Blades are a popular treatment tool for myofascial restriction in all kinds of soft tissue conditions, whether they are chronic, acute or post-surgical. 

The term IASTM or “Instrument Assisted Soft Tissue Manipulation” is commonly paired with the image of steel tools and deep tissue work that can cause redness and bruising on the skin. FMT IASTM certification courses introduce the concept of movement therapy and performance enhancement with gentle soft tissue techniques. Some of the tools may be hard-edged, but the techniques don’t need to be aggressive to deliver superior patient outcomes. 

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Blades are a popular treatment for myofascial restriction in all kinds of soft tissue conditions, whether they are chronic, acute or post-surgical.  We use specially designed IASTM instruments (FMT blades) to provide a mobilizing effect to scar tissue and myofascial adhesion by increasing the rate and amount of blood flow, initiating the healing process of the affected tissues.  The IASTM treatment is thought to stimulate connective tissue remodeling through resorption of excessive fibrosis, along with inducing repair and regeneration of collagen secondary to fibroblast recruitment.6,7 In turn, this will result in the release and breakdown of scar tissue, adhesions, and fascial restrictions.  

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There are many IASTM tools out there for therapists to utilize.  Many of the articles refer to the Graston Technique.  Although we use tools created by RockTape’s FMT program, we at Raptor Therapy salute the works of David Graston for creating a tool to help with the recovery of so many ailments and injuries.  Tools of this nature date back thousands of years and were, and still are, made from Jade, stone, and steel.