Soft tissue mobilization is one of the essential rehabilitation tools. Physical therapists use it to help you recover from an injury faster. Unfortunately, most people are unfamiliar with what it actually entails.

There are several types of soft tissue mobilization techniques and approaches. Each one can make a significant difference in your recovery from an injury. 

Let’s take a look at some of the ways soft tissue mobilization can help with your injury recovery.

What kind of soft tissue injuries does it help?

Soft tissue mobilization can help with almost any soft tissue injury. It’s helpful for injuries such as tendinitis, bursitis, pinched nerves and ligament sprains. It can even help relieve muscle soreness after a workout.

As we age, our bodies tend to stiffen up more than they used to, making soft tissue mobilization very beneficial later in life.

8 ways this technique can help your soft tissue injury

1. It gets the tissue moving again.

Soft tissue mobilization can help break up adhesions, or areas of scar tissue. The idea is to break down these adhesions so that your soft tissue can move freely again. Whether the adhesions are from repetitive strain or an acute injury, this technique can help. 

Breaking up the adhesions makes it easier for your muscles and joints to move, improving range of motion, flexibility and mobility. 

2. It stimulates the recovery process.

There’s some evidence soft tissue work can even help you recover faster after an injury or surgery. Soft tissue mobilization aims to get fluid flowing through those tight muscles and tendons. When your physical therapist manipulates those areas, they’re encouraging blood flow. The technique can also help your body produce collagen (one of your body’s main healing agents). In addition, the treatment may reduce inflammation and pain. 

3. It can reduce swelling and edema.

When you’re dealing with inflammation, swelling and edema — the buildup of fluid in tissue — soft tissue mobilization can help. Its main effect is reducing inflammation in soft tissue (muscles, tendons, ligaments) through mechanical disruption. 

This type of therapy also loosens joints by improving circulation, thus increasing nutrition to healthy cells and speeding recovery after injury.

4. It can play a key role in pain reduction.

One of soft tissue mobilization’s most significant benefits is pain reduction. Trigger points are associated with pain, and research has shown that mobilization helps break up these spots to reduce symptoms. Muscle tension can also cause stress on your spine, which can cause irritation or inflammation of bones and muscles. That’s why keeping your muscles free from pressure (and trigger points) is so important. 

5. It can help restore functionality.

All injuries involve an impairment to movement in some form. Soft tissue mobilization is known to restore functionality following injury, so long as it’s performed by a professional. Improper or unskilled soft tissue work can make a recovery from injury harder. When dealing with an injury, be sure to get assistance from a physical therapist who understands soft tissue mobilization and is skilled at applying it to your specific needs.  

6. It helps lengthen tendons and muscles.

Tightening and shortening of tendons can lead to muscle injuries, which can cause further issues with flexibility. A trained physical therapist can administer soft tissue mobilization to lengthen your tight muscles, tendons and fascia. The result can be improved mobility in your soft tissue.  

7. It may increase lymph flow.

When we suffer an injury, our bodies respond by sending blood and lymphatic fluid to heal it. This results in swelling that can hinder recovery. Still, with regular soft tissue mobilization, you can encourage lymph flow and help your body dispose of excess fluids, decreasing swelling and promoting faster recovery. 

8. It can help improve blood flow and oxygenation.

Even with your small joints, improving blood flow and oxygenation is possible. These two things can decrease aches and pains and help promote recovery and prevent future injuries. Having a physical therapist perform mobilization techniques that focus on your hips, shoulders, knees, elbows and ankles can go a long way toward improving blood flow to these areas. These movements are also highly effective at flushing out lactic acid buildup in soft tissue (which contributes to soreness) during exercise.

Find soft tissue mobilization that can help you at Continuum Wellness 

Have you been struggling with a soft tissue injury? One of our expert physical therapists at Continuum Wellness is ready to treat you. If you suffer from a soft tissue injury, we offer free screenings that can identify the root injury cause. Furthermore, our therapists can formulate a physical therapy treatment plan customized to your needs that can decrease your pain and prevent it from occurring again. 

Get in touch with our team and schedule an appointment if you suffer from a soft tissue injury.