Therapeutic Service
IASTM Therapy
Instrument-Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization — a targeted, non-invasive technique that breaks down scar tissue and restores mobility.
Precision Soft Tissue Care
What Is IASTM?
Instrument-Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization (IASTM) is a technique that uses specially designed stainless steel instruments to detect and treat soft tissue dysfunction. These tools allow Dr. Chitra to apply precise, controlled pressure to areas of restriction — breaking down scar tissue, fascial adhesions, and chronic knots that limit your movement and cause pain.
Unlike general massage, IASTM targets specific problem areas with a level of precision that hands alone can't achieve. The instruments glide across the skin, allowing the practitioner to feel exactly where adhesions and restrictions exist and address them directly.
At Path to Wellness Clinic of Chiropractic, IASTM is often incorporated alongside chiropractic adjustments to address the soft tissue component of your condition — helping you move better, feel better, and heal faster.
The Process
How IASTM Works
IASTM works by triggering a controlled micro-inflammatory response — jump-starting your body's natural healing process exactly where it's needed.
Detect Restrictions
Specialized instruments glide across the skin, allowing Dr. Chitra to feel and identify areas of scar tissue, adhesions, and soft tissue restriction that may not be obvious to the touch.
Break Down Adhesions
Controlled, targeted pressure is applied through the instruments to break up scar tissue and fascial adhesions. This creates a localized micro-inflammatory response that initiates healing.
Tissue Remodels
The body responds by reabsorbing scar tissue and laying down new, healthy collagen fibers. Mobility improves, pain decreases, and the tissue heals stronger and more functional than before.
Why IASTM?
Benefits of IASTM Therapy
IASTM provides targeted results that other soft tissue techniques may not achieve — especially for chronic and stubborn conditions.
Improved Mobility
Enhances flexibility and range of motion by breaking down adhesions and scar tissue that restrict how your muscles, tendons, and joints move.
Pain Relief
Reduces pain from soft tissue injuries and chronic conditions by addressing the root cause — not just masking symptoms with medication.
Accelerated Healing
Promotes faster recovery by stimulating the body's natural inflammatory response — triggering new blood flow and collagen production in damaged tissue.
Better Performance
By restoring healthy tissue function and optimal movement patterns, IASTM helps athletes and active patients perform at their best with less risk of re-injury.
Non-Invasive
Provides an effective, drug-free alternative to surgery or injections. No downtime, no needles — just targeted soft tissue work that gets results.
How We Help
Conditions Treated with IASTM
IASTM is particularly effective for soft tissue conditions where scar tissue, adhesions, or chronic inflammation are limiting your movement and causing pain.
Better Together
IASTM + Chiropractic
Soft tissue restrictions don't just cause muscle pain — they can pull your spine and joints out of alignment. When scar tissue or adhesions build up around a joint, even the best chiropractic adjustment may not hold as long as it should.
By using IASTM to break down those restrictions first, Dr. Chitra can achieve better, longer-lasting results with your adjustments. It's one of the reasons we incorporate IASTM into many treatment plans — it addresses the soft tissue side of the equation so your body can hold its alignment.
Good to Know
What Does IASTM Feel Like?
Most patients describe IASTM as a firm scraping sensation — it can feel intense in areas of significant restriction, but it shouldn't be painful. Some redness or mild bruising in the treated area is normal and typically resolves within a day or two. This is a sign that blood flow has been increased to the area and healing has begun.
Your Session
What to Expect
Here's what a typical IASTM session looks like at Path to Wellness Clinic of Chiropractic.
Evaluation
Dr. Chitra assesses your condition, identifies areas of restriction, and determines where IASTM will be most effective. She'll explain the process and what you can expect during the treatment.
Treatment
Using specialized stainless steel instruments, Dr. Chitra applies controlled, targeted strokes to the affected soft tissue. The instruments detect and treat areas of restriction, adhesion, and scar tissue.
Stretching & Movement
After the instrument work, you may be guided through specific stretches or exercises to reinforce the improved mobility and help the tissue remodel properly. This step maximizes the benefits of the treatment.
Aftercare
Dr. Chitra provides aftercare guidance — typically including icing the treated area, staying hydrated, and gentle movement. Some redness or mild soreness is normal and usually resolves within 24-48 hours.
New patients can save time by completing paperwork before their first visit.
Complete Paperwork OnlineBreak Through the Pain
Experience IASTM Therapy
Ready to break down the scar tissue and adhesions that are holding you back? Schedule your appointment with Dr. Chitra Rajendran in Fleming Island, FL.