Faktr – Soft Tissue Technique

Functional and Kinetic Treatment with Rehab (FAKTR) is a unique approach to patient care using IASTM (instrument-assisted soft tissue manipulation), similar to Graston but is combined with manual and instrument-assisted soft tissue techniques and incorporates functional rehabilitation through provocation and movement. FAKTR can be performed with or without instruments, but the focus is to reduce soft tissue adhesions with manual or tool-assisted techniques and motion. The use of FAKTR promotes the reduction of soft tissue and fascial restrictions to allow the athlete to get back to peak performance as quickly as possible.

FAKTR treatment is a therapy that regenerates healthy soft tissues (muscles, tendons, etc.), and eliminates or reduces unwanted scar tissue that may be causing pain or movement restrictions. FAKTR treatment is highly effective and even works when other approaches routinely fail. One of the main reasons FAKTR treatment is so much more effective than other treatments is that it was scientifically developed to resolve the underlying cause of soft tissue problems, rather than just trying to temporarily relieve symptoms. It is one of the most researched and effective therapy treatments available. Astym® treatment is unmatched in its ability to resolve tendinopathies, scar tissue problems, and other soft tissue dysfunctions. Doctors regularly prescribe FAKTR treatment specifically for their patients, and elite athletes and knowledgeable patients seek out IASTM treatment for superior results. When your health and ability to stay active is at stake, only the best will do.

Generally, chronic soft tissue problems are due to scarring or degeneration. Soft tissues include muscles, tendons, and ligaments. Both scarring and degeneration are common and can result in pain and limitations in movement.

The body’s soft tissues degenerate when inadequate healing occurs, and over time the tissues degrade. Degenerated tissues are weak and prone to injury. Degeneration can be caused by many factors, including age, intense use, improper movement, weakened muscles putting extra stress on other tissues, disease, etc. Most chronic tendinopathies are primarily degenerative in nature.

Scarring can happen on top of the skin, but often the biggest problems come from scar tissue that forms inside the body around joints, muscles, tendons and/or ligaments. The body naturally lays down some scar tissue in response to irritation or injury. The fibrous, strong scar tissue is meant to reinforce an area, but often it ends up restricting movement and causing pain. The causes of problem scar tissue can be injury (such as a sprained ankle, car accident, etc.), a surgery (good surgery can be done, but the body’s response with scar tissue can prevent a full recovery), intense or overuse of soft tissues (such as sports, repetitive work, activity beyond your fitness level, etc.), sprains or other strains on soft tissues.

Good news: FAKTR treatment works both to regenerate tissues and eliminate or reduce internal scar tissue. By eliminating the cause of your problems, your symptoms will resolve.

IASTM is the acronym for instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization, FAKTR is a type of IASTM technique that mixes several soft tissue treatments for the best results. The first part of the treatment is a warm-up. Areas of the soft tissue fibrosis are moved to make the scar tissue more receptive. A stainless steel tool is used to follow the affected soft tissue injury. The edge of the tool slowly slides along the skin surface and comes into contact with what is known as adhesions. It’s scar tissue, and the clinician rubs over the adhesions with the tool to cause movement. It’s this friction that helps heal soft tissue injuries. The area of the injury is treated with repeated movements of the tool rubbing over and around it. The rate of rubbing and amount of pressure are adjusted during treatment. After treatment, the affected area is stretched. A physical therapist may apply cold packs if there is any soreness. Typically, patients receive two treatments for a week over a period of about five weeks. Patients can expect relief by the third or fourth treatment. Other healthcare providers who utilize IASTM include occupational therapists, chiropractors, and athletic trainers.

The benefits of the FAKTR technique include:

  • Increased rate of volume and blood flow to affected areas to enhance healing
  • Breakdown of collagen cross-links
  • Boost in cellular activity for good health
  • Reduction in inflammation
  • Reduction in pain for better quality of life
  • Increased mobility and ability to perform daily tasks

THE THEORY BEHIND FAKTR: IT’S SCIENCE BASED

Scar tissue is a type of fibrous connective tissue that receives less blood than normal tissue and stretches much less. It tends to be thick and may build up around the ligaments, tendons and muscles after an injury. The buildup of soft tissue is referred to as adhesions. Injuries that may result in adhesions include shin splints, pulled hamstrings, meniscal tears and much more. When an individual is injured, adhesions and scar tissue may occur either in the tissues or in the skin. It is believed that scar tissue and adhesions prevent the underneath body structures from moving properly. This is because the ligaments, tendons and muscles are unable to freely move. It’s problematic because scar tissue and adhesions may bend to fascia and cause a condition known as fascial restriction. Adhesions and scar tissue can also occur on a smaller scale as a result of a cross-linking of muscle fibers. Over time, even the wear and tear of everyday life can cause muscle fibers to adhere to each other irregularly. With IASTM and the FAKTR technique, the treatment causes a muscle fiber separation, which releases pain and increases functional mobility.

Are you suffering from a soft tissue injury? Do you have a sports injury or injury from a car accident? Do you have scars or adhesions that are causing pain and limiting your movement? Contact us at Mesa, AZ center and learn how the FAKTR technique can get you on the road to recovery. Our physical therapists are trained and experienced in this technique. Meet with us for a one-on-one consultation and comprehensive evaluation. Our goal is to help you live life to the fullest and without pain. We are committed to helping you heal.