches or contracts.
- Repeat 4–6 slow repetitions.
2. Strumming or Cross friction
Strumming or cross-friction is a method employed to disrupt adhesions and enhance collagen restructuring.
Recommended Tools from HawkGrips
HG7 – Boomerang (good for curved or tight anatomical spaces)
HG8 – Scanner Tool (excellent for detecting adhesions and following small fibre directions)
HG9 – Tongue Depressor (dual-edge, small, precise)
How to Perform It
- Keep the tool’s edge perpendicular to the muscles.
- Put moderate to firm pressure, based on patient tolerance.
- Apply strokes that traverse the tissue rather than follow its direction.
- Maintain consistent contact and reassess tissue response after every few passes.
3. Scar Tissue Remodelling
Scar tissue remodeling is a method applied only after complete healing has occurred to enhance the flexibility, softness, and functionality of surgical or injury-related scars.
Recommended Tools From HawkGrips
HG6 – Small Handle (small tool with excellent detail control)
HG8 – Scanner Tool (excellent for fine-detail palpation and gentle linear work)
HG9 – Tongue Depressor (most precise small-area instrument)
How to Perform It
- Begin with very light sweeping strokes to assess sensitivity.
- Use short, precise strokes along and across the scar lines.
- Apply pressure to areas that appear dense, elevated, or stiff.
- Combine with gentle stretching to reinforce new tissue patterns.
Pro Tip: You can join our Virtual Level II: Advanced IASTM Training to learn the advanced IASTM techniques and earn up to 8 hours of CE credit.
Cautions Before Practicing IASTM
Learning what not to do with IASTM is equally essential when practicing it on patients. Therapists should carefully consider the following safety aspects before treating patients with IASTM therapy:
Contraindications (Do Not Treat If Present)
IASTM should not be used when the following conditions are present:
- Petechiae
- Open wounds
- Unhealed fracture sites
- Thrombophlebitis
- Hematoma (in the affected area)
- Osteomyelitis
- Myositis ossificans
- Localized infection
- Inflammatory skin conditions
- Burn scars
- Patient refusal
Precautions (Proceed With Clinical Judgment)
In some situations, IASTM can be performed, but requires physician approval first:
Varicose veins
- Cancer
- Petechiae
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- Pregnancy
- Autoimmune disorders
- Anticoagulant use
- Increased symptoms during treatment
- Chronic regional pain syndrome
- Post-operative tissues (especially over surgical repairs)
Make sure you continuously monitor patient feedback and tissue response throughout treatment. Immediately adjust pressure if discomfort increases beyond mild, tolerable sensitivity.
Sensitive Anatomical Areas
Regardless of patient condition, therapists should apply lighter pressure or avoid direct scraping over:
- Bony prominences
- Areas with superficial nerves
- Areas with minimal soft-tissue padding
How to Use IASTM Therapies In Your Treatment Plans?
IASTM therapy is essential for providing a complete healing experience to your patients. Once their tissue irritability is assessed and the fundamental objectives are evaluated, therapists can incorporate these techniques and tools into their treatment plan.
Here are the steps to follow to incorporate IASTM in your clinical practice:
- Start by keeping a clinical objective in mind. It helps you decide the stroke intensity, pick the relevant tools, and determine the session time.
- Use IASTM in conjunction with motion-based therapies, for example, stretching, mobility, and strengthening drills, as well as neuromuscular re-education.
- Perform IASTM after a warm-up and before any corrective exercises. It makes tissues more receptive to treatment, leading to less soreness afterward.
- Apply IASTM in a fixed amount. For instance, depending on the area, apply pressure for 3 to 10 minutes; gradually increase from no pressure to maximum in a session; have 1–3 sessions per week, depending upon the degree of sensitivity and desired results.
- Instruct patients on the sensations they may experience during therapy. After each treatment, reassess and measure pain levels, joint range of motion, soft-tissue texture, and other parameters.
- Track and reassess the pain levels, joint motion, soft-tissue texture, etc., after each session.
Final Verdict
IASTM is becoming a standard component of today's rehabilitation practice because of its accuracy and effectiveness in treating soft-tissue restrictions. With proper IASTM application, you can increase your patients' mobility, reduce their pain levels, and improve their functional ability.
To get the best outcomes, you need the right tools and proven techniques. HawkGrips provides high-quality, clinically tested IASTM instruments and education that give clinicians the confidence to treat effectively.
If you want to strengthen your IASTM skills or upgrade your clinic with reliable tools, explore HawkGrips’ instrument sets and training resources. They’ll help you integrate IASTM into your practice and deliver care that truly benefits your patients.