Daily Maestroism

DM #152

Saturday, January 14th, 2017

Daily Maestroism #236: I LOVE using IASTM. Absolutely love it. I'd say I use it with just about every patient that walks through my door. I hate when people immediately ask me where the research is that is that proves it works. Or even better, where the research is that says exactly how it should be performed. C'mon folks. Let's use a little common sense and synthesizing of information.
We were having this exact discussion in the RockTape instructor group, and the ever-brilliant, ever-opionated, and extremely research-literate @rockdocuk dropped this little jem. Couldn't have said it any better myself.
Now, don't get me wrong. I'm ALWAYS willing to have a discussion about theory, experience, and application. But I do not take well to people simply asking “where's the evidence?” Come at me with some knowledge and let's nerd out.
I may not have loads of research supporting IASTM, especially low force treatment as we teach it at @rocktape, but there is plenty of evidence out there stating the ridiculously large amount of force required (hint: we can't do it manually) to deform fascia; lots of evidence supporting the efficacy of pain science techniques in significantly decreasing pain; and years of practical application as it relates to the role of the nervous system when treating the pediatric population. How bout we start putting all that information together and coming up with some theories to discuss?

When it comes to IASTM I fully adopt the less is more model, firmly believing that it is the nervous system that we are primarily affecting, with some additional mechanical effects that don't require bruising or bleeding on the part of the patient. Pain is a request for change, not punishment. As I said in DM #152: Bruising is not better. Better is better. If you start off heavy-handed and see a change you will think that you always need to go heavy to see that change. Start light and see what happens. The results just might surprise you. Actually, I know they will.

Don't quite get it? Sign up for one of my @rocktape Blades courses and let me show you why those Instagram videos of people people getting scraped to death makes me cringe. ?? #maestrofied