The Awareness, Practice and Perception of InstrumentAssisted Soft Tissue Mobilization (IASTM) among Malaysian Physiotherapists
https://doi.org/10.47836/mjmhs.19.1.19
- Author:
Mah Saw Jo
1
;
Vinosh Kumar Purushothaman
1
;
Ambusam Subramaniam
2
;
Rajkumar Krishnan Vasanthi
1
Author Information
1. Physical Activity Research Cluster, Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, INTI International University, 71800 Nilai, Negeri Sembilan, Malaysia
2. Department of Physiotherapy, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman, 43000 Kajang, Malaysia
- Publication Type:Journal Article
- Keywords:
Instrument, Perception, Therapy, Manipulation, Mobilization
- From:Malaysian Journal of Medicine and Health Sciences
2023;19(No.1):135-139
- CountryMalaysia
- Language:English
-
Abstract:
Introduction: Instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization (IASTM) is a relatively recent method that has been shown
to help reduce muscular tension, increase flexibility and prevent tissue adhesion. Nevertheless, there is a paucity of
awareness and knowledge about the benefits of IASTM, especially following injury rehabilitation, despite its many
advantages. The study aimed to investigate the awareness, practice and perception of instrument- assisted soft tissue
mobilization (IASTM) among Malaysian physiotherapists (PTs). Methods: The cross-sectional study included 133 PTs
who answered an online questionnaire via a google link on their awareness and perception of IASTM in their practice. The Google link was given to the participants through email and the official Malaysian Physiotherapy (MPA) social media group. Results: Majority of the respondents (73.7%) are aware of IASTM technique. Despite being aware
on IASTM, 74.4% of respondents reported not practicing the technique. Furthermore, 73.7% of respondents stated
that the main reason they don’t practice is because fingers have better force adjustment than IASTM. Over 80% of
respondents revealed that practicing IASTM can save energy and convenient during myofascial release. Moreover,
82.7 % of respondents stated that one of the benefits of IASTM for PTs is that it helps alleviate stress on fingers and
wrists during soft tissue mobilization. Beyond 55% of respondents stated that they will incorporate IASTM in practice
in near future. Conclusion: According to the findings, the majority of Malaysian physiotherapists are aware of the
IASTM. However, fewer than half of respondents declined to incorporate it into their future practice due to the PTs
preference for feeling the patient’s muscle texture. More emphasis can be given to the IASTM techniques among the
PTs as the participants have mentioned that IASTM has better force exertion and saves energy when applying soft
tissue massage.
- Full text:11.2023my1419.pdf
