The hypersensitive, palpable nodules known as myofascial trigger points (MTrPs) are located along myofibrils are bundled tightly. The muscles of the cervical and shoulders are commonly impacted. Muscles that are  usually affected is the trapezius. Trigger points in the neck are thought to be present in 85% of patients who visit pain clinics, and they affect women more frequently than males.¹ Clinically, MTrPs are divided into latent and active forms. While latent trigger points only create pain when touched and impede mobility, active trigger points induce continual discomfort during  rest and are connected to sequences of transferred pain. Trigger points are the source of the chronic pain in myofascial pain syndrome. It is linked to autonomous sign that affect the individuals  physical capabilities as well as musculoskeletal issues (muscular tightness, limited range of motion (ROM), and diminished elongation of fibre).¹

Instrumented assisted soft tissue mobilisation (IASTM) is developed by GRASTON . The James Cyriax idea forms the basis of IASTM., however, rather than using fingers to create cross-friction massage,  it utilises specifically developed steel devices to cause  specific soft tissue injuries (such as tissue scars or myofascial  tightness), having a view to lowering discomfort  and enhancing  function & ROM.² Adam Berger created the M2T blade, a multipurpose tool with numerous planes that is currently employed in a variety of orthopaedic treatments. It is reasonably priced.³ The M2T-Blade is one of IASTM’s newest inventions. It is a tool made of surgical-grade stainless steel (0.316).⁴ The IASTM therapy is intended to encourage collagen production in addition to fibroblast-recruited healing by resorbing excess fibroses from connective tissues. In turn, this causes the relaxation and dissolution of fascial restrictions, adhesions, and scar tissues.⁵

The database was searched through PubMed , Google Scholar, Research gate. Different keywords were used IASTM, upper trapezius trigger point, M2t blade, myofascial pain syndrome, neck pain etc. Database were searched from 2018. Only studies reporting the impact of IASTM in orthopaedic disorders were used to compile this article. This review article was written exclusively in English language.

Application of IASTM in various Musculoskeletal conditions

Upper trapezius trigger points

EI-halfez et al., (2020) conducted a study on “Instrumented -assisted soft tissue mobilisation versus stripping massage for upper trapezius myofascial trigger point”  and concluded that both IASTM and SM are equally beneficial in trapezius myofascial trigger point.¹

Thakur et al., (2022) conducted a study on “Effectiveness of integrated neuromuscular inhibition technique and IASTM in the management of upper trapezius myofascial trigger point” Integrated Neuromuscular Inhibition Technique is used to treat upper myofascial trigger points is superior than IASTM.²

Frozen Shoulder

Vijayaraj et al., (2022) conducted a study on “The effect of IASTM and PNF in reducing pain and improves over head reach activities in shoulder impingement syndrome”. 74 participants took part in the study. IASTM and PNF both are equally effective in reducing pain and improve overhead activities in shoulder impingement syndrome.³

Mechanical Neck Pain

Paranjape et al., (2020) conducted a study on “comparison of manual versus instrumental assisted soft tissue mobilisation of levator scapulae in chronic neck pain”  and concluded that IASTM is useful for treating chronic neck discomfort since it helps with ROM, pain, and function.⁴

Serag et al., (2022) done study on “Effect  of  instrument assisted soft tissue mobilization on mechanical neck pain”. The duration of the study was 1 year. 30 participation took part in this study. They concluded that Instrument assisted soft tissue mobilisation is more effective than manual therapy at reducing neck discomfort, functional limitations, and ROM ⁵

Tennis elbow

Jain et al., (2022) conducted on “Effect of IASTM, electro dry needling and cupping therapy in the treatment of tennis elbow” and concluded IASTM, electric dry needling and cupping therapy work better together compared to just traditional medicine, electrical dry needling, and cupping therapy alone just to treat TE.⁶

Hamstring tightness

Gunn et al., (2018)  conducted a on “IASTM Mobilization & proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation techniques improves hamstring flexibility better than static stretching alone”  and concluded that When comparison to static stretching alone, PNF stretch and IASTM treatments significantly increased hip active and passive ROM, respectively.⁷

Lee et al., (2020) done a study on “IASTM & roller massage stick’s immediate and long-term effects on the hamstring ROM. The roller massage stick is cheaper, but IASTM  & roller stick massage was as effective both instantly and over time.⁸

Planter Fasciitis

Bhurchandi et al., (2021) done a study on “Efficacy of IASTM in pain with heel pain” concluded that combination of  Home Exercise Programme with IASTM had positive benefits on reducing pain intensity and enhancing how the foot and ankle work in those  having heel discomfort^.9

