Muscle Massage (IASTM)

Near Glen Carbon

Instrument Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization (IASTM) helps reduce restrictions and improve mobility. At Superior Chiropractic & Rehab, it enhances treatment plans to restore movement, relieve tension, and promote tissue health.

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WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF IASTM MUSCLE MASSAGE?

MUSCLE TENSION & PAIN RELIEF

IASTM muscle massage is designed to target tight, restricted muscles and connective tissue that contribute to pain and limited movement. Using specialized instruments, controlled pressure is applied to areas of restriction to help break up adhesions and reduce excessive muscle tension. This technique allows for more precise treatment than hands alone, helping address deeper tissue layers that may be contributing to discomfort.


For individuals dealing with chronic muscle tightness, postural strain, or soreness from physical activity, IASTM can help restore tissue quality and improve comfort. As restrictions are reduced and circulation improves, patients often experience decreased pain and a greater sense of looseness in the treated areas. This makes it easier to move comfortably and progress into corrective exercises and rehabilitation strategies.

SCAR TISSUE & SOFT TISSUE MOBILITY

Scar tissue and soft tissue adhesions can form after injury, surgery, or repetitive stress, limiting mobility and altering normal movement patterns. IASTM helps address these restrictions by stimulating tissue remodeling and improving the glide between muscle layers and connective tissue. The controlled mechanical input encourages the body’s natural healing response and supports healthier tissue alignment over time.


By improving soft tissue mobility, IASTM helps restore range of motion and reduce compensatory movement patterns that place added stress on joints. This approach is especially beneficial for individuals with lingering stiffness, reduced flexibility, or chronic soft tissue conditions that have not fully resolved with stretching alone. Improved tissue mobility supports better movement efficiency and reduces the risk of recurring injury.

IMPROVED CIRCULATION & RECOVERY

IASTM muscle massage helps improve circulation by stimulating blood flow to treated tissues. Increased circulation plays a critical role in recovery by delivering oxygen and nutrients needed for tissue repair while assisting in the removal of metabolic waste products that contribute to soreness and inflammation.


This makes IASTM particularly useful during rehabilitation and recovery phases following injury or intense physical activity. Improved circulation helps tissues recover more efficiently, allowing patients to feel less stiff and fatigued between sessions. When combined with movement-based therapy and strengthening exercises, IASTM supports faster recovery while promoting long-term tissue health.

REHABILITATION, PERFORMANCE & MOVEMENT SUPPORT

IASTM muscle massage is most effective when used as part of a comprehensive rehabilitation and performance-focused treatment plan. At Superior Chiropractic & Rehab, IASTM is integrated with chiropractic adjustments, corrective exercise, and movement retraining to address both symptoms and underlying movement dysfunctions.


Whether you are recovering from an injury, managing chronic muscle tension, or working to improve performance and durability, IASTM helps prepare tissues for movement and loading. By improving tissue quality, reducing restrictions, and supporting efficient recovery, IASTM allows patients to move better, train more consistently, and return to daily activities with confidence and resilience.

HOW IT WORKS

  • What is IASTM?

    IASTM stands for Instrument Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization. It is a muscle massage technique that uses specialized tools to treat soft tissue restrictions and improve mobility.

  • Does IASTM hurt?

    You may feel pressure or mild discomfort in restricted areas, but treatment should remain tolerable. Intensity is adjusted to your comfort level.

  • Why does the skin sometimes turn red during IASTM?

    Redness occurs due to increased blood flow to the treated area and typically resolves shortly after treatment.

  • What conditions can IASTM help treat?

    IASTM is commonly used for muscle tightness, scar tissue, tendon irritation, chronic pain, and mobility limitations.

  • How long does an IASTM session take?

    Most treatments last between 5–15 minutes per area and are often combined with other therapies during your visit.

Superior Chiropractic & Rehab provides non-surgical care for muscle pain, mobility restrictions, sports injuries, and soft tissue conditions throughout Glen Carbon, Edwardsville, and surrounding communities. Led by Dr. Brad Polen, our team focuses on restoring healthy movement and long-term function.


Through a personalized combination of chiropractic care, IASTM muscle massage, rehabilitation strategies, and corrective exercise, we help active adults reduce pain, improve mobility, and return to work, training, and daily life with confidence.