What is ASTYM?
Treatments is conducted in conjunction with a rehabilitation regimen designed to restore patients to their pre-injury level of activity. This is accomplished through the implementation of a functional progression program designed to modify biomechanical flaws by addressing musculoskeletal strength and muscle imbalances throughout the entire kinetic chain. Flexibility, strengthening, and muscle re-education are employed to provide patients with optimal results with a minimal number of treatment sessions. The positive clinical results achieved thus far have led to additional research exploring patient responses to ASTYM as compared with traditional treatment techniques. Outcome data measuring both pain and function on clinical patients continue to be gathered.
What can the patient expect?
Patients receive a thorough evaluation followed by a five to ten minute ASTYM treatment for each affected area. Patients then progress through a stretching and strengthening regimen tailored to their individuals needs. A functional progressional program is initiated to optimally adapt patients' bodies to the specific demands of their work, athletic, or recreational activities. Patients are responsible for maintaining a home flexibility program. Patients may experience an increase in soreness, inflammation, and /or mild bruising for 24/48 hours following a treatment session. Such a reaction is typically followed by a decrease in pain with an increase in mobility and function.
Who can benefit from ASTYM?
Patients who are experiencing pain or loss of motion and function following surgery, injury, cumulative trauma disorders, and chronic irritation/tendinitis may benefit from ASTYM. Some of the clinical diagnoses which have responded well to ASTYM include: lateral epicondylitis, carpal tunnel syndrome, deQuervain's tenosynovitis, trigger finger, joint contractures, IT band syndrome, hip pain, patellar tendinitis, anterior knee pain, shin splints, chronic ankle sprains, plantar fasciitis, and Achilles tendinitis.
How does ASTYM work?
It is theorized that ASTYM owes its effectiveness to two processes; (1) the breakdown of fascial restrictions, and (2) the introduction of controlled microtrauma to affected soft tissue structures, causing the stimulation of a local inflammatory response. This initiates resorption of inappropriate fibrosis or excessive scar tissue and facilitates a cascade of healing activities resulting in remodeling and reparation 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 benefits does ASTYM often provide?
ASTYM treatment frequently provides the following advantages:
- Allows the patient to remain on the job
- Reduces the need for splints and braces
- Reduces the need for surgical intervention
- Achieves success where other forms of traditional treatment have failed
- Contributes to overall reduction in health care costs
- Teaches the patient how to manage their injury and how to prevent future injuries.