Astym® treatment is a therapy that regenerates healthy soft tissues (muscles, tendons, etc.), and eliminates or reduces unwanted scar tissue that may be causing pain or movement restrictions. Astym®treatment is highly effective and even works when other approaches routinely fail. One of the main reasons Astym® treatment is so much more effective than other treatments is that it was scientifically developed to resolve the underlying cause of soft tissue problems, rather than just trying to temporarily relieve symptoms. It is one of the most researched and effective therapy treatments available.
Generally, chronic soft tissue problems are due to scarring or degeneration. Soft tissues include muscles, tendons and ligaments. Both scarring and degeneration are common and can result in pain and limitations in movement.
The body’s soft tissues degenerate when inadequate healing occurs, and over time the tissues degrade. Degenerated tissues are weak and prone to injury. Degeneration can be caused by many factors, including age, intense use, improper movement, weakened muscles putting extra stress on other tissues, disease, etc.
So how does this process work?
First we stimulate: An Astym®-certified therapist follows specific treatment parameters to initiate the healing process. She or he will run instruments firmly along your skin, following the direction of the muscle, tendon or ligament. You will feel bumps as the instrument moves along your skin. These bumps are the defective soft tissue. The first couple of treatments may range from being only slightly noticeable to mildly uncomfortable — but stick with it. As your body heals, those bumps will decrease and the area around your old injury will smooth out nicely, indicating healing. There also may be some mild bruising in the area being treated, but don’t worry! That is one indication that the body is hard at work, absorbing the old tissue and laying down healthy new tissue.
Then you stretch and strengthen: It’s up to you to guide how your body heals. Your therapist will give you a customized stretching and strengthening program designed to encourage your body to heal correctly. Stretching tells the new fibers to line up properly, in nice parallel lines. Strengthening makes the fibers stronger, allowing your symptoms of pain and discomfort to go away.
And stay active: We’ve found that if you continue to work, play sports or do your favorite activities while you are enrolled in Astym® therapy, the tissue remodeling will occur in a way that supports these activities. The great news is that the Astym® treatment allows you to participate in these activities without the pain you previously felt. By remaining active during the Astym® process, your old injured area will become stronger.
Astym® treatment is a therapy that regenerates healthy soft tissues (muscles, tendons, etc.), and eliminates or reduces unwanted scar tissue that may be causing pain or movement restrictions, such as what you experience when you have plantar fasciitis. Astym®treatment is highly effective and even works when other approaches routinely fail. One of the main reasons Astym® treatment is so much more effective than other treatments is that it was scientifically developed to resolve the underlying cause of soft tissue problems, rather than just trying to temporarily relieve symptoms. It is one of the most researched and effective therapy treatments available. Astym®treatment is unmatched in its ability to resolve tendinopathies, scar tissue problems, and other soft tissue dysfunctions. Doctors regularly prescribe Astym® treatment specifically for their patients, and elite athletes and knowledgeable patients seek out Astym® treatment for superior results. When your health and ability to stay active is at stake, only the best will do.
Generally, chronic soft tissue problems are due to scarring or degeneration. Soft tissues include muscles, tendons and ligaments. Both scarring and degeneration are common and can result in pain and limitations in movement.
The body’s soft tissues degenerate when inadequate healing occurs, and over time the tissues degrade. Degenerated tissues are weak and prone to injury. Degeneration can be caused by many factors, including age, intense use, improper movement, weakened muscles putting extra stress on other tissues, disease, etc. Most chronic tendinopathies are primarily degenerative in nature.
Scarring can happen on top of the skin, but often the biggest problems come from scar tissue that forms inside the body around joints, muscles, tendons and/or ligaments. The body naturally lays down some scar tissue in response to irritation or injury. The fibrous, strong scar tissue is meant to reinforce an area, but often it ends up restricting movement and causing pain. The causes of problem scar tissue can be injury (such as a sprained ankle, car accident, etc.), a surgery (good surgery can be done, but the body’s response with scar tissue can prevent a full recovery), intense or over use of soft tissues (such as sports, repetitive work, activity beyond your fitness level, etc.), sprains or other strains on soft tissues.
