Astym Treatment
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Why Choose Bushnell for Astym Treatment
ASTYM (A-stim) is a treatment that increases stimulus in soft tissues through a scraping technique. Astym helps treat injuries related to unhealthy or damaged soft tissue that can occur for several reasons. Scar tissue can form from lack of mobility, overuse injuries, chronic pain, or post-surgical healing. With Astym treatment special tools for scraping are used to breakdown unhealthy old tissue and allow the body to naturally create new healthy tissue. Astym helps to decrease pain and increase range of motion.
- The goal is not just to relieve pain, but to address underlying soft tissue problems by encouraging the body’s own healing and remodeling processes.
- Because it’s noninvasive and uses the body’s natural healing, ASTYM can be safer and less disruptive than surgery or injections, and it may work even when other therapies have failed.
- At Bushnell, you are treated by highly trained, ASTYM-certified providers. Multiple members of our therapy team have completed formal ASTYM certification, ensuring every patient receives care using proper techniques, patterns, and evidence-based protocols.
What to Expect During an Astym Treatment Session
- Initial evaluation — A physical therapist assesses the affected area to identify dysfunctional tissue (scar tissue, adhesions, limited mobility).
- Treatment with instruments — The therapist uses special handheld instruments, gliding them firmly over your skin in the direction of the affected muscles/tendons/ligaments. You may feel bumps or roughness under the skin — those indicate areas of tissue restriction.
- Possible mild discomfort and redness — At first, the pressure might feel noticeable or mildly uncomfortable; small areas of redness/change in color or tenderness may appear after treatment. Bruising or discomfort often comes because your body is “reworking” old, dysfunctional tissue.
- Prescribed exercises/follow-up — After the manual part, the therapist gives you a customized program of stretching, strengthening, and functional exercises. This helps guide new tissue fibers to align properly and become stronger under normal stress.
- Active recovery — Unlike some treatments that require rest or immobilization, ASTYM encourages continuation (or gradual resumption) of normal daily/athletic/work activities, which helps remodel tissue in a functional way.
- Duration & frequency — Sessions typically last ~10–30 minutes (depending on condition).
Benefits of Astym Treatment
Reduced Pain & Improved Comfort
Reduced pain and improved comfort in chronic soft tissue injuries.
Restored Mobility & Function
Improved range of motion in tendons, ligaments, muscles or joints previously limited by scar tissue or dysfunction.
Tissue Regeneration & Scar-Tissue Remodeling
Encouraging healthy soft-tissue healing instead of just symptom management.
Improved Muscle Performance & Strength Gains
In a clinical trial, lower-extremity treatment with ASTYM resulted in a ~15% increase in maximal force output during a unilateral isometric squat test, immediately after treatment.
A Conservative Alternative to Surgery or Medication
Avoidance of surgery, injections, or long-term medication — ASTYM can serve as a safer, conservative option when natural tissue healing is preferred.
Broad Treatment Applicability
ASTYM has been used successfully for tendonitis/tendinopathy, plantar fasciitis, chronic sprains, overuse injuries, post-surgical scar tissue, and many soft-tissue pathologies
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is it painful?
Early sessions may feel slightly uncomfortable or even mildly painful; some mild bruising or soreness may occur. You should communicate with your provider about comfort levels. The level of pressure used can be adjusted depending on your response.
Are there risks with Astym?
Some people experience bruising for a few days after treatment that is not considered a bad response and should resolve within a week.
What injuries does Astym help with?
ASTYM has been used successfully for a variety of conditions: tendonitis/tendinopathy, plantar fasciitis, chronic sprains, overuse injuries, post-surgical scar tissue, and many soft-tissue pathologies.
What should I wear for this treatment?
Choose clothing that is loose and non-restrictive so the necessary tissues are easily accessible. In situations where the therapists will be working on your neck or back a gown may be offered.
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If we didn’t answer all of your questions, feel free to drop us a line anytime.