Has anyone had ASTYM. Can compare to Graston

A solution to this problem was found 40 years ago without using stainless steel instruments. See http://myofascialrelease.com/

This method has been around for 4,000 years. Checkout gua sha.

Our current AT worked at Towson with the person who developed graston. However even she admits the tools are very expensive. She actually uses the back of a butter knife on us and it works just as well.

Graston is a form of myofascial release. However if you have ever had the 2 done, they are vastly different in terms of results, and MFR doesn't stimulate fibroblastic activity to heal chronic tendinoses.

Thoughtful Therapist wrote:

A solution to this problem was found 40 years ago without using stainless steel instruments. See

http://myofascialrelease.com/

DavidVGoliath is correct. The soft tissue doesn't "know" if an instrument or a hand (or other body part for that matter) is being used, the same physiological responses will occur based on pressure, time of pressure application and specificity of application. While the intent of developing a tool to use to assist with soft tissue mobilization may have been good, it has become a giant marketing ploy to sell education to the various practitioners who themselves are looking for a "niche" in their own markets.

Atrains wrote:

...the same physiological responses will occur based on pressure, time of pressure application and specificity of application.

As I understand it, this is exactly why something like Graston is better than traditional massage. Using tools allows for longer "time of pressure application". Without the tools, the practioner's hands fatigue faster.

If a "tool" allows more specific or better access to an area and makes it easier on the practitioner all the better, its just the marketing aspect and the exorbitant prices to become certified in said technique that is a little annoying to me. Specific soft tissue work is great and IMO is too often forgone in favor of other methods. Addressing a "local" lesion is important but going deeper and finding the imbalance that caused it in the first place is the bigger concern.

Very affordable tool(s) produced by a PT student.

Gua Sha with the back of a butter knife or coin, with massage oil. Basically the same as graston. Don't waste your money on stuff you can do yourself.

You Said:

David Vs Goliath wrote: If practitioner has talent; bare hands (no tools) are better. Remember this is scraping the skin with a weighted tool to effect the deep tissues. Don't be fooled; it's the magician not the wand.

I've used my hands since 1984. You CANNOT feel the texture of underlying tissues with your hands as you can with the ASTYM tools. The tissues cause a vibration over course tissues that cannot be palpated with your hands. If you say you can palpate this then I know you don't know what you're talking about. You use your hands for other things other than what the tools are used for.

[quote]voiceofreason wrote:

You said: I have used plastic instruments before Graston, though not the ASTYM tools, and the stainless is superior because of their weight and comfort to the patient. That said, most people still experience some discomfort during treatment, but it is more tolerable with the Graston compared to the plastic ones

Reply: You must be kidding! The steel one's almost instantly bruise even in the hands of experienced users. The resin composite tools ASTYM uses are less invasive and are less likely to bruise.

All these disciplines are basically on similar principles. IASTM, ASTYM, GT, Instrument assisted ART.

Stainless steel tools are still the most versatile, just needs some expert use.

I had no success with ASTYM, Graston, or ART on my high hamstring. it took someone figuring out that i wasn't using my glutes to make any progress.

What are your thoughts on doing self-treatment without training using tools like this? http://recoveryourstride.blogspot.com/2015/03/self-treat-your-body-with-techniques.html Any successes or could you end up hurting yourself?

You don't know what you are talking about. If you use the ASTYM tools and thebgraston tools on the same patients and do the same amount of good, there will be just as much bruising or pettechial formation if they are applied the same way. Don't fall for the ASTYM dogma just because they said it.

MitchH wrote:

[quote]voiceofreason wrote:

You said: I have used plastic instruments before Graston, though not the ASTYM tools, and the stainless is superior because of their weight and comfort to the patient. That said, most people still experience some discomfort during treatment, but it is more tolerable with the Graston compared to the plastic ones

Reply: You must be kidding! The steel one's almost instantly bruise even in the hands of experienced users. The resin composite tools ASTYM uses are less invasive and are less likely to bruise.

You can do self treatment but you should know what you are doing before attempting it.

TDF wrote:

What are your thoughts on doing self-treatment without training using tools like this?

http://recoveryourstride.blogspot.com/2015/03/self-treat-your-body-with-techniques.html

Any successes or could you end up hurting yourself?