CAN ASTYM® THERAPY HELP YOU?

3D illustration of a tennis elbow with close-up.

By Daniel Alvarez, DPT

 

What is ASTYM® Therapy?

ASTYM® is a form of therapy that helps regenerate soft tissue such as muscle, tendons and ligaments. In general chronic soft tissue problems are due to scarring and tissue degeneration.
Degenerated tissues are much weaker and prone to injuries and can be caused by many factors including: age, intense use, disease, improper movement patterns etc. Scar tissue that forms inside the body around joints, muscles, and tendon/ligaments is in response to some form of irritation or injury. This scar tissue is meant to reinforce an area of injury to protect it, but often causes restriction in mobility and pain. ASTYM® works to help restore healthy tissue and remove or reduce internal scar tissue.

How does ASTYM® work?

Using specifically designed tools a Physical Therapist will perform what is called microtrauma to the region where the damaged, scarred or overused tissue is located. Through the process of microtrauma, blood flow is increased which helps regenerate new healthy tissue. It is normal to experience some redness and bruising in the area, which is a sign of blood flow. Your therapist will determine the frequency of treatment and what, if any stretches should accompany your ASTYM® treatment.

Is ASTYM® a good solution for you?

This form of therapy has shown excellent results for a number of injuries. If you are suffering from any of the injuries listed below you could potentially benefit from ASTYM® therapy:

• Tennis elbow
• Scar tissue
• Trigger finger
• Chronic ankle sprains
• Shoulder pain
• IT band syndrome
• Low back pain
• Golfers elbow
• Carpel Tunnel Syndrome
• Tendonitis

For more information about this BaySport therapy service or to learn how our physical therapy programs can help you, go to www.baysport.com or call (408) 395-7300.

Thomann A, Sevier TL, Wilson JK. Treating soft tissue fibrosis: A new rehabilitation technique for the treatment of various soft tissue injuries. Physical Therapy Products. 1999; 10(5): 56-58.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Daniel was born and raised in the Bay Area. He graduated from San Jose State University in 2008 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Kinesiology. In 2013, he received his Doctorate degree in Physical Therapy from the University of St. Augustine. Daniel brings experience in various settings including outpatient orthopedic and hospital inpatient care. In his spare time he enjoys watching sports, staying active and spending time with family and friends. In addition to English, he speaks Spanish fluently.

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