What Is SASTM™?
Sound Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization (SASTM™) is an instrument-aided approach to treatment. It identifies and breaks down scar tissue and restrictions that develop due to injuries, surgeries and everyday wear and tear on muscles, ligaments and tendons. By skillfully using the various curves and edges of the specially designed instruments, the therapist can feel and isolate these restrictions easier than through general palpation.
How Does SASTM™ Work?
SASTM™ is theorized to work by effectively breaking down facial restrictions and scar tissue. The equipment is designed to provide thephysiotherapist with the ability to locate restrictions through sound waves like a stethoscope. This allows the physiotherapist to use the appropriate amount of pressure.
This technique introduces controlled micro trauma to the affected soft tissue structure and causes the stimulation of a local inflammatory response. This micro trauma initiates re-absorption 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, repetitive strain or other mechanisms are broken down allowing for full function restoration to occur.
The Sound Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization (SASTM) System is a form of augmented soft tissue mobilization that utilizes a method and instruments for treating soft tissue injuries. SASTM uses instruments specifically designed by David Graston to locate and treat muscle, tendon, and facial scar tissue and adhesion that cannot be resolved using normal soft tissue techniques. Instruments effectively break down facial restrictions and scar tissue. The ergonomic design of these instruments provides the clinician with the ability to locate restrictions through sound waves.