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IASTM – ASTYM – Gua Sha – Graston Technique: Definition, Methods, Research Studies & Treatment​

IASTM - ASTYM - Gua Sha - Graston Technique: Definition, Methods, Research Studies & Treatment

Instrument Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization (IASTM) is a method used to release fascia, restricted tissue, and scar tissue. The tools used in IASTM commonly result in limiting rehabilitation by increasing myofascial restrictions and failing to relieve pain. 

Common methods of IASTM include:

What is Gua Sha?

Gua Sha is the practice of scraping the skin with tools to reduce tension and pain. The chinese technique of Gua Sha is commonly used to rebalance a person’s chi- the energy that circulates through the body.

What is Augmented Soft Tissue Mobilization (ASTYM)?

Augmented Soft Tissue Mobilization (ASTYM) works to activate the physiological response that results in the restoration of soft tissue by producing the changes at the cellular level. By creating microtraumas, ASTYM works to start a healing process that will eliminate excessive scar tissue.

What is Graston Technique?

Graston technique is desgined to break down scar tisue and minimize restriction using specially designed stainless steel tools against the skin to increase muscle mobilization. Like other IASTM techniques, Graston works to produce microtraumas in hopes of creating inflammation to kickstart the healing process. 

What is ASTR Treatment?

ASTR, Advanced Soft Tissue Release, is a biopsychosocial method that uses special tools, maneuvers and theories to address the source of pain in a holisitc manner. By working on a variety of aspects including scar tissue, fascia restriction, trigger points, muscle spasms, mindset and behavioral habits, ASTR has resulted in high success rates for giving its patients long term pain relief.

ASTR vs. IASTM Research Studies

Systematic reviews completed during control trials by Cheatham, et. al have studied IASTM and its subsequent treatments of Gua Sha, ASTYM, and Graston. These studies reported that there is litttle evidence showing beneficial results for its recipients. Most results have shown short-term improvement for range of motion, but fails to sufficently treat musculoskeletal pathology using current methods and tools.

In comparison, a study completed by Jacobs, et. al investigated the length of time and effectiveness of ASTR in treating neck injuries. At the time of follow up appointments,  87% of patients reported being pain free. After three treatments, patient’s visual analog scale was reduced and remained low through the follow-up treatments. 

While research has shown that IASTM can result in temporary pain relief, ASTR continues to effectively treat the source of the injury and results in both long- and short- term pain relief. 

Effective Treatment 

ASTR treats muscle & joint pain in a gentle, effective, and natural way by addressing muscle imbalances, scar tissue, trigger points, fascia restrictions, inflammation, posture, body mechanics which are often the source of the pain. ASTR takes a holistic approach to address the root causes of pain, not just the symptoms. ASTR treatment can be done at home for muscle & joint pain.

ASTR IASTM/ Graston/ Gua Sha
Long-term results X
Ergonomically designed X
Pain-free treatment X
Superficial scar tissue release
Deep scar tissue release X
Myofascial release X
Trigger point release X
Decrease inflammation X
Exercise protocols X
Treatment protocols X
Biopsychosocial model X

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ASTR Exceptionally Different

