Soft Tissue Mobilization

What is Soft Tissue Mobilization?
Soft tissue mobilization therapy is used by physical therapists, chiropractors, occupational therapists, and osteopathic doctors, and the aim is to treat injuries by focusing directly on the soft tissue in the body. These injuries are caused by muscles becoming too tense; when muscles are unable to relax completely, this injures the surrounding soft tissue.

Soft tissue mobilization therapy involves a variety of treatment methods. Some methods may involve ergonomic tools (known as instrument-assisted therapy), while other methods use physical manipulation to stretch and apply pressure to the damaged soft tissue.

Soft Tissue Mobilization Goals
– Faster Rehabilitation: Soft tissue mobilization therapy aims to accelerate healing and quicken rehabilitation by directly engaging with injured soft tissue, allowing the muscles to relax and creating a more healing-friendly environment.
– Neurological Benefit: Aside from relieving pain, studies have also found that soft tissue mobilization therapy benefits the patient through neurological and psychological mechanisms. It’s the sense of touch involved with manual therapy that helps patients accelerate their recovery.

What does Soft Tissue Mobilization treat?
Soft tissue mobilization therapy treats a variety of issues that affect the soft tissue, including injuries involved with tendons, muscles, or fascia. Common injuries include stress injuries, contusions, strains, bursitis, sprains, and tendonitis. Some of these injuries specifically include:

– Tennis elbow
– Rotator cuff tendinitis
– Carpal tunnel syndrome
– Golf elbow
– Hip pain
– Morton’s neuroma
– Plantar fasciitis
– Shin splints
– Knee or ankle sprain