Treatments
FASCIAL RELEASE & IASTM
Fascial release and Instrument-Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilisation (IASTM) are powerful soft tissue techniques used to treat chronic muscle tightness, scar tissue, fascial adhesions and stubborn tissue restrictions that have not responded to other manual therapy. They work by targeting the fascia, the connective tissue network that wraps and supports every muscle, tendon and ligament in your body.
When fascia becomes restricted, dehydrated or adhered to surrounding tissue (from injury, surgery, repetitive strain or sustained postural load), it limits movement and creates persistent pain patterns. The traditional treatment approach of stretching and rolling often does not reach these deeper restrictions. IASTM uses specifically designed stainless-steel instruments to apply controlled, targeted forces that break down adhesions, stimulate a localised healing response and restore normal tissue mobility.
The systematic review evidence for IASTM is encouraging. Cheatham and colleagues (2016) reviewed the available trials and found that instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilisation produces meaningful improvements in pain and function across a range of musculoskeletal conditions. The effect is most consistent when IASTM is paired with movement, stretching and corrective exercise rather than used in isolation.
We use IASTM and manual fascial release as part of a comprehensive treatment plan that includes chiropractic adjustments, dry needling and rehabilitation exercises. The instruments allow us to feel restrictions in the tissue with greater precision than fingers alone and to apply forces that hands cannot replicate. The result is faster, more complete tissue remodelling and lasting improvement in mobility.
CONDITIONS WE TREAT WITH FASCIAL RELEASE
Fascial release and IASTM are the right tools when restricted fascia, scar tissue or chronic tissue tightness is limiting movement and feeding pain. They are particularly effective for cases that have not responded to stretching, foam rolling or hands-on massage alone. We use them most often for:
- Post-surgical scar tissue and adhesions (caesarean, knee, shoulder and other orthopaedic procedures)
- IT band friction syndrome and lateral knee tightness
- Frozen shoulder fascial component
- Thoracolumbar fascial restrictions and chronic thoracic spine stiffness
- Achilles and calf fascial restrictions in runners
- Chronic muscle tightness that returns days after every massage
WHAT TO EXPECT FROM A FASCIAL RELEASE SESSION
Treatment is hands-on, targeted and produces results you can feel within the first session:
- An assessment of the affected tissue, surrounding joints and movement patterns
- A combination of manual fascial release techniques and instrument-assisted treatment
- Sessions typically take 20 to 40 minutes depending on the area being treated
- An immediate improvement in mobility and reduction in tightness is common
- Mild redness, warmth or temporary bruising in the treated area is normal and part of the healing response
- Movement, mobility work and corrective exercise are prescribed alongside the treatment
- Most issues resolve within 3 to 6 sessions; longer-standing scar tissue may need more
Our approach is to identify exactly which tissue is restricted, treat it effectively with the right combination of manual and instrument-assisted techniques and pair the work with the movement and exercise plan needed to keep the result. Fascial restrictions return if the underlying pattern is not addressed, which is why we never use IASTM in isolation.
If your symptoms relate to tissue restriction or stiffness, our pages on knee pain, shoulder pain, thoracic spine pain and foot and ankle pain have detailed clinical information.
Located on Rivonia Road in Morningside, we serve patients from Sandton, Bryanston, Fourways, Randburg, Sunninghill, Rivonia and surrounding areas of Johannesburg.
Book a fascial release appointment online or get in touch to discuss your case before booking.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Fascial release is a soft tissue therapy that targets the fascia, the dense connective tissue that wraps every muscle, tendon and ligament in your body. When fascia becomes restricted, scarred or adhered to surrounding tissue, it limits movement and causes pain. Instrument-Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilisation (IASTM) uses specially designed stainless-steel tools to apply targeted pressure and shearing forces to the affected tissue, breaking down adhesions and stimulating the body to remodel the area properly.
A massage is generally aimed at relaxation and broad muscle release. IASTM is a clinical, targeted technique designed to treat specific tissue restrictions, scar tissue, fascial adhesions and tendon problems. The instruments allow the practitioner to feel restrictions in the tissue with much greater precision than fingers alone, and to apply controlled forces that hands cannot replicate. It is more focused, more intense in short bursts and produces measurable changes in tissue mobility.
It can be uncomfortable, particularly in areas with significant fascial restriction or scar tissue. Most patients describe a deep, intense pressure that is satisfying rather than painful. We always work within your tolerance and adjust the intensity to suit each treated area. Mild redness, warmth or bruising in the treated area for 24 to 48 hours after the session is normal and is part of the healing response.
Fascial release and IASTM are particularly effective for chronic muscle tightness, scar tissue and adhesions from old injuries or surgery, IT band syndrome, plantar fasciitis, tennis and golfer's elbow, Achilles tendinopathy, neck and shoulder tightness from desk work, post-marathon and post-training muscle stiffness, and stubborn movement restrictions that have not responded to other manual therapy.
Many patients notice an immediate improvement in mobility and a reduction in tightness after the first session. The deeper effects, including the breakdown of adhesions and remodelling of scar tissue, develop over several weeks as the body responds to the treatment. Most stubborn fascial restrictions resolve within 3 to 6 sessions when paired with movement work and corrective exercises.
For an isolated issue, 2 to 4 sessions is usually enough. Longer-standing tissue restrictions, post-surgical scar tissue or chronic tendinopathies may need 4 to 8 sessions. We re-evaluate at each visit and progress your treatment plan based on how the tissue is responding.
Mild bruising or petechiae (small red spots) can occur in the treated area, particularly when working over significant adhesions or in patients who bruise easily. This is part of the controlled inflammatory response that triggers tissue remodelling. It is harmless and clears within a few days. We adjust the intensity of treatment based on your individual response and tolerance.
Yes. IASTM is particularly effective for breaking down mature scar tissue and restoring normal tissue mobility around old surgical sites or healed injuries. Scar tissue that has been in place for months or years can still be remodelled with the right combination of mechanical input and movement work. We commonly treat post-surgical scars from caesareans, knee surgery, shoulder surgery and other orthopaedic procedures.
Yes, and movement after treatment is encouraged. We usually advise avoiding very heavy training for 24 hours after a session, as the treated tissue is in an active healing response. Light activity, walking, mobility work and gentle stretching all help the tissue remodel properly.
Many South African medical aids cover fascial release and IASTM as part of a chiropractic consultation, depending on your plan and benefits. Coverage varies between schemes. Contact us with your medical aid details and we can advise on what your plan covers.
References
- Cheatham SW, Lee M, Cain M, Baker R. The efficacy of instrument assisted soft tissue mobilization: a systematic review. Journal of the Canadian Chiropractic Association. 2016;60(3):200-211.
- Seffrin CB, Cattano NM, Reed MA, Gardiner-Shires AM. Instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization: a systematic review and effect-size analysis. Journal of Athletic Training. 2019;54(7):808-821.
- Shewail F, Abdelmajeed S, Farouk M, Salem A. Instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization versus myofascial release therapy in treatment of chronic neck pain: a randomized clinical trial. BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders. 2023;24(1):457.