Instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilisation (IASTM for short) is a non-invasive form of manual therapy where instruments are used to manipulate the soft tissues of the body to reduce pain and improve overall mobility. Some would say that the tools can be an extension of the hands and can increase the sensitivity of what the operator may feel in terms of adhesions; for example, when rodents feel objects with their whiskers and spiders localise their prey using a web. It is often applied in conjunction with other manual therapies and exercise. This therapy is becoming very popular among practitioners and patients alike.

Tools can be made of wood, ceramics, plastic. The ones used within our clinic are made of stainless steel. They are either convex or concave in shape.