In regards to plantar fasciitis, check out this amazing testimonial:
I had been suffering with plantar fasciitis in my right foot for a very long time, years off and on. Sometimes it was so bad, I could barely walk. Those first few steps in the morning were incredibly painful. I have always enjoyed working out, running and being active. I would have to give up running for months on end at times and had to adjust my routine in the gym to accommodate the pain in my foot. I had seen a podiatrist many times, used custom orthotics in my shoes daily and had cortisone shots in my heel many times. Nothing seemed to work for long.
I began taking Pilates at Back2Normal to incorporate a good stretching routine into my weekly workout schedule in an effort to help all the areas of my body that were limited from tight muscles, including my foot. There I met Lisa Chase, who owns the facility and is an amazing physical therapist. She began treating me for my plantar fasciitis and some lower back pain. Lisa introduced Astym Therapy to my therapy for several weeks. It can be uncomfortable if you are already in pain, but I noticed a difference immediately after each treatment and after several weeks, my foot is almost 100%. I still have tightness if I don’t keep up the stretching, but when I begin to feel it tightening up, I make sure to get in and break up that tissue with some Astym therapy from Lisa. It has made a marked difference in my fitness capabilities and just my daily comfort.
Carol Thornton
Back2Normal Physical Therapy, Saint Petersburg, Florida
In order to determine whether Astym® treatment is right for you, please give our offices a call. Mark is a certified provider and will be glad to get you back on your feet again – pain free!
Poor posture is something that everyone is guilty of. Desk workers, people looking down at their phones extended periods of time, and video gamers are just some of the culprits. Everyone is guilty. The problem is this results in neck pain, upper back pain and headaches. This is caused from maintaining poor posture too long.
For example, if you have a forward head posture, for every inch forward, add ten pounds of weight. Your upper spine and muscles have to maintain this and fight gravity. If you maintain this for too long, eventually your body will break down.
Learn more from Mark on how to avoid pain from poor posture here.
Stay tuned to our series to find out various exercises that you can do every day to help avoid the problems that come from poor posture. Make sure to subscribe to our YouTube Channel!
It is important to change up your exercise moves. In a next series of videos, we are going to show you how making small, subtle changes and stressing different areas of the body will help yield different results. These changes will also help you target specific muscle groups, and incorporate some ways to change up your range of motion.
For these examples, we will be focusing on how to change your step ups. You can use a step in your house, or an exercise step. We will show you how to work different parts of your body, and it will also include some variety so you keep interested in your exercises. Avoid the rut by varying it up!
There are a lot of articles out there that talk about how to start an exercise program if you are looking to get back to working out. But what about those people who have NEVER worked out? Or better still, what about those people that have serious physical challenges that prohibit certain movements?
In the video below, we are discussing one of our patients who is in need of some hip surgery. The doctors doing the surgery want her to lose weight, and simply sent her on her way. We see this a lot. In this particular case, she has not moved in a very long time, so the last thing she needs to do is attempt any exercise without a plan.
Very often people do too much too soon, and with poor form because they do not know any better. More often than not, they will either make things worse or give up from frustration due to pain. That is why we encourage ANYONE who has been told they need to exercise for whatever reason to come see us FIRST. We will show you what moves you should be doing, how to do them, and when to increase to something more difficult.
Watch this video and let’s all encourage Paula on her journey!
Stay tuned to our YouTube Channel so you can see Mark demonstrate different types of beginning movements!
We discussed last month why your glute muscles are an important part of your body mechanics. Unfortunately, they are compromised primarily from too much sitting. And that is not the only muscle group that suffers. Most people do not actively work their glute muscles, resulting in gluteal amnesia. When you sit too long, your glute muscles will suffer. This will lead to all sorts of health problems.