Reviews collected from various websites

5/5
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“I have been troubled with the worsening effects of Ankylosing Spondylities (spine arthritis, back pain). After having lived with the disease for over 40 years, I was skeptical that any relief would be possible. To my astonishment, I experienced immediate relief after one session. I am very appreciative of the work you do.”
William KBack Pain
“After having 18 months of traditional physical therapy after two knee surgeries to replace my ACL, I was skeptical that anything more could be done to help my knee pain and stiffness. After just one visit, I was amazed with the results that Doctor Jacobs was able to produce with his Advanced Soft Tissue Release technique! .... I was very impressed with how my knee responded and loosened up, especially since it has been two years since my original surgery. I went in a skeptic and now I’m a believer!” 
Mychal TKnee Pain
“For a year, I couldn’t open my hand. My thumb had very limited movement without a lot of pain. It was difficult to lift anything, even small, or move my hand a certain way without pain. Last year I had two injections put into the area for pain management. And before that, I did about 5-6 months of chiropractic, but the pain would always come right back. As of today, I’ve had 3 ASTR treatments. I can open my hand completely and feel no pain at all. ASTR works! Without a doubt, it does work!“
CarolHand Pain
"Along with the elimination of medication. ASTR technique reduced my migraines in frequency and intensity tremendously"
Jessica YMigraines
“I have recovered quickly thanks to Doctor Jacobs; my pain has not only gone down significantly, but has been eliminated entirely. Doctor Jacob’s ASTR technique works quickly. My favorite thing about it is that it’s pain free. I would definitely recommend his therapy to anyone I know with chronic pain.”
Candace PJaw Pain
"I was able to resume all of my normal activities following his treatment and the headache did not return.”
Jeremy RHeadache
“I was experiencing muscle strain in my forearm and my bicep. I had limited range of motion, I wasn’t able to sleep, and I wasn’t able to extend my arm. After 3 sessions, I was pain-free. And after my fourth session had full range of motion again, was able to sleep, and I’m actually going back and starting to work out. I’m very happy with the therapy and the results!”
KathyElbow Pain
"I was having headaches about 50% of the time for the past several months. After several treatments my headaches started to diminish and I've been headache free for the past couple of months. It's wonderful not to have pain."
Liz SHeadache
"I have been in the physical therapy industry for over 3 yrs now. 6 months ago, I started working with Dr.Jacobs and I have to say that I have never witness such a successful rate of patient recovery as I have here. Dr Joseph Jacobs definitely knows how to get to the root of the patients ailment by his patented tools and methods of physical therapy. I was skeptical at first, but after repeatedly witnessing patients recovery, I have come to believe in his practice. I am proud to be a part of helping patients with their recovery."
Dee Ann PopePrevious Coworker
"I was having bad headaches just about every day after work. After just the first visit my headaches were gone and have't come back"
Drew AHeadache
“For the past year, I was getting numb and tight in my foot. The numbness was horrendous and I didn’t know what to do. After 7 ASTR treatment, now I feel no pain at all. It’s all been very comfortable.”
RichardFoot Pain
“I walked in with TMJ, limited range of motion and pain in my neck and shoulders (with shooting pain above my right ear). After just one treatment, my neck and shoulders got immediate relief! After 3 treatments, my sharp shooting pain above my ear was gone. I’m confident that with “Advanced Soft Tissue Release,” and my diligence in following the exercise program provided, I will soon feel like new again.”
Margarete EJaw Pain
“Before treatment, I had very limited range of motion when turning my neck from side to side or bending forward. After one treatment, I felt a release and could bend and turn my neck with less stress. The treatment was pain free, not invasive and better than any massage I’ve ever had!"
CathyNeck Pain
"I felt back to normal after about a week. My wrist has nearly gained back all of its range of motion after two weeks and pain has reduced substantially. I would highly recommend ASTR to anyone.”
Alex BBack & Wrist Pain
“I had a neck spasm three days ago and I couldn’t move my neck. My neck was stiff and my shoulder was really numb. Now I have almost no pain. I had three treatments and now I can move my neck.”
AnthonyNeck Pain
" It was frustrating process to receive 3 months of physical therapy, 2 cortisone shots, and 3 different orthotics with minimal relief....Thank you so much Dr. Jacobs for relieving my chronic plantar fasciitis pain. I decided to follow the whole program and in just 3 visits I was able to hike 3 miles without pain.You know your stuff and very smart to invent ASTR tools and treatment. I hope more doctors to learn from you."
Elsie JPlantar Fasciitis
"I have been suffering from chronic neck, shoulders, knees pain due to fibromyalgia for the last 12 years. I tried massage, physical therapy, chiropractic and medication but I still experiencing pain. After following Dr. Jacobs diet plan, behavior modification, ergonomics and supplements recommendations my fibromyalgia symptoms has been decreased by 90%."
Liam MFibromyalgia, neck, shoulders & knees pain
"Amazing technique worked to help me break up scar tissue in my jaw, neck, stomach and after breast implant surgery. I am amazingly out of pain"
Janice SalmonJaw, neck & stomach pain
"I saw Dr. Jacobs 3 years ago for daily tension headaches. I was miserable and taking Advil everyday. After several treatments, the scar tissue which I didn't even realize I had on my head and neck finally began to disappear. After about 6 weeks, I no longer had headaches. To this day I still do not! Thank you!"
Melissa KHeadache
"The ASTR tools have been extremely useful in heading off my headaches or migraines as I feel them coming on, as well as tight muscles and other aches"
Stacy HMigraine
"Not your everyday physical therapy, they have an understanding of your body and method to rehabilitation that I have not seen at other places. I would highly recommend this place as they are friendly and take extra steps to help you to become physically whole again."
Maher SBack Pain
"I had a treatment for my morton neuroma for which I had been suffering for 2 years. I had medical treatment but nothing changed. The doctor asked me to do a surgery. I did not want to. I flew 24 hours to have Dr Jacob's treatment: it was really worth. After the first treatment the result was obvious: no pain anymore and I could wear shoes again. Just astonishing! 2 weeks after, there is no more sign of pain. My foot doesn't hurt anymore. I can walk and run. I can sleep a whole night without being woken up by the pain. It's great!"
Christine DMorton's Neuroma
" My back pain had been present for 7 years and after one treatment it was as if it was a new back. I can move it properly now and there is no more pain. The treatment is really a good one, an incredible one!"
Christine DBack & Neck Pain
"I was experiencing lower back pain for over 5 years. My back pain was getting worst in the last year so I tried massage therapy, chiropractic care, physical therapy and pain medication but I did not experience relief.....I sew him twice and my pain is totally gone. Now I am able to walk, sleep and drive without back pain. I am a believer of Dr.Jacobs inventive treatment that called ASTR. I highly recommend ASTR treatment for back or muscle pain."
Shea GBack Pain
" I finally got relief from my knee pain after going to see Dr. Jacobs ..... His approach to physical therapy is very holistic. I wasted several months going to traditional medical doctors who decided that it was my diet or "in my head" without getting anywhere before finding Dr. Jacobs."
Norma FKnee Pain
"...Within only a few minutes of my first treatment, the pain levels and tightness in my jaw and neck went from an 8 to a 2"
Tiffany AJaw Pain
" I am doing just great after a couple sessions with Dr. Jacobs. I have little to no pain now. What a relief! My experience with Dr. Jacobs has been great. Thank you!"
Lola GBack Pain
" I have suffered from SI joint pain for the past 2 years. It was so bad, I had to stop dancing and even had to brace myself fro something as simple as a sneeze... After just a few visits, I could already tell that ASTR technique was working!
Alexandra GonzalezBack Pain
"I could not walk, drive or sit. With the 2 first visit, I felt huge difference I can drive and walk, on the 3rd week my back almost normal"
Nayibe RahimSciatica

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