The Summer Olympics just finished up, and it seems like every four years, the athletes break new records and find better ways to compete. Luckily, we only have two more years until we get to see the Winter Olympics in Milan, where we'll be rooting for silver medal winner Manteo Mitchell and the rest of the USA bobsledding team!
Did you know that Manteo has found a little-known secret to give him that extra competitive edge? Check out the video below to see some of his therapy regimen at Apex Brain Centers. While he's there, his therapists use a technique called Instrument Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization (IASTM) which we've integrated into the Tuner Pro II!
Manteo isn't the only Olympian who has a Tuner in their locker. Check out former Olympic fighter Brian Carlson's story!
Rethinking the Rezzimax Tuner
I always get a little nostalgic whenever I hear from a patient who still has their original Rezzimax Tuner. Our first iteration of the device had some things that are still familiar today- there were a few less buttons, the tongs looked a little different, and it sure was a lot skinnier!
When we were designing the Tuner Pro, we talked with several of our professionals who used the Tuner and asked what we could do to make it better. From these discussions, and a whole lot of testing, the renderings of our new device grew wings! I admit, that the new shape befuddled some of our users at first, but after a short explanation of WHY we added these extensions, people started figuring out more and more ways of how to use them to get maximum function.
Inspiration from Ancient Techniques
Our new design was driven by a popular technique that was already widely in use, known as Instrument Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization (IASTM). This is a cutting-edge therapy that has roots in the ancient practice of Gua Sha, a traditional East Asian healing technique that dates back over 700 years. Literally translated, it means "scraping petechiae" (tiny, flat red, purple spots), and has been used for centuries in China to promote healing and relieve pain. Practitioners would usually use a smooth-edged tool made of rock or bone to scrape the skin, believing they could release toxins, stimulate blood flow, and restore balance to the body.
While Gua Sha was primarily used for conditions like colds, fevers, and muscle pain, its principles laid the groundwork for what we now know as IASTM. The transition from Gua