Now we are turning our attention to some moves you can do that will help with your shoulders, upper back and your hip mobility.
Listen here for more information from Mark about this condition. We even have some entertainment for you in the beginning!
Stay tuned to our YouTube Channel so you can see him demonstrate different types glute strengthening exercises.
Mark Slaughter is absolutely brilliant when it comes to figuring out what’s going on with your body when things quit working right or you need surgical recovery! He got me up & moving the same day I went to see him... Read more ...
2016-03-18T13:21:35+00:00
Mark Slaughter is absolutely brilliant when it comes to figuring out what’s going on with your body when things quit working right or you need surgical recovery! He got me up & moving the same day I went to see him for back problems and plantars fasciitis after several visits to an ortho surgeon, a foot doctor and 2 chiropractors couldn’t seem to help me. Amazing! He’s down-to-earth, fun, easy to learn from and so genuine. He truly cares about making people the very best they can be! Mark is simply the best there is. Period.
I have loved coming to Mark. It has been so much fun & I really feel my arm is getting better everyday. Mark has also helped with my posture which makes me happy. I also feel like I am getting stronger... Read more ...
2016-04-12T14:00:35+00:00
I have loved coming to Mark. It has been so much fun & I really feel my arm is getting better everyday. Mark has also helped with my posture which makes me happy. I also feel like I am getting stronger everyday.
What a GREAT place to rehab! Mark Slaughter, PT is both professional and personal and he always puts his patients best interest as his number one priority by going over and beyond to assure progress. It's clear how much he cares... Read more ...
2016-08-15T13:49:03+00:00
What a GREAT place to rehab! Mark Slaughter, PT is both professional and personal and he always puts his patients best interest as his number one priority by going over and beyond to assure progress. It's clear how much he cares about his patients. Sharon is terrific too!! As a massage therapist and recipient I am very particular in choosing a therapist. In my opinion, Mark Slaughter and his staff are the best in the area.
After spending almost 4 months on complete bedrest at Mercy Hospital for complications associated with my triplet pregnancy, I needed extensive therapy. At the time, I could not walk up stairs without sitting on each step and using my arms... Read more ...
2016-08-15T14:07:47+00:00
After spending almost 4 months on complete bedrest at Mercy Hospital for complications associated with my triplet pregnancy, I needed extensive therapy. At the time, I could not walk up stairs without sitting on each step and using my arms to assist me. My doctor recomended Mark Slaughter. She as well as other doctor friends, use him for their personal p.t. I went in for my initial visit and immeditely knew I was in great hands. They worked with me and my busy schedule of raising preemie triplets. Mark was one on one with me each visit using the latest techniques to ensure my full recovery. He makes it fun with his awesome personality and jokes. He always asked for updates on my triplets. Mark pours his heart into his patients to make sure they are at their best. He loves his job and helping others and it TRULY shows! The clinic is a fun atmosphere where you always feel welcome. I have referred my own family and friends to him numerous times. As for me, I now have the strength to enjoy normal activities thanks to Mark!
After 5 months of procrastinating over an injured elbow that seemed not to be healing it was recommended I call Mark Slaughter at FYZICAL for Life. Mark did an excellent job of diagnosing the injury, developed a thorough plan that reduced... Read more ...
2017-03-27T10:15:43+00:00
After 5 months of procrastinating over an injured elbow that seemed not to be healing it was recommended I call Mark Slaughter at FYZICAL for Life. Mark did an excellent job of diagnosing the injury, developed a thorough plan that reduced pain, improved mobility, strengthened the muscles surrounding the elbow, and allowed the torn tendon to heal. I highly recommend Mark and his staff. Great Job and Thanks!
Very friendly staff. They always are prepared when you arrive and have your therapy plan for the day ready. Mark listens to what I have say and always makes sure I understand what is being done and why.
