IASTM & Graston Technique
Instrument-Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization, or IASTM, is a form of manual therapy in which a therapist uses specially designed instruments over muscles and other soft tissues.
The Graston Technique® is one branded system of IASTM.
What it is
During treatment, the therapist moves a smooth-edged instrument across the skin over the area being treated.
The instrument allows the therapist to apply controlled pressure and assess how the tissue responds.
IASTM is generally used as an adjunct to rehabilitation rather than as a stand-alone treatment. It may be followed by stretching, mobility work, strengthening, or other active exercise.
When we may recommend it
A therapist may consider IASTM as part of a treatment plan for selected musculoskeletal problems involving:
Soft-tissue discomfort or sensitivity
Restricted mobility
Muscle or tendon-related symptoms
Limited range of motion
Areas that remain stiff during rehabilitation
Whether it is appropriate depends on your diagnosis, medical history, skin condition, and examination findings.
What a session involves
Your therapist identifies the area to be treated and applies a lubricant when appropriate.
A specialized instrument is then moved over the skin using controlled strokes and pressure.
You may feel pressure or mild discomfort during the treatment.
The instrument portion of the session is usually relatively brief and is commonly followed by stretching, mobility exercises, or strengthening.
Treatment intensity and frequency vary according to the area being treated and your response.
Expected outcomes
Research on IASTM is still evolving, and findings have not been completely consistent.
Some recent studies suggest that IASTM may help reduce pain or improve range of motion in certain musculoskeletal conditions, particularly when used alongside conventional rehabilitation. However, other reviews have found limited or low-certainty evidence.
For that reason, we view IASTM as a possible supporting tool — not a replacement for exercise, progressive loading, and active rehabilitation.
Sources
1. Cleveland Clinic — Functional Electrical Stimulation (FES) —
https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/21163-functional-electrical-stimulation-fes
2. Cambridge University Hospitals — Advice on Using a TENS Machine — https://www.cuh.nhs.uk/patient-infor
mation/advice-on-using-a-transcutaneous-electrical-nerve-stimulation-tens-machine/
3. Cleveland Clinic — Should You Use Ice or Heat for Pain? —
https://health.clevelandclinic.org/should-you-use-ice-or-heat-for-pain-infographic
4. Physiopedia — Gait Training in Stroke — https://www.physio-pedia.com/Gait_Training_in_Stroke
5. Cleveland Clinic — Gait Disorders — https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/21092-gait-disorders
6. Cleveland Clinic — Vestibular Rehabilitation Therapy —
https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/15298-vestibular-rehabilitation
7. Johns Hopkins Medicine — Vestibular Therapy — https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/physical-medicine-rehabi
litation/specialty-areas/physical-therapy/vestibular-therapy
8. Guy's and St Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust — Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy — https://www.guysandst
thomas.