Blue Mountain Family Chiropractic

One of the treatments available at Blue Mountain Family Chiropractic is Sound Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization or SASTM. This is an advanced form of soft tissue therapy that addresses the muscles, joints, and ligaments. Dr. Touchinsky was trained in this technique in early 2006 and has used it with great success over the past few years. He is one of only a handful of practitioners in the state that uses this form of therapy.

History

SASTM was developed in the early 1990's by David Graston. David was a professional skier and suffered a severe knee injury after having his leg caught in the tow rope. After months of therapy, he was no longer making progress and his insurance benfits were exhausted. So, the therapist showed him how to perform cross friction massage on his own knee and told him to continue with the massage so that he would not lose gains made during therapy.

David went home and followed the therapist's instructions. It didnt take long for his hands to get sore from performing the therapy on himself, so he started to look for ways to do the massage with the help of instruments. At first he used wooden dowels, but then had a set of tools made out of metal that fit the contours of his knee. He soon found out that one session with the instruments allowed for more progress in one treatment than in 6 months of hands only treatment.

The Technique

Since the early 1990's, this technique has become popular nationwide among chiropractors and physical therapists. Three different organizations have taken the basic idea of instrument assisted soft tissue mobilization and developed their own techniques. The basic premise of the technique is to induce a controlled inflammatory state in order to break down scar tissue and muscle adhesions. When combined with other therapies and physical rehabillitation, as the body responds to this controlled inflammation, new tissue is laid down in an arranged pattern versus the disorganized scar tissue and adhesions. This allows for better function, more strength, and less chance of reinjury.

SASTM Gets Results!

Dr. Touchinsky was trained by David Graston in his latest version of the technique called SASTM. This incorporates David's newest design, incorporating a ceramic polymer material and shaped for maxium doctor and patient comfort. Other than the average cases of neck and back pain, Dr. Touchinsky has seen great results with chronic tennis elbow, carpal tunnel syndrome, post shoulder surgery with frozen shoulder, chronic hip bursitis, and many other chronic conditions.

Dr. Touchinsky notes “since incorporating the instruments into our treatment plans, we are noticing greater improvements in a shorter period of time. We are also seeing results in patients that were previously not helped by physical therapy, pain management, or other chiropractors.”

For those that feel they may benefit from this type of treatmnt, call Blue Mountain Family Chiropractic at 570-366-2613 to schedule a complimentary consultation and screening. This visit will take about 10 minutes and is no charge. During this visit the doctor will ask questions about your condition and perform a brief examination to determine if care is appropriate for your problem.