Mission Statement

Rock Valley Physical Therapy is dedicated to making better lives by fostering a timely, optimal outcome in a customer focused environment. Our highly skilled and compassionate team provides individualized one-on-one care for each patient. Our patients typically work with one therapist from start to finish. Every team member goes through extensive training and mentorship to ensure that each patient receives the highest level of care. At Rock Valley everything we have and everything we learn is about making better lives, one patient at a time.



We look forward to working with you!



- Amy, Luke, and Rachael



Disclaimer: This blog is intended for informational purposes only and is not to be considered medical advice. It is not intended to replace consultation with a licensed medical profession or qualify as physical therapy treatment. We are under no circumstance liable for advice given on this website.



Monday, August 1, 2011

ASTYM


The ASTYM system is an evidence-based rehabilitation process designed to effectively treat chronic tendon disorders, scar tissue and fibrosis.


The goal of the ASTYM treatment is to stimulate the body’s healing response, resulting in the resorption and remodeling of scar tissue and the regeneration of degenerative tendons. This effective therapy incorporates a customized program of stretching and exercise, which positively influences the alignment of the new collagen.

For some of you who may have heard of this technique, through personal experience or observation, there are some common misconceptions that we would like to clarify.  Please read-on as we unravel the myths surrounding this effective rehab process:

Myth:  All soft tissue injuries are treated equally regardless of the underlying cause.

Fact:  Chronic, long-standing repetitive injuries must be treated differently than acute injuries.  The absence of cardinal signs of inflammation should necessitate that an alternate approach should be taken.  Interventions used for a tendinosis that attempt to address inflammation where inflammation is absent will be unsuccessful.


Myth:  ASTYM is just “scrapping” people with tools.

Fact:  ASTYM tools are designed and used to promote controlled capillary leakage promoting phagocytosis of inappropriate tissue and stimulation of fibroblasts.  Although to the lay person treatments appear to be scrapping tissue, provider training and testing ensure the  proper tool pressure, direction, and angulation give the sought after effect.

 
Myth:  ASTYM is most effective when done without exercise.

Fact:  Exercise, including strength and flexibility,  in conjunction with ASTYM treatment is necessary to promote proper collagen fiber alignment and alleviate impairments caused by chronic dysfunction.
 
 
References:
Kannus P and Jozsa L. Histopathologic changes preceding spontaneous rupture of a tendon. Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery. 1991; 73-A(10):1507-1525.
Maffulli N, Khan KM, Puddu G. Overuse tendon conditions: time to change a confusing terminology. Arthroscopy. 1998; 14(8):840-843.
Gehlsen GM, Ganion L, Helfst RH. Fibroblast Response to Variation in Soft Tissue Mobilization Pressure. Med Sci Sports Ex 1998; 31(4):531-535.
Wilson JK, Sevier TL, Helfst RH, Honing EW, Thomann A. Comparison of rehabilitation methods in the treatment of patellar tendinitis. J Sports Rehab, 2000;9:304-14.
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