ASTYM is a treatment that rebuilds and heals the soft tissues of the body. ASTYM uses tool designed by and backed by evidence-based practice to create micro trauma at soft tissue to reignite the inflammatory process and regenerate soft tissue. This is a great way to help things like scar tissue or chronically tight muscles move better. It will enhance blood flow

ASTYM is performed using 2-3 separate tools at different angles and with pressure along tissue. ASTYM is performed with manual therapy during a Physical Therapy (PT) treatment. A certified ASTYM practitioner will perform the treatment. Before ASTYM is performed the tissue should be warmed up. There are several different ways that can be accomplished e.g. heat, dynamic warm up exercises, and/or manual therapy. Once the tissue is warmed up a  lubrication will be applied to help the tools glides and create the micro trauma at the tissue. The practitioner will perform a set number of strokes to the tissue at different directions. The first couple of treatments can be a little more uncomfortable due to restriction at the tissue, tenderness, and overall sensitivity. The skin will turn red due to creating the micro trauma and capillaries receiving blood. In some instances there could be bruising due to the micro trauma.

It is important that a patient voice the pressure and tolerance to the treatment- it is likely that you’re not going to sleep through this treatment but we need you to let us know if it is too much- everyone has their own tolerance to pressure! Once the ASTYM is completed the practitioner will have the patient perform certain stretches and exercises. The contracture and elongation of the tissue will help the tissue regeneration and placement of the fibers. ASTYM is a treatment that allows patients to perform activities within tolerance and reason. During treatment there should be a day of recover between treatments. 4 ASTYM treatment should be performed to be effective. If after the 4th treatment there has been minimal change the patient should inform the practitioner and other options can be available. Often, ASTYM is only one part of the PT treatment – often we combine this technique with dry needling, joint mobilizations and other forms of soft tissue work to ease your pain and discomfort. ASTYM can help with a wide variety of conditions such as:

  • Chronic tendinopathy 
  • Joint and muscle stiffness  
  • Sprains and strains 
  • Conditions resulting from dysfunctional scar tissue or fibrosis, post-traumatic, and post-surgical
  • Achilles Tendinopathy • 
  • Anterior and Posterior Tibialis Tendinopathy  
  • Arthrofibrosis • Carpal Tunnel Syndrome  
  • Chronic Ankle Pain and Stiffness  
  • Chronic Wrist Pain and Stiffness  
  • DeQuervain’s Tenosynovitis  
  • Golfer’s Elbow
  • Hamstring Strain
  • IT Band Syndrome
  • Jumper’s Knee  
  • Trochanteric Bursitis 
  • Lateral Epicondylopathy  
  • Low Back Pain (nonradicular)
  • Medial Epicondylopathy  
  • Patellar Tendinopathy  
  • Plantar Fasciopathy 
  • Post-Mastectomy Scarring 
  • Post-Surgical Scarring/Fibrosis  
  • Rotator Cuff Tendinopathy  
  • Scar Tissue/Fibrosis  
  • Tennis Elbow

If you’re interested in learning more about ASTYM or other options in physical therapy- give us a call at 480-786-4969 or simply fill out the form below and we can chat further!

Chandler Physical Therapy is a family owned and operated Physical Therapy clinic in Chandler, Arizona. We treat active adults who are looking to keep themselves pain free and active through exercise and healthy living.
If you have any questions, please feel free to comment below and ask or, we have a Free Discovery Visit (Half Hour) that allows you to sit down, one on one with a therapist to discuss what you have going on to find out if physical therapy is a good fit for you. Check it out below:

Would you like to Request a Discovery Visit?

Not sure what road to take?
This FREE, 30 minute, one-on-one evaluation is where one of our amazing therapists will sit down with you, get your story and your background and then run through a series of specific movement and strength tests so you know whether physical therapy is a good path for you!