Sound Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization (S.A.S.T.M.) was created by Dr. David Graston who also developed the Graston Technique. Both techniques are used on professional athletes to increase performance results and decrease pain.

Specially designed instruments separate and break down scar tissue that has accumulated in the body after stress or injury. When tissues are injured during a sports injury or accident,  "knots" or adhesions fill the wounded area and prevent muscles and tissues from moving the way they should.  SASTM tools help release these knots enabling increased blood flow to and from the area enabling the body to heal quickly.

I spoke with Dr. Amie B. Gregory, a Redwood City Chiropractor, and the only chiropractor currently actively using these tools in San Mateo county about these tools, and why she thinks they're effective. 

Me: I am here with Dr. Amie Gregory of Precise Moves Chiropractic in Redwood City, California to talk about a chiropractic technique called SASTM.  Welcome Dr. Gregory!

Dr. Amie Gregory:
Thanks so much for having me.

Me: So lets get right to it.  Readers are probably wondering what SASTM stands for?

AG: SASTM stands for Sound Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization.  It is very similar to the Graston Technique and was invented by Dr. Graston himself. 

Me: I noticed the instruments are purple, that is my favorite color, what are they made out of?

AG: They are ceramic plastic polymer.  They are a bit different than the metal Graston instruments.  I think they look less scary than the Graston tools in my opinion.

Me: What is SASTM used for? 

AG: SASTM is a soft tissue rehabilitation technique that is used to break down scar tissue and adhesions after surgery, athletic injury or just plain repetitive overuse.  When there are adhesions in the body, they can cause discomfort and an inability to for the body to move properly.  Using this technique improves the function of the body and allows for full functional restoration to occur.  I love this technique because it can get deep into the tissue but it feels less invasive than applying thumb pressure.  

I've had people come to see me who have tried everything and feel like that is just the way their body should be.  I perform this technique and get results they never thought possible.  Some of them were scheduled for surgery to remove the tissue and we were able to get them functioning properly again without doing an invasive procedure.   

Me: So explain to me why it is so important to get scar tissue out of the body?  We need it to heal don't we?

AG: Well that is true, when we injure ourselves, scar tissue starts to fill the area.  The only thing is, scar tissue fills in quickly as we begin to heal but it just fills the wounded area.  Normal tissue runs in a controlled manner following the movement of the joints.  Scar tissue doesn't always do that so we want to get rid of bad tissue that has laid down and replace it with better tissue.

Me: Is SASTM only for the spine or can it be used everywhere?

AG: It is used wherever there is muscle or tissue.  Basically, everywhere!  I have used it to heal Tendonitis, Carpal Tunnel, after replacement surgery, shin splints, tarsal tunnel, plantar fasciitis and so many other problematic areas.  I even used it in conjunction with kineseotaping to heal a hammer toe. A patient's toe was virtually immobile for 20 years, and in 6 weeks her toe was back and fully functioning.

Me: How long does it take?

AG: it isn't like a massage where it is 30 to 60 minutes.  These instruments get in there and get things done quickly.  5 to 10 minutes usually does it, but just because it isn't a long process doesn't mean that it doesn't do the job.  It is amazing!

Me: Sounds good so far but what are the downsides?

AG:  The downside to this technique is that there can be bruising in the area.  This is because of the increased blood flow that occurs while working on adhesions.  It can be a bit uncomfortable but since it is only done to the patients pain tolerance level, we can always go lighter and still get the job done.

Me: Sounds like a good technique. I guess what they say is true, "No pain no gain!"  Thank you so much for taking time to talk with me Dr. Gregory.

AG: No problem, thank you for having me.