A study of augmented soft tissue mobilization : an honors thesis (HONRS 499)

Ball Memorial Hospital along with Central Indiana Sports Medicine Clinic are developing and research a new soft tissue treatment. The purpose of this paper is to give a better understanding of why Augmented Soft Tissue Mobilization (ASTM) may be so successful through discussion of the inflammation and healing process, traditional forms of treatment, such as transverse friction massage and the rationale behind ASTM. The body responds immediately to trauma at the time of an injury. This basic response is the inflammatory response. Out of this response, the body lays down scar to reinforce damaged areas. Scar can often be painful and hinder normal function. Treatments of scar have included massage. Based on known theories of how the body responds to stress applied to soft tissue, arises the rationale for ASTM. Since ASTM is still being researched, it should be viewed as aiding traditional forms of treatment, not replacing them.