I had my 1st visit to PT. She worked on me with ASTM. Any experiences with this?
When I first read your post, I had no idea what you were talking about. After a quick google search, it appears that ASTM is very similar to another method, the name of which escapes me. Is the instrument that they use a curved metal instrument?
In general the principle sounds very similar to ART. I can tell you that these types of treatments are not taught in PT schools, only through these “certification” programs. There is also a lack of research that could support or refute the claims of the developers and practicioners of these techniques. Of course they have plenty of anecdotal “evidence”.
Bottom line, it’s not likely to cause you any harm and it just may help. Don’t go in with super-high expectations of being treated once or twice and then back out to 100%. You’ll set yourself up for a potential major let-down.
Good luck with your injury, I hope that your PT is not relying on this treatment alone, and is also incorportating some good therapeutic exercises as well.
Hey, I just read your post re: ASTYM therapy. I am a physical therapist currently using this treatment with patients. There is an extensive outcomes data base as well as multiple peer-reviewed research articles related to the efficacy of the treatment. Your therapist should be doing most of this education with you. Crucial to the success of the treatment is your compliance with your home stretching and exercise program. I have seen great success with this treatment. One of the most appealing parts about ASTYM is we are able to keep many patients at their desired activity level. Hopefully, you have already seen some of the benefits for yourself. Good Luck.
I just had my second treatment today. My rt leg/ knee felt looser Friday. Today I am point tender where he used the tools. It feels superficial. I am doing the stretching, three times a day. I am not doing any training though. I road my trainer this weekend a little. But no heavy running or biking.
How much activity should I be doing?