2016-03-18T13:23:09+00:00
Very friendly staff. They always are prepared when you arrive and have your therapy plan for the day ready. Mark listens to what I have say and always makes sure I understand what is being done and why.
This is the perfect place to come to if you are in pain and then to continue coming to to stay on track. It is a small, friendly place to work out. The atmosphere is always positive and encouraging. Mark... Read more ...
2016-04-12T14:03:23+00:00
This is the perfect place to come to if you are in pain and then to continue coming to to stay on track. It is a small, friendly place to work out. The atmosphere is always positive and encouraging. Mark keeps an eye on everyone so we do our exercises right. He is always right - but don't tell him I said that!
Mark and Sharon were instrumental in my progress to gain strength, balance and flexibility after multiple surgeries on my legs. He brought a new awareness to all my workouts. He encouraged my success with a positive attitude and attentiveness. Thank you... Read more ...
2016-08-15T13:50:45+00:00
Mark and Sharon were instrumental in my progress to gain strength, balance and flexibility after multiple surgeries on my legs. He brought a new awareness to all my workouts. He encouraged my success with a positive attitude and attentiveness. Thank you Mark, I feel I was given a second chance to be better and stronger.
Mark Slaughter and his staff at Fyzical Therapy & Balance Center are very knowledgeable, professional, caring, friendly, and helpful. Mark was able to diagnose my problem even when I was unable to say exactly what was wrong with me! He... Read more ...
2017-01-24T11:59:34+00:00
Mark Slaughter and his staff at Fyzical Therapy & Balance Center are very knowledgeable, professional, caring, friendly, and helpful. Mark was able to diagnose my problem even when I was unable to say exactly what was wrong with me! He pinpointed my injury and tailored my therapy sessions which ultimately reduced my pain and furthered the healing process. Mark took his time explaining my injury, what was needed to heal and also what was necessary to prevent a recurrence of my injury. Despite being injured, It was always a pleasure going to therapy because of the upbeat personalities at FYZICAL
After a devastating injury when I was 21 which left me managing paralysis and pain in my right leg, I chose then not to “fit the mold” of having a disability. About 5 years ago when I turned 40, I... Read more ...
2017-03-27T10:17:06+00:00
After a devastating injury when I was 21 which left me managing paralysis and pain in my right leg, I chose then not to “fit the mold” of having a disability. About 5 years ago when I turned 40, I started to feel the effects of the injury on my overall health. I found it difficult to go up and down stairs as well as started taking medication to manage the pain. It was then that I realized I needed to do something different and joined a specialized gym. I saw incredible improvement in my strength and overall health. I am currently a member at Iron Orchid in Maryville where I enjoy working out with amazing coaches and members 3-5 days per week. The Gym has helped me to gain the strength to stay active. My husband Chad and I love hiking and have made it our goal to book a trip each year to see different parts of the country. Our most recent trip was in October to Tennessee where we hiked 26 miles in 5 days! Recently I felt something pop and tear in my “good” leg while working out. I panicked over what this meant for my ability to stay active, as I rely on this leg to make up the difference for what my right leg cannot do. With the diagnosis of a torn calf muscle, a set of crutches (kind of a joke hopping on a “bad/now good” leg you can’t feel), significant pain, and the possibility of surgery I was devastated. Chad quickly made call to Pat for an appointment and we got in with Mark Slaughter at Fyzical Therapy the same day to get a second opinion and therapy started. At my first appointment with Mark, I was so thankful that he wasn’t...
I had crossed things off my list that I didn’t think my body could do due to overuse and injury. Mark proved me wrong and I have never been as strong and healthy as I am today. The techniques he has taught... Read more ...
2016-03-18T13:27:53+00:00
I had crossed things off my list that I didn’t think my body could do due to overuse and injury. Mark proved me wrong and I have never been as strong and healthy as I am today. The techniques he has taught me (ALWAYS with proper form), I will carry with me forever. Getting to the gym isn’t a problem for me anymore…it’s leaving.
