Table 2 Steps in IASTM treatment
Tools | Methods | Strength | Time | Purpose |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Type C—Scanning knife | Uniformly apply fascial lubricant in the treatment area, and use a C-shaped probe knife to apply pressure and slide along the direction of muscle fibers, targeting the muscle group at a 45-degree angle from either bottom to top or top to bottom | Low | 1 min | The gradual adaptation of subjects to tool therapy is accompanied by the identification of areas of fascial densification or granular regions [14,15,16] |
Type A—Shark knife | The high resistance areas of fascial densification or trigger points [17] are subjected to slow and repeated pressure sliding | Low-Medium | 3-5 min | The loosening of soft tissues in stiff areas is performed in two states, namely the lower limb resting state and the maximum extension state, in order to restore the elasticity of soft tissues and alleviate or eliminate pain points |
Type B—Bat-knife | Applying pressure to the treatment area at an angle of approximately 45 degrees, massage should be performed in two directions: from top to bottom and from bottom to top. In areas of fascial densification or trigger points, small areas of repeated pressure and sliding should be applied | Medium–High | 3 min | A high degree of concentration and greater pressure is used to achieve deeper muscle release |
Type M—Large M blade | Subjects were instructed to perform uninterrupted knee flexion–extension or leg abduction–adduction movements, while receiving passive myofascial blade pressure and sliding with coordinated breathing | Medium–High | 5-8 min | Dynamic release of deep muscle groups to increase intermuscular glide and restore range of motion in joints |
Type S—Hook knife | Apply pressure and sliding perpendicular to the direction of muscle fibers on local stiff areas and trigger points | Low-Medium | 1-3 min | Deeper relaxation of agonising pain points |