Living with chronic pain can feel like running an endless obstacle course. Each day brings new challenges, from simple tasks like walking to the complex activities you’d like to do without pain. Fortunately, relief may be within reach, thanks to the innovative approach of Astym therapy.
Designed to tackle the root causes of soft tissue damage at their source, Astym offers a fresh technique to managing and alleviating persistent discomfort.
What is Astym therapy?
Astym is a specialized physical therapy technique that involves using patented instruments to stimulate the body’s healing response in areas of soft tissue damage or internal scarring. Sometimes during healing after an injury or surgery, scar tissue develops around the site, which can unintentionally build up and press on nearby nerves, causing sharp, dull, or chronic pain in the months and years to come.
Unlike other methods of pain relief, Astym directly targets the underlying issues rather than just masking symptoms. This patented method focuses on regenerating healthy tissue while addressing dysfunctional tissue at the same time.
Conditions Astym Can Treat
Astym therapy shines in its versatility, offering potential relief for a range of conditions. Whether you’re dealing with something that just cropped up or something more persistent, Astym could be the answer. Conditions that Astym might be able to address include:
- Tendinitis
- Chronic neck and back pain
- Post-surgical scarring
- Tennis or golfer’s elbow
- Achilles tendinopathy
- IT band syndrome
These and other conditions involve soft tissue distress, making Astym an ideal candidate for promoting healing and recovery without another costly procedure.
What to Expect from Your Astym Appointment
If you’re interested in Astym in particular for your physical therapy plan, you and one of our certified Astym physical therapists will talk about what to expect and whether Astym is right for you before your first appointment.
Each session begins with a brief check-in on your pain and progress before your therapist gets to work. The Astym process uses specific tools that glide over the skin, gently coaxing the body into repairing itself. These tools differ significantly from regular massage devices and techniques, as they’re designed to promote healing processes and encourage tissue regeneration rather than purely for relaxation.
It’s important to note that Astym therapy is designed to complement, not completely replace, your existing treatment plan. Whether you’re new to physical therapy or have been receiving care for some time, Astym can enhance your progress and help you achieve sustainable results.
If Astym is determined to be helpful for your concerns, your therapist will usually integrate this approach with other proven physical therapy techniques for the area and condition you’re struggling with. This combination ensures a holistic approach to pain relief, addressing not only the symptoms but also the underlying causes. Other modalities used may include stretching exercises, manual therapy, or targeted strength training.
Learn more about Astym therapy today
Astym therapy may be a helpful addition to a comprehensive physical therapy plan for those struggling to find relief from chronic pain. Find out if this novel therapy might be beneficial for your unique condition and goals by calling one of our Astym-certified physical therapists or requesting an appointment online today.
