IASTM Basics — Pressure, Angle, and Tempo

TL;DR

• Start light, move slowly, reassess often. Most benefits arise from comfort‑guided inputs plus movement, not from aggressive scraping.

Step‑by‑step

1. Screen for red flags and sensitive areas (see Safety).
2. Apply a small amount of glide medium; grip tool comfortably.
3. Use long, slow strokes along the muscle line (30–60° to skin) for 30–60s.
4. Reassess symptoms/ROM; adjust pressure angle, or region.
5. Finish with active mobility and a task‑specific drill to capture gains.

Parameters that matter

• Pressure: light → moderate. Back off if soreness climbs, tingling occurs, or guarding increases.
• Angle: 30–60° commonly; flatter for sweeping, steeper for small focal areas.
• Tempo: slow and controlled; pause to explore tender bands without grinding.
• Dose: 30–90s/region, 1–3 sets, 2–4 days/week. More is rarely better.

Common mistakes

• Chasing bruises as a success marker.
• Working only passively without follow‑up movement/loading.
• Spending 5–10 minutes on one spot instead of brief, distributed work.

Region notes

• Calves/quads: broad sweeps with a long bar, then short passes over hotspots.
• Forearm: lighter pressure; watch for paresthesia; integrate grip/extension drills.
• Upper trap: avoid bony prominences; add cervical movement after short passes.

Safety

• Avoid: open wounds, acute inflammation/infection, unhealed fractures, DVT, uncontrolled bleeding disorders.
• Caution: anticoagulants, impaired sensation, fragile skin, pregnancy (seek guidance), recent injections.
• Stop if sharp pain, radiating symptoms, dizziness, or unusual numbness develops.

FAQs

How hard should I press?

Enough to feel contact and mild tenderness (≤ 5/10). Smoother movement with less guarding is a good sign.

How often can I do IASTM?

2–4 days/week per region is typical. Space sessions if soreness lingers >24–48h.

Reference

• IASTM clinical commentary (indications, precautions): https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6670063/