Mark and his staff do a great job of getting your body back to normal as long as the person is willing to work hard. After I had knee surgery I was back to regular activities within eight weeks. I couldn't have done... Read more ...
2016-04-12T14:04:47+00:00
Mark and his staff do a great job of getting your body back to normal as long as the person is willing to work hard. After I had knee surgery I was back to regular activities within eight weeks. I couldn't have done it without them pushing me.
I've suffered from back pain since I was 13 years old, caused by Scoliosis and then a major auto accident. A need for physical therapy took me to Mark Slaughter, who examined my back and listened to my history and... Read more ...
2016-08-15T13:52:01+00:00
I've suffered from back pain since I was 13 years old, caused by Scoliosis and then a major auto accident. A need for physical therapy took me to Mark Slaughter, who examined my back and listened to my history and complaints. With Marks professional direction, I was able to begin strength training and endurance exercise and learned how not to hurt myself. Mark taught me techniques that I use daily to stay pain-free. He genuinely cares about people getting better. Thanks, Mark!
I get by with a little help from my friends- my friend Mark, that is. I have had the "pleasure" of Mark helping me rehabilitate after two injuries- knee surgery and a broken wrist. Mark knows how to push you... Read more ...
2017-01-24T12:03:04+00:00
I get by with a little help from my friends- my friend Mark, that is. I have had the "pleasure" of Mark helping me rehabilitate after two injuries- knee surgery and a broken wrist. Mark knows how to push you "just a little bit further" to get the most out of your session and to get you back to your old self as soon as possible. I recommend Mark and Pat- and the puppies- to everyone!
If anyone ever needs physical therapy, I’m sure there are many places to go. However, I have had therapy at this place twice for surgery after a torn meniscus ad a broken wrist. I’m speaking from my experience and would... Read more ...
2018-01-09T10:16:49+00:00
If anyone ever needs physical therapy, I’m sure there are many places to go. However, I have had therapy at this place twice for surgery after a torn meniscus ad a broken wrist. I’m speaking from my experience and would like to express my gratitude to Mark, Sharon and Pat for making me feel as though my recovery was top priority. They are all professional, caring, friendly team workers and will get you back where you feel great. I think they are so good I now work out at this facility 3 times a week and feel younger than my age. What better place to work out where you have a physical therapist and PTA watching you to ensure you are exercising properly so you don’t injure yourself. They are awesome! Highly recommend Fyzical therapy & Balance Centers of Edwardsville!
Mark Slaughter is the top physical therapist in our area. His one-on-one personal and professional attention with myself as a patient and my family, is greatly appreciated! He has not only helped us with issues we have had, he takes... Read more ...
2016-03-18T13:28:35+00:00
Mark Slaughter is the top physical therapist in our area. His one-on-one personal and professional attention with myself as a patient and my family, is greatly appreciated! He has not only helped us with issues we have had, he takes the extra step to insure that we are stronger to prevent future injuries. He worked closely with our daughter's surgeon before and after her ACL surgery and it was a total success! Thank you for always being there!
Through my athletic career, Mark helped me overcome injuries quickly and become the strongest I have been. His caring demeanor and encouragement made me push harder to achieve more. He genuinely cares about the people he works with and makes... Read more ...
2016-04-12T14:06:21+00:00
Through my athletic career, Mark helped me overcome injuries quickly and become the strongest I have been. His caring demeanor and encouragement made me push harder to achieve more. He genuinely cares about the people he works with and makes the experience very comfortable.
It's special to know someone like Mark. He is been a part of me & my family for a very long time. Sports is in my whole family's DNA, & Mark makes me understand my body & helped make me who I... Read more ...
