Astym® is a manual therapy technique that uses specialized instruments to apply pressure along dysfunctional muscles, tissues and tendons. Research continues to show that Astym is an effective, non-invasive way to promote the body’s natural healing process and improve function.
Astym can be applied on most areas of the body, but today we wanted to focus on the benefits of Astym for hand therapy, specifically. Spooner hand therapist, Holly Hussey MOTR/L, CHT, highlights 5 ways she utilizes Astym to improve the quality of life for her patients.
Scar Tissue Management
Scar tissue lacks the flexibility and function of healthy tissue. The hand is so intricate in how it moves; therefore, even a small scar can have a large impact on its ability to function properly. By utilizing therapy techniques such as Astym, hand therapists are able to break away unwanted scar tissue that is contributing to limited and often painful movement. As this scar tissue is being resorbed by the body, healthy and more functional tissue is able to step in and take its place.
Increase Proprioception
Proprioception is the ability to sense your body’s movement in relation to the space around you. For example, if you close your eyes and try to touch the tips of your fingers together, you are most likely able to do so because you can basically “feel” where your hands are at, even though you can’t see them. Certain injuries and neurological conditions jeopardize this proprioception and make even the most basic tasks a significant challenge. Imagine trying to pick up an object with your hand if you couldn’t sense where your hands and fingers were at. Not only does your hand need to be in the right place, but your fingers need to perform the exact motion necessary to grasp and pick up that item, let alone use it! Stimulation of the tissues and tendons through Astym help restore nerve function and allow you to regain this ability of sensation and proprioception.
Increase Blood Flow
In physical therapy and hand therapy, you’ll often hear a lot about the importance of increasing blood flow. Your blood contains oxygen and nutrients that are vital to the healing process, and Astym is a great way of promoting that blood flow to the areas that need it most. For hand therapy, Holly emphasizes the importance of performing Astym along the entire upper extremity. “Just because you’re experiencing symptoms at your hand, that doesn’t mean that you are not being affected elsewhere. Astym should be performed across the entire kinetic chain, as that has shown to be most effective in injuries to the hand, wrist, or arm.”
Pain Relief
Your damaged tissues are now being resorbed and repaired. You aren’t straining your body and mind due to a lack of proprioception, and you are healing faster due to increased blood flow. A welcome side-effect of Astym is the relief of pain and stiffness that comes along with it. When you move better, you feel better.
Enhance Treatment Results
In order to create long-lasting results, physical therapists and hand therapists implement strategic exercises and stretches designed to build strength and improve flexibility in ways that are going to keep their patients moving functionally. When patients are free from stiff and damaged tissue, poor proprioception, and are experiencing less pain, they are able to perform their exercise program with more vigor and confidence. The direct and indirect benefits of Astym allow patients to experience pain-free activity and have a more complete recovery.
Looking to reap the many benefits of Astym® therapy? Spooner has movement specialists throughout the Valley who are trained and certified to perform Astym. Click here to schedule an appointment or complimentary movement screen with a Spooner therapist.
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