Manual Adhesion Release & IASTM

Direct answer: Manual adhesion release is specific pressure along the line of a tissue restriction until the layers slide again. Instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization (IASTM) adds a tool edge to find and work the same tissue when the layer is fascial or the contact area is small. At Novo Soft Tissue it is part of most follow-up visits, combined with shockwave or EMTT in the same visit of about 10–15 minutes.

Why hands still matter

Hands and instruments find the adhesion that devices cannot see. Shockwave and EMTT change biology in a volume of tissue; manual work is mechanical remodeling of the restricted interface itself, and it confirms that the muscle can lengthen and load afterward.

How it fits a visit

  1. The exam comes first and identifies which layer is restricted.
  2. The device that matches the depth is used: focused shockwave, radial shockwave, or EMTT (Storz Magnetolith Ultra+).
  3. Manual work follows on the layer that is still stuck.
  4. Range of motion and strength are re-measured at most visits, so you can see whether the tissue is changing rather than guess.

What it is used for

Manual adhesion release is part of care for most of the conditions we treat, because fibrous muscle adhesion sits behind so much chronic pain. Examples:

What it feels like

Pressure is firm and specific to the restricted spot rather than spread over a whole area. Tell us if it is too much and it is adjusted.

Cost

Manual adhesion release is part of a standard follow-up visit. Current prices are on the pricing page.

New patients start with a comprehensive exam; no treatment is performed on the first visit. Book a new-patient exam or call 720.502.6468.

Frequently asked questions

What is IASTM?

Instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization uses a tool edge to locate and work restricted tissue, which helps when the layer is fascial or the contact area is small.

Is manual adhesion release the same as massage?

No. It is specific pressure along a line of restriction found in the exam, aimed at restoring slide between tissue layers, rather than general work over a whole area.

Is manual adhesion release done on its own?

It is part of most follow-up visits, usually combined with shockwave or EMTT in the same visit of about 10-15 minutes.

Does manual adhesion release cost extra?

It is part of a standard follow-up visit. Current prices are on the pricing page.

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