Soft Tissue Mobilization

“Soft tissue injuries are my bread and butter.” -Dr. Alex

Active Release Technique (ART) is used to restore the normal texture, tone (tightness), flexibility, and function to the affected tissue. Here is a nice overview from competitor magazine. Click here.

Cyriax Friction Massage (TFM) involves deep pressure with specifically directed movement/friction in order to remodel scar tissue, allowing the soft tissue to become more flexible, pliable, and more functional. Here is a pdf on this procedure. Click here.

Instrument Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization (IASTM): similar to TFM, utilizing an instrument.

Dry needling is a treatment that involves a very thin needle being pushed through the skin to stimulate a trigger point. Dry needling may release the tight muscle bands associated with trigger points and lead to decreased pain and improved function. Here is a nice paper.

Common Soft Tissue Conditions

Tendonitis/Tendinopathy (Achilles, rotator cuff, elbow, groin, knee, hip)
Plantar fasciitis
IT band syndrome
Muscle strain(chronic and acute-hamstrings and calf most common)
Ligament sprains(chronic and acute-ankle and knee most common)