2016-08-15T13:53:12+00:00
It's special to know someone like Mark. He is been a part of me & my family for a very long time. Sports is in my whole family's DNA, & Mark makes me understand my body & helped make me who I am today. Mark has touched the lives of many people & influenced them to be better in everything they do. Mark is the best in the business, no doubt about it.
Kudos to Mark Slaughter and the staff at FYZICAL. I can’t praise Mark, Pat, Sharon and his staff (even their dogs) enough for the way they treated me. They made me feel like part of their family. I highly recommend... Read more ...
2017-01-24T12:04:24+00:00
Kudos to Mark Slaughter and the staff at FYZICAL. I can’t praise Mark, Pat, Sharon and his staff (even their dogs) enough for the way they treated me. They made me feel like part of their family. I highly recommend them for any of your physical therapy needs. I was a mess when I first came to Mark. My recovery from my total knee replacement had not gone well. My knee flexion and extension numbers were actually worse than before my surgery ten weeks before. I honestly thought I was going to have to live with the pain and lack of mobility for the rest of my life. It was a friend of mine who actually recommended Mark. When I went in for my first consultation Mark listened, evaluated my progress, and developed a plan especially designed for me. It wasn’t a “one size fits all” like I had been getting. Mark explained the reason for each exercise. He always gave me positive feedback and encouragement. When I went back to my doctor after only three weeks with Mark he was pleasantly surprised with my progress. After another four weeks with Mark I was released from my doctor’s care and was able to go back to work. Amen to that! With my next knee replacement, I’ll go to Mark first!!
Mark has helped me so much when it comes to learning about the body and how to properly use it. Whether it be with sports or just feeling good throughout the day, the knowledge he has shared with me is... Read more ...
2018-01-09T10:19:33+00:00
Mark has helped me so much when it comes to learning about the body and how to properly use it. Whether it be with sports or just feeling good throughout the day, the knowledge he has shared with me is constantly in use throughout my day. I came to Mark when I injured my elbow and was diagnosed with tendinitis. The rehab I was doing wasn't working like I expected, so Mark offered to help me out. Thank God. After beginning workouts with Mark, my elbow began to heal properly, and my overall athleticism got much better. Without Mark, I honestly don't think I would have been able to come back 100% healthy for my senior year. So for that, I'm forever thankful! My only regret is that I didn't find out about Mark earlier. Throughout college, I've learned a lot about training. Almost all of the things I've found beneficial to becoming a better athlete somehow relate back to the principles I've learned from Mark. How to properly use your body shouldn't be a secret anymore. People of all ages in Edwardsville and the surrounding area really need to check Fyzical Therapy & Balance Centers out. You won't regret it!
Astym® treatment is a therapy that regenerates healthy soft tissues (muscles, tendons, etc.), and eliminates or reduces unwanted scar tissue that may be causing pain or movement restrictions. Astym®treatment is highly effective and even works when other approaches routinely fail. One of the main reasons Astym® treatment is so much more effective than other treatments is that it was scientifically developed to resolve the underlying cause of soft tissue problems, rather than just trying to temporarily relieve symptoms. It is one of the most researched and effective therapy treatments available.
Astym® treatment is a therapy that regenerates healthy soft tissues (muscles, tendons, etc.), and eliminates or reduces unwanted scar tissue that may be causing pain or movement restrictions, such as what you experience when you have plantar fasciitis. Astym®treatment is highly effective and even works when other approaches routinely fail. One of the main reasons Astym® treatment is so much more effective than other treatments is that it was scientifically developed to resolve the underlying cause of soft tissue problems, rather than just trying to temporarily relieve symptoms. It is one of the most researched and effective therapy treatments available. Astym®treatment is unmatched in its ability to resolve tendinopathies, scar tissue problems, and other soft tissue dysfunctions. Doctors regularly prescribe Astym® treatment specifically for their patients, and elite athletes and knowledgeable patients seek out Astym® treatment for superior results. When your health and ability to stay active is at stake, only the best will do.
