Therapeutic Effects of Instrument-Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization and the Use in Athletic Populations: A Literature Review

This literature review examines the mechanism and application of instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization (IASTM) in athletic populations. IASTM is a treatment technique used for soft tissue pathologies. Experimental studies have been performed to determine the effects of IASTM on range of motion, pain, and inflammation in upper and lower extremities. Conflicting evidence exists for the effect of IASTM on the inflammatory reparative process of the body while more evidence exists in support of the technique’s benefits on pain reduction and improvement in range of motion. Understanding the effects of IASTM on range of motion, pain, and inflammation may be useful in treating athletic-related pathologies. Further research should be conducted on a wider array of the population and in greater numbers. The effects should be further examined on a more diverse set of pathologies