What Is IASTM?
IASTM (Instrument-Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization) — also referred to as Myofascial Blading — is an advanced manual therapy technique that uses specialized stainless-steel tools to detect and treat soft tissue dysfunction in muscles, tendons, and fascia.
Unlike traditional massage, IASTM allows the therapist to feel deep tissue restrictions and apply controlled mechanical pressure to break down scar tissue, adhesions, and fascial knots, all with greater precision and effectiveness.
At UK Pain Clinic, we use IASTM to address chronic tightness, limited mobility, post-surgical stiffness, and sports injuries — helping patients return to full strength, movement, and comfort faster.
🔍 Why Is IASTM Effective?
When muscles or fascia (the connective tissue surrounding muscles) become injured or overused, they can develop scar tissue, thickening, or adhesions. These restrictions often cause:
Reduced flexibility
Localized pain or discomfort
Compensatory movement patterns
Limited joint range
Recurring injury or performance decline
IASTM tools allow the therapist to detect these problem areas through changes in tissue texture and resistance — and then release, realign, and restore soft tissue function in a more targeted way than hands alone.
⚙️ How Does IASTM Work?
Using custom-designed metal instruments, your therapist applies pressure through gliding, scraping, or sweeping strokes over affected areas. This creates a microtrauma response that:
🧬 Stimulates local healing and tissue remodeling
💉 Increases blood flow and nutrient delivery
🔓 Breaks down fascial restrictions and scar tissue
💢 Desensitizes overactive or painful tissue
🔁 Re-educates muscles and improves elasticity
The process is controlled and comfortable — tailored to your pain level and body condition.
👥 Who Is IASTM Recommended For?
This treatment is ideal for patients with:
- Chronic muscle tightness that limits flexibility
- Post-injury or post-surgical scar tissue
- Tendon overuse injuries like tennis elbow or patellar tendinopathy
- Neck, shoulder, or lower back pain from restricted fascia
- IT band syndrome, shin splints, or plantar fasciitis
- Myofascial pain and muscle knots
- Mobility loss due to poor posture or previous trauma
- Athletes recovering from repetitive strain or performance decline
📋 What Happens in a Typical Session?
⏱️ Duration: 20–30 minutes
IASTM is often performed as part of a broader rehab or physiotherapy session.
Here’s what you can expect:
✅ 1. Clinical Assessment
Your therapist identifies areas of restriction, tightness, or altered biomechanics
Palpation and movement tests are used to guide instrument application
✅ 2. Tool-Based Soft Tissue Mobilization
A specially designed metal tool is selected based on your body area and condition
The tool is gently glided across the skin to assess and treat the affected tissue
You may feel pressure, warmth, or mild sensitivity as scar tissue breaks down
✅ 3. Movement Re-Training
After the release, your therapist may guide you through gentle mobility drills or stretching
This helps reset your neuromuscular system and lock in the gains
✅ 4. Recovery Advice
Expect mild soreness for 24–48 hours (similar to deep massage)
Your therapist may advise icing, hydration, or rest from high-intensity activity for a day
In some cases, active exercises or posture drills will be prescribed to support long-term change
🎯 Key Benefits of IASTM
✔️ Breaks down chronic scar tissue and adhesions
✔️ Increases flexibility, muscle length, and joint range
✔️ Improves movement quality and performance
✔️ Reduces pain caused by tight or stuck fascia
✔️ Speeds recovery from surgery or injury
✔️ Helps prevent future injury by restoring normal motion
✔️ Enhances the effects of physiotherapy and rehab
⚠️ When to Avoid IASTM
IASTM is not recommended if you:
🚫 Have open wounds, skin infections, or recent burns
🚫 Are on blood thinners or have clotting disorders
🚫 Are experiencing acute inflammation or swelling
🚫 Have severe osteoporosis or fragile skin
🚫 Are pregnant (in the abdominal/lumbar areas)
Your therapist will conduct a safety screening before treatment.
🧾 Booking & Pricing
| Service Name | Duration | Price |
|---|---|---|
| IASTM (Myofascial Blading) | 20–30 mins | £80.00 |
📍 Clinic Location: UK Pain Clinic – London Euston
🧑⚕️ Performed by: Certified therapists trained in IASTM
💳 Insurance: Accepted under most private health plans
☎️ Booking: Online or phone (assessment required)
IASTM may also be included within physiotherapy or rehabilitation sessions when clinically indicated.
It can cause mild discomfort, but your therapist will adjust pressure to your comfort level. It’s normal to feel slight soreness for a day or two afterward.
Some people may experience light bruising, especially if there’s chronic tightness. This fades within a few days and is part of the healing process.
Many patients feel improved mobility and pain relief after just 1–2 sessions. More chronic cases may require 4–6 sessions for long-term benefits.
Yes — but we recommend light activity only for 24 hours post-treatment to allow tissue to recover. Stretching and low-impact movement are often encouraged.
Common treatment zones include neck, shoulders, forearms, calves, IT band, hamstrings, Achilles tendon, and plantar fascia.