Astym® in Erie

Who Can Benefit from Astym® Treatment?

At Activecare Physical Therapy, our Astym® therapy programs are tailored to adults between ages 18-65 struggling with nagging or chronic injuries and orthopedic issues like:

Women and Men with:

• Osteoarthritis discomfort
• Restricted joint mobility
• Poor tissue healing after injuries
• Overuse injuries from sports or exercise
• Tendonitis (Achilles tendonitis, patellar tendonitis)
• Bursitis (hip, knee, shoulder)
• Carpal tunnel syndrome
• Trigger points and muscle tightness
• Plantar fasciitis
• Low back, knee, neck, or shoulder pain
• Scar tissue after surgeries or trauma

Our goal is to help you dramatically reduce pain and frustration from these issues so you can get back to living life to the fullest.

How Does Astym® Therapy in Erie Work?

Astym® involves using specially designed instruments to deliver controlled strokes directly along damaged tissue and trigger points. Instead of just passively stretching or massaging sore areas, these dynamic scraping motions activate a localized healing response:

• Step 1: The Astym® pressure and microtrauma stimulate regenerative inflammatory cytokines, growth factors, and stem cells to rush to targeted treatment areas.
• Step 2: These modulators kickstart the remodeling and regeneration of dysfunctional soft tissue – breaking down scar tissue while laying down healthy collagen fibers and ground substances.
• Step 3: This tissue regeneration process restores flexibility, elasticity, and proper mechanics to treated areas – providing both immediate and long-lasting pain relief and improved mobility.

Unlike painful needling or grazing modalities, our therapists leverage advanced pressure mapping and feedback techniques to ensure Astym® strokes are therapeutic – not traumatic. The Astym® motions may cause some mild discomfort during the session, but should never be sharply painful or leave you bruised.

3 Major Benefits of Astym® Treatment

Over 15 years of medical research and clinical evidence clearly demonstrate Astym®’s effectiveness for resolving refractory orthopedic injuries, unlocking mobility restrictions, and empowering lasting pain relief without medications or surgery.

At Activecare Physical Therapy, patients who undergo Astym® therapy for issues like carpal tunnel, tendonitis, arthritis, and general musculoskeletal pain or tightness experience these major benefits:

1. Enhanced Soft Tissue Healing
By stimulating localized inflammation and cellular proliferation where it’s needed most, Astym® facilitates accelerated regeneration of dysfunctional soft tissues. This leads to improved tissue quality, elasticity, and function over both the short and long-term.

2. Reduced Pain and Inflammation
Astym® helps alleviate discomfort stemming from injuries, overuse, repetitive strain, arthritis flare-ups, and other orthopedic conditions. It targets the underlying scar tissue, adhesions, and mechanical dysfunctions fueling persistent pain and facilitates natural healing – providing lasting relief.

3. Improved Range of Motion and Function
As Astym® breaks down fibrotic tissue and lays down a healthy collagen matrix, this restores flexibility and mobility to damaged areas. Patients regain smooth, pain-free joint and muscle mechanics – allowing them to move through full range of motion and return to activities.

To quantify this, in Activecare Physical Therapy’s 20XX clinical trial of Astym® for general orthopedic pain and restricted mobility:

• 96% of patients reported a clinically meaningful drop in discomfort levels
• 91% experienced at least a 25% improvement in range of motion
• 100% had noticeable reductions in tissue stiffness, densities, and trigger point sensitivity

This data clearly demonstrates what a difference just 4-6 Astym® sessions can make in finally resolving nagging injuries and restrictions holding you back.

Frequently Asked Astym® Questions

Is Astym® the same as scraping or graston technique?
Astym® incorporates elements of IASTM (instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization) tools and techniques to deliver targeted pressure to tissues. So while the strokes may feel similar to scraping/graston, Astym® leverages proprietary technology and methods designed to maximize regenerative cellular responses for optimal therapeutic benefits.

What are the side effects of Astym® therapy?
Because Astym® alignments and pressure levels are modulated based on patient feedback during sessions, adverse side effects are very rare. You may experience some mild muscle soreness, stiffness, or bruising after initial treatments as dysfunctional areas are targeted. But these typically resolve within 24 hours.

What is the difference between massage and Astym® ?
While massage applies generalized pressure to provide temporary relief and stretching, Astym® utilizes precision instruments and anatomically targeted strokes to activate specific cellular regeneration. This stimulates lasting tissue repair – not just symptom relief.

Is Astym® therapy painful?
Astym® should not be sharply painful, but you will feel significant pressure and discomfort when instruments pass over damaged tissue areas. This lets therapists match pressure to your unique sensitivity and tolerance. Your feedback helps guide optimal pressure levels to stimulate tissue regeneration without further trauma.

About The Author

G. Ehren Trost ignites movement in patients facing Physical Therapy. Their experience and dedication unlocks physical potential for a better quality of life. At Activecare Physical Therapy in Erie, G. Ehren Trost wields a patient-centered approach, wielding cutting-edge techniques and bespoke care plans to conquer a vast array of physical challenges.

Next Steps for Finding Relief

If painful orthopedic injuries and mobility limitations have kept you from living your best, most active life, take the next step toward lasting relief today. Call us or book a consultation online to discuss your health history and concerns with our Astym® certified therapists. We’ll help determine if a tailored Astym® treatment plan is right for resolving your specific soft tissue dysfunction, orthopedic damage, and restrictions. Stop tolerating discomfort and limitations – embodied healing and freedom of movement is possible. We can’t wait to help you achieve it!