Instrument-assisted care
Instrument-Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization (IASTM)
A Hands-On Treatment Option for Selected Musculoskeletal Complaints
IASTM uses specialized handheld instruments during soft-tissue treatment. It may be incorporated for selected symptoms or movement limitations, depending on the evaluation and individual circumstances.
Understanding the technique
What Is IASTM?
Dr. Goldstein uses a handheld instrument against the skin to assess or treat a soft-tissue area with controlled contact. The instrument itself cannot diagnose scar tissue or adhesions.
Your experience
What Does IASTM Feel Like?
You may feel pressure and gliding or sweeping contact, with local tenderness or temporary sensitivity. Pressure should be individualized rather than aggressive, and you should report discomfort.
Selected musculoskeletal needs
When Might IASTM Be Part of Care?
It may be considered for selected soft-tissue complaints, stiffness, movement limitations or activity-related symptoms within an individualized plan. It is not automatically appropriate for every muscle or tendon problem.
What the research shows
What Can IASTM Realistically Do?
Research has examined pain, function and range of motion. Some studies report short-term changes, while findings differ across conditions, protocols and comparisons.
Clinical response should be monitored. These outcomes do not establish that instruments mechanically break down scar tissue.
Understanding common descriptions
Does IASTM Break Up Scar Tissue?
Terms such as 'breaking up scar tissue' or 'scraping away adhesions' should not be taken literally. This has not been established as how the treatment works.
A more useful discussion focuses on symptoms, movement and function, rather than assuming tissue is being physically scraped apart.
Part of a broader plan
Combining IASTM with Rehabilitation
Mobility work, exercise, strengthening, movement progression and home recommendations may be paired with IASTM when appropriate. Instrument-assisted care is not required before exercise.
Explore Rehabilitation →Movement and activity
IASTM for Sports & Active Patients
Selected active patients may have instrument-assisted treatment incorporated into a broader rehabilitation plan. The approach considers symptoms, movement and activity demands.
Explore Sports Injury Care →Evaluation after a collision
IASTM After a Car Accident
Selected patients may have soft-tissue care incorporated after appropriate evaluation. Significant trauma, acute bruising or suspected fracture should be assessed before treatment; medical evaluation or referral takes priority when needed.
Explore Auto Accident Care →Understanding your options
IASTM vs. Manual Therapy
Manual therapy is a broad category of hands-on care. IASTM uses instruments for soft-tissue contact; other approaches use the hands directly. A plan may include either, rehabilitation or another approach, without assuming one is superior.
Learn About Manual Therapy →Treatment response
What Are the Possible Temporary Effects?
Temporary soreness, redness, tenderness or bruising can occur. Bruising is not a therapeutic goal or evidence that treatment worked. Report these changes so pressure, technique and whether to continue can be reassessed.
Safety first
When Might IASTM Be Modified or Avoided?
Open wounds, active skin problems or infection, suspected fracture and significant acute trauma require assessment and may rule out treatment over the area.
Share bleeding or bruising concerns, blood-thinning medication and vascular conditions such as a suspected blood clot. This is not a self-clearance checklist; medical evaluation may take priority. Do not stop prescribed medication on your own.
Your preferences
Treatment Should Match the Patient
Discuss discomfort, sensitivity, bruising concerns, health history and preferences. Pressure and technique can be modified, and you can ask to stop or discuss alternatives.
Evaluation first
IASTM with Dr. Brett Goldstein
Dr. Brett Goldstein, D.C. uses your evaluation to recommend an approach. He may include rehabilitation, monitor your response, or recommend another treatment or referral when appropriate.
Meet Dr. Goldstein →A considered approach
What to Expect at Your Visit
Discuss Your Symptoms
Share concerns, goals and relevant history.
Evaluation
Review movement, skin and examination findings.
Review Treatment Options
Discuss technique, precautions and alternatives.
IASTM If Appropriate
Treatment proceeds only when appropriate and with your agreement. It may not begin at the first visit.
Common questions
IASTM FAQs
What does IASTM stand for?
Instrument-Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization.
What is IASTM?
A soft-tissue treatment approach using handheld instruments against the skin. Technique and pressure depend on the evaluation and treatment area.
What does IASTM feel like?
Pressure and gliding or sweeping contact. Local tenderness or temporary sensitivity may occur; tell Dr. Goldstein how it feels.
Does IASTM break up scar tissue?
That phrase should not be taken literally as an established clinical mechanism. Care is better discussed through symptoms, movement and function than assumed tissue breakdown.
Does IASTM have to cause bruising?
No. Bruising is not a treatment goal or proof of benefit. Report bruising or excessive sensitivity so treatment can be reassessed.
Can IASTM help with stiffness?
Studies have examined changes in range of motion, sometimes in the short term. Results vary, and the cause of stiffness and individual response matter.
Is IASTM used for sports injuries?
It may be incorporated for selected musculoskeletal symptoms within a broader rehabilitation plan, depending on the findings.
Can IASTM be used after a car accident?
Only when appropriate after evaluation. Significant trauma, acute bruising or suspected fracture requires assessment rather than automatic instrument-assisted treatment.
Can IASTM be combined with rehabilitation?
Yes, when appropriate. Exercise, mobility and strengthening may remain important. IASTM is not required before exercise.
Is IASTM the same as manual therapy?
Manual therapy is a broad category of hands-on care. IASTM uses instruments for soft-tissue contact; other manual approaches use the hands directly.
How many sessions will I need?
There is no fixed number for everyone. Recommendations depend on findings, goals and reassessment of response.
Is everyone a candidate?
No. Medical history, skin condition, treatment area and examination findings determine whether treatment should proceed, be modified or be avoided.
Medical Information
This page provides general educational information and does not replace individual medical evaluation or emergency care.
Sources: IASTM outcomes review; comparative evidence review; range-of-motion review; precautions consensus; clinical practice commentary. Reviewed September 2026.
Instrument-assisted care
Wondering Whether IASTM Is Appropriate for You?
Start with an evaluation and a conversation about your symptoms, movement and appropriate treatment options.
Call 954-871-1411 to discuss appointment availability.