Soft tissue injuries are very common, though many people don't know the term. They occur when skin, muscles, tendons, and ligaments receive damage — such as bruises, cuts, sprains, strains, and tendinitis. These injuries can be treated several different ways, including a type of physical therapy called soft tissue mobilization.

What Is Soft Mobilization Therapy?

Soft mobilization therapy is a form of manual therapy that is performed by licensed physical therapists or physical therapist assistants. It uses pressure and stretching to loosen restricted, painful soft tissue, which includes skin, fat, muscles, nerves, tendons, ligaments, cartilage, fascia, and blood vessels. It should not be confused with massage therapy, which may be performed by professionals with no medical training.

The process begins as most physical therapy programs do — with a thorough exam. The therapist will identify issues and test the range of your mobility. After that, they will recommend a course and length of treatment. A number of techniques, which are all designed to manipulate the affected area until it relaxes, may include sustained pressure, strain-counterstrain, direct oscillations, Instrument Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization, friction massage, and cupping.

What Benefits Does Soft Mobilization Therapy Offer?

Soft mobilization therapy can be used to treat a wide range of conditions, including ankle sprains, carpal tunnel syndrome, chronic neck pain, hip pain, plantar fasciitis, shin splints and tennis elbow.

This kind of physical therapy has many benefits. The primary goals of soft mobilization are to decrease or eliminate pain, increase mobility, boost blood flow, reduce the appearance of adhesions, restore functionality of body parts, encourage fluid drainage, and promote faster recovery. 

For your physical therapy needs, count on Mossy Creek Rehab. They provide a variety of services to patients in Jefferson City, TN, as well as Dandridge, Talbott, New Market, Strawberry Plains, and Rutledge. Founders Robert and Sherry Matjevich individually have over 30 years of physical therapy experience. The trained physical therapists specialize in outpatient orthopedics and sports medicine. They offer treatment for neck, back, knee and neck pain, as well as post-surgical recovery and soft mobilization therapy. Call (865) 262-9044 to schedule an appointment or visit their website to learn more about the clinic.