Instrument assisted soft tissue mobilization- an emerging trend for soft tissue dysfunction

Musculoskeletal disorders are common conditions involving joints, muscles, nerves, ligaments and tendons. These disorders affect normal activities and cause discomfort. These discomforts are managed by different types of interventions, including exercise, acupuncture, soft tissue release and manual therapy, as conservative modes of management. Soft tissue release, including active release technique, fascial abrasion, and myo-fascial release are considered effective for musculoskeletal function improvement. Advanced technology-improved and instrument-assisted techniques are being used nowadays. These instruments are sensitive in the localisation, specification and facilitation of the target area with the help of mechanical pressure applied on tissue with movement of specific muscle. Prognosis varies with good outcomes using fewer sessions than the others. But it needs proper localisation of the muscle involved and special training. The advantage considered is that musculoskeletal disorders can also be prevented in practitioners as well.