Instrument (Assisted) Soft Tissue Release (ISTR) is simply the use of a tool (usually stainless steel) to massage your muscles and connective tissues. We use ISTR because the pressure is more firm and consistent than our hands. Depending on the area we’re treating, ISTR can be a more effective choice. The bonus to using ISTR is that it saves our hands a little bit!
It is just another treatment option, to accomplish the same goals as other techniques such as manual therapy. We want to release tight and painful muscles, decrease muscular pain and improve mobility with ISTR. We always combine hands-on techniques like ISTR with therapeutic exercise for long term improvements! The ultimate goal with all of our treatments is to get you back to your normal daily activities and help you accomplish your goals.
This totally depends on the amount of pressure being applied and how sensitive the area is to begin with. Our physiotherapists gauge the ISTR treatment to match your comfort and status of your injury. Some pain is usually expected but we can decrease our pressure to make it less painful, if needed.
The risks are very low and your therapist is very well informed as to when and when not to perform ISTR. Instrument soft tissue release is similar to a massage, we just use a tool to do it!
All of our physiotherapists perform ISTR as a part of a very comprehensive treatment.
Vivian graduated with a Master’s of Science in Physical Therapy from Queen’s University in 2010. She moved to Calgary and has worked in private practice in Calgary since January of 2011 (Maximum Potential Physiotherapy since 2013 and Country Hills Physiotherapy since 2016). Vivian has a large focus on assessing and treating the body as a…
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January graduated from University of Alberta with a Bachelor of Physical Education. After a year working as a kinesiologist, she completed her Masters of Science in Physical Therapy from McMaster University in 2013. Having realized that being able to see and experience the mountains were an integral part of her well-being, she returned to Alberta….
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Matt graduated with a Master’s of Science in Physical Therapy from the University of Alberta after completing an undergraduate degree in kinesiology at the University of Calgary. Originally from the Okanagan, Matt was drawn to the mountains in Alberta to pursue competitive cross-country skiing, staying in Alberta to pursue his education. Matt grew up playing…
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Joe grew up in Williams Lake, a small city in the heart of the Cariboo Chilcotin Interior of British Columbia. There Joe had the opportunity to grow up in the outdoors of the Wild West where most of his childhood was spent outside enjoying various activities such as hiking, camping, hunting, fishing, skiing, trail running…
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Allison is a graduate of the University of Alberta where she completed her Master of Science in Physical Therapy. She completed her undergraduate degree in Kinesiology at the University of Calgary while also riding for the Canadian track cycling national team. As a Canadian cyclist she attended multiple World Championships and two Olympic Games, highlighted…
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Our patients come from all across Calgary including: