Instrument Assisted Soft Tissue Release uses a variety of tools (instruments) rather than the hands to heal soft tissue abnormalities/problems. The soft tissues of the body include muscles, ligaments, tendons, nerves, blood vessels… pretty much anything besides bone. These tools are used to increase blood flow and break up scar tissue and adhesions, and can sometimes get to certain tissues better than the hands.
The tools use a pressing or a scraping type action to cause microtrauma to the area. When the area is slightly damaged, the body sends increased blood flow and healing cells to the area to fix the dysfunctional tissue.