What is IASTM?

At Carolina Active Health Chiropractic, we utilize Instrument Assisted Soft-Tissue Mobilization (IASTM) to help enhance recovery and rehabilitation.  To do this, we use HawkGrips instruments IASTM uses a hard-edged instrument made of metal, plastic or ceramic to add shearing stress to soft tissue in order to enhance the body’s healing response. 

The instruments are also used diagnostically to follow the kinetic chain to locate and treat the cause of the symptom as well as the specific area of pain. IASTM decreases the overall time of treatment, fosters faster rehabilitation/recovery, reduces need for anti-inflammatory medication, and resolves chronic conditions thought to be permanent.

How does IASTM Work?

Instruments effectively break down fascial restrictions and scar tissue. The ergonomic design of these instruments provides the clinician with the ability to locate restrictions and allows the clinician to treat the affected area with the appropriate amount of pressure.

The introduction of controlled microtrauma to affected soft tissue structure causes the stimulation of a local inflammatory response. Microtrauma initiates reabsorption of inappropriate fibrosis or excessive scar tissue and facilitates a cascade of healing activities resulting in remodeling of affected soft tissue structures.

Adhesions within the soft tissue which may have developed as a result of surgery, immobilization, repeated strain or other mechanisms, are broken down allowing full functional restoration to occur.

What is FAKTR?

FAKTR (pronounced “factor”) is an acronym that stands for Functional and Kinetic Treatment with Rehab and is an advanced form of instrument-assisted soft-tissue mobilization (IASTM).  The concept was co-developed by Dr. Tom Hyde and Dr. Greg Doerr.  FAKTR incorporates the latest research and evidence-based soft-tissue techniques into a comprehensive protocol to treat common disorders of the neuromusculoskeletal system and complicated injuries quickly and easily with impressive results. 

The co-developers utilized their training in a variety of soft tissue techniques including instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization (IASTM) to develop a concept that included function and treatment of the kinetic chain while utilizing various forms of rehabilitation at the same time. This unique approach to treating in the position of provocation (pain, loss of range of motion, feeling of tightness within the fascia/soft tissues) and during motion sets FAKTR-certified providers in a class all their own.  Dr. Nelson has received direct training in this technique from Dr. Tom Hyde, one of the developers.

What conditions can FAKTR treat?

FAKTR can treat a wide variety of musculoskeletal conditions including tendinopathy, sprains, strains, entrapment syndromes, fascial restrictions such as plantar fasciitis, ITB syndrome, myofascial pain syndromes, adhesive capsulitis, shin splints and post-surgical recovery.  This list of conditions that can be treated with FAKTR protocols are too numerous to list here!

Who is the ideal patient for FAKTR? 

While FAKTR is a great way to treat athletes quickly, the concept can be applied to all ages and all body types. FAKTR is excellent for those involved in auto accidents, work related injuries, sports injuries, post-surgical work including joint replacement and conditions of daily living.

Source: hawkgrips.com, sports-seminars.com