Soft tissue mobilization is used by physical therapists to break up fibrous muscle tissue and is often applied to the musculature surrounding the spine. This method of manual therapy entails rhythmic stretching and deep pressure. The physical therapist localizes the area of the greatest tissue restriction and begins to mobilize it with specific techniques.

The ART soft tissue management system is based on scientific evidence that muscles, nerves, blood vessels, and connective tissue develop adhesions within and between them as a result of various injuries that include: acute, chronic injury and pressure due to poor posture. These adhesions cause the motion of muscles or joints to be altered, resulting in a wide variety of symptoms including pain, weakness and reduced range of motion, numbness and tingling.

ART is generally performed with a direct contact to the patient's skin. The physical therapist will find the area to be worked on and either have the patient actively move a body part or passively move the body part for the patient. The physical therapist’s contact, coupled with the movement of the patient, allows the adhesions to separate.

Instrument Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization is particularly effective in breaking down scar tissue and fascial restrictions. The instruments used allow the physical therapist to detect and treat adhesions and restrictions in the muscles, tendons, and ligaments. This results in improved mobility and flexibility of the soft tissues, which is crucial for supporting full range of motion.

IASTM helps accelerate the healing process, and reduce pain and inflammation associated with various musculoskeletal conditions. By increasing blood flow to the treated area and promoting the body’s natural healing processes, patients often experience significant pain relief and reduced swelling.

The high velocity, low amplitude thrusting technique is a more aggressive approach that entails taking a joint to its restrictive barrier and actually thrusting it. This technique is used for the restoration of joint motion and does not move a joint beyond its normal anatomical limit. Although it is a more aggressive type of manual therapy, it does not cause pain.

Muscle energy techniques are procedures used to lengthen shortened muscles and mobilize restricted joints. During this procedure, the patient’s muscles are voluntarily contracted against a controlled counterforce applied by the physical therapist from a specific direction. After the contraction, the joint is taken to its new barrier. This is an active procedure technique in which the patient participates and is well-tolerated.

The strain-counterstrain method focuses on fixing abnormal neuromuscular reflexes that cause both postural and structural issues. The physical therapist will locate the patient’s position of comfort and hold that position for approximately 90 seconds. When holding, an asymptomatic strain is induced through stretching. The patient is then brought out of this position. This allows for a resetting of the muscles and sets the muscles for healing.

Kinesio Tape alleviates pain and facilitates lymphatic drainage by lifting the skin, increasing interstitial space, and allowing for a decrease in inflammation in the affected areas. Depending on the degree of stretch, tension, and direction the tape is applied K-Tape can re-educate the neuromuscular system, reduce pain and swelling, promote circulation, inhibit muscle spasms, as well as assist in postural correction and facilitate inactive muscles.

Electrical stimulation is a great way to calm an overactive neurological system. If the body is experiencing discomfort or pain, using electrical stimulation to relieve pain allows for a productive recovery session.

This technique involves placing cups on the skin to create suction, the suction effect is achieved by creating a vacuum within the cup, which gently draws the skin and superficial muscle layer into the cup. This process is thought to enhance blood circulation to the affected area, facilitating the removal of toxins and promoting healing.

The cups are typically left in place for about 5 to 15 minutes, depending on the specific needs and therapeutic goals of the individual. Some techniques involve moving the cups across the skin to provide a massage-like effect, further aiding in muscle relaxation and the release of fascial restrictions.