Ask

For those who don't know, ASTYM stands for 'Augmented Soft-Tissue Manipulation.' It is a procedure in which a clinician uses specific instruments to, in essence, deep-tissue-massage scar tissue beneath the skin. As those instruments are pushed and dragged against the skin, they encourage the body to start healing beneath the surface, the ASTYM website says.

In case you haven't visited its website, here's a link:

http://www.astym.com/professionals/

And here's an article that cites studies about the practice of using tools in massage (instead of just hands) and what the thinking is behind it:

http://www.chiroweb.com/mpacms/dc/article.php?id=46222

I hope that if anyone has had this type of treatment, they'll weigh in and let us know how it worked for them.

I have had about 8 treatments with ASTYM, and although I was highly skeptical at first, now believe this is an effective treatment. I had serious knee joint pain, (which MRI's and CT scans revealed no indications as to why.) which began as I was going through Corrections officer academy. I would like to reassure you that the uncomfortable feeling will diminish, as your condition improves. I had several "hot spots" that were super sensitive in the beginning, but are now only mildly uncompfortable. Stick with the process, and I think you will soon begin to see results.
Incidentally, my family Physician is treated by the same PT as me, and he is also a firm believer in the ASTYM process.

I am in the process of receiving ASTYM treatment for a torn calf muscle. I had eight treatments and it stills brings me to tears. I bruise pretty badly afterwards too, but it has gotten me back to running quicker than the traditional RICE (rest ice compression).

I am currently going through this process right now for both of my elbows. I was diagnosed with tennis elbow on my left arm and golfers elbow on the right. After 8 regular physical therapy sessions, I was not improving. My Ortho recommeded 8 additional treatments and ASTYM was introduced. Yes, it is painful and my arms are showing the bruises to prove it...but I am noticing that I can use my arms again for simple repetative movements. I have 4 more treatments to go and am not really looking forward to them...but for improvement of my life style...I am. This is wonderful!!!