IASTM in San Antonio.

Instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization: for tissue that stopped sliding, an edge finds what a thumb misses.

Soft tissue restriction The exam picks the tool Start My Comeback

What It Is

The category, not the brand.

IASTM stands for instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization. It is the umbrella term for treating soft tissue with a tool instead of hands: a shaped edge drawn along the area to find and work restriction under the skin.

Graston and ASTYM are two branded systems inside that category, and we use both. The instrument gets chosen by what your exam found, not by what happens to be on the shelf, and every session ends with loading so the tissue changes under tension. This is Prime work, and it never travels alone.

You have already had somebody rub the sore spot for you. What you have not had is somebody tell you which layer is actually stuck.

Clinician performing instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization along a patient’s leg Chosen by the exam, not the shelf

What It Helps

Where instrument work helps.

Tissue that stops sliding starts pulling, and the pull is what you end up feeling three joints away.

A tendon that will not calm down Heels that punish your first steps A shoulder that stalls at shoulder height Hips that feel glued after a long sit The scar tissue that limits everything

What A Session Looks Like

How a session runs.

1

We sweep the area and find restriction.

2

We treat the layer that is stuck.

3

You load it so it stays free.

Why It Works

Four reasons it earns its place.

Restriction located, not guessed at.

Work at a depth we can repeat next visit.

Progress where stretching had stalled.

Loading right after, so it holds.

Pairs Well With

The systems inside the category.

Graston Technique The stainless steel system, and a certified clinician who uses it. ASTYM Therapy The protocol that pairs instrument work with staying active.

Questions, Answered

IASTM, no mystery.

Graston is one brand of IASTM, not the whole category. ASTYM is another. IASTM is the umbrella term that covers every instrument-assisted technique. What matters is that a Doctor of Physical Therapy examined you first and knows which tissue needs a tool at all.

It is firm work over an area that is already sensitive, so there can be discomfort during and soreness after. Some redness is common. Bruising is not the goal and it is not proof of a good session. We work at a level you agree to, every time.

We are a preferred out-of-network provider. We are not contracted with Blue Cross Blue Shield, and we do not accept Medicare patients. We verify your exact benefits before your first visit and that benefits check has no extra charge. Call us at (210) 750-9004 and we will run it before you book.

Book Your Visit

Ready when you are.

Request a time and a real person calls you back. No phone tree. No ‘someone will reach out.’ Just a plan.

  • Hours Mon to Thu 6:30am to 7pm, Fri and Sat 6:30am to 12pm, Sun closed
  • (210) 750-9004 Prefer to talk now? Call us.
  • No referral needed to get started

5.0 · 300+ Google reviews

A real person calls you back

Step 1 of 5

So we know who to look for when you walk in.

Visit Us

Care this good, this close.

Revival Performance Physical Therapy

Take Me There (opens in new tab) Call Us