Low Back Pain

Kumar et al., (2022) conducted a study on “Single IASTM & cupping therapy session improves pain and disability in patients with nonspecific low back pain” Using IASTM and cupping treatment together can help persons who are having LBA & impairment.¹⁰

In this review article, all studies reported the effectiveness of IASTM in various musculoskeletal conditions, i.e., frozen shoulder, mechanical neck pain, hamstring tightness, myofascial pain syndrome, tennis elbow, planter fasciitis, upper cross syndrome, low back pain. In musculoskeletal problems, IASTM reveals considerable benefits in pain, range of motion (ROM), functional impairment, as well as quality of life. There is a lack of evidence showing the IASTM’s impact on the upper trapezius trigger point with a fairly large  sample size, a control group, and a follow-up study. IASTM’s therapeutic benefits on upper trapezius myofascial trigger point need to be further studied, nevertheless, as there is presently insufficient data in the literature.

1. El-Hafez HM, Hamdy HA, Takla MK, Ahmed SE, Genedy AF, Al Shaymaa S. Instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilisation versus stripping massage for upper trapezius myofascial trigger points. J Taibah Univ Medic Sci. 2020 Apr 1;15(2):87-93. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jtumed.2020.01.006.
2. Thakur R, Mande P, Lokwani M. Effectiveness of Integrated Neuromuscular Inhibition Technique and Instrument Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilisation in the Management of Upper Trapezius Myofascial Trigger Points. Indian J Physiother Occup Ther. Print-(ISSN 0973-5666) and Electronic–(ISSN 0973-5674). 2022 Oct 19; 16(4):94-100. https://doi.org/10.37506/ijpot.v16i4.18713.
3. Youssef EF, Mohamed NA, Mohammed MM, Ahmad HA. Trigger Point Release versus Instrument Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization on Upper Trapezius Trigger Points in Mechanical Neck Pain: A Randomised Clinical Trial. Med J Cairo Univ. 2020 Dec 1; 88 (December):2073-9. https://doi.org/10.21608/MJCU.2020.125152.
4. Ahmadpour Emshi Z, Okhovatian F, Mohammadi Kojidi M, Akbarzadeh Baghban A, Azimi H. Comparison of the effects of instrument assisted soft tissue mobilization and dry needling on active myofascial trigger points of upper trapezius muscle. Med J Islam Repub Iran. 2021 May 8;35:59. https://doi.org/10.47176/mjiri.35.59. PMID: 34268247; PMCID: PMC8271276.
5. Paranjape S, Lad R. Comparison of Manual versus Instrument Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilisation of Levator Scapulae in Chronic Neck Pain. Int J Res Rev. 2020:7(3); 364-369.  
6. Jain P, Misra A, Pal. Aand Tiwari. P. Effect of IASTM, electro dry needling and cupping therapy in the treatment of tennis elbow. Int J Dev Res.2022 12(04), 55296-55301. https://doi.org/10.37118/ijdr.24349.04.2022.
7. Gunn LJ, Stewart JC, Morgan B, Metts ST, Magnuson JM, Iglowski NJ, Fritz SL, Arnot C. Instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization and proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation techniques improve hamstring flexibility better than static stretching alone: a randomized clinical trial. J Man Manip Ther. 2019 Feb;27(1):15-23. https://doi.org/10.1080/10669817.2018.1475693. Epub 2018 Aug 1. PMID: 30692839; PMCID: PMC6338275.
8. Lee J, Young A, Erb NJ, Herzog VW. Acute and Residual Effects of IASTM and Roller Massage Stick on Hamstring Range of Motion. J Allied Health. 2020 Spring; 49(1):e51-e55. PMID: 32128549.
9. Bhurchandi S, Sinha RK, Phansopkar P. Efficacy of Instrument Assisted Soft-Tissue Mobilization in Patients with Heel Pain: An Experimental Study. J. Pharm. Res. Int. [Internet]. 2021 Nov. 19; 33(50B):292-301. Available from: https://journaljpri.com/index.php/JPRI/article/view/4237. https://doi.org/10.21203/rs.3.pex-1483/v1.
10. Jain P, Saharan AK, Vishnoi CS, Bhati MP, Sharma P. Single IASTM and cupping therapy session improves pain and disability in patients with non-specific low back pain. GSC Adv Res Rev. 2022; 11(3):045-50. https://doi.org/10.30574/gscarr.2022.11.3.0146.