Impact of Instrument-Assisted Soft-Tissue Mobilization (IASTM) on the Functional Status of Myofascial Structures: Scoping Literature Review

Kanika  Wadhwa; Radhika  Gupta; Shalini  Singh; Manish  Kumar; Anand Kumar  Singh

doi:10.18502/jimc.v8i3.18788

Kanika Wadhwa Department of Physiotherapy, GD Goenka University Gurugram, Haryana, India
Radhika Gupta Department of Physiotherapy, GD Goenka University Gurugram, Haryana, India
Shalini Singh Department of Physiotherapy, GD Goenka University Gurugram, Haryana, India
Manish Kumar Department of Physiotherapy, GD Goenka University Gurugram, Haryana, India
Anand Kumar Singh Department of Physiotherapy, GD Goenka University Gurugram, Haryana, India

DOI: https://doi.org/10.18502/jimc.v8i3.18788

Keywords: Ankle, Articular, Friction, Goals, Massage, Myofascial release therapy, Pain, Range of motion, Sample size, Search engine

Abstract

Background: Instrument-Assisted Soft-Tissue Mobilization (IA-STM) is a non-invasive technique using specialized tools to treat soft tissue dysfunctions and enhance myofascial function. It improves joint range of motion through mechanical stimulation. Comparable to manual therapies like deep friction massage, IASTM may offer advantages by applying greater force, reducing both treatment time and physical strain on the practitioner.

Methods: In this scoping literature review, a thorough search was performed across PubMed, Cochrane, and Google Scholar. The articles were screened according to specific inclusion criteria, ultimately identifying 14 studies: 12 randomized controlled trials and 2 quasi-experimental studies. These studies were selected for their relevance to myofascial conditions and IASTM interventions, while excluding those that were irrelevant or did not focus on IASTM.

Results: The findings reveal that both IASTM and stretching effectively improved ankle dorsiflexion ROM. However, neither intervention significantly altered pain sensitivity or muscle stiffness.

Conclusion: IASTM was safe and effective in reducing joint stiffness, but its impact on muscle properties was limited. The study highlights the need for further research to explore additional outcome measures, refine intervention protocols, and investigate tool designs to optimize therapeutic effectiveness. Limitations include variability in methodologies and small sample sizes, which may affect the result’ consistency and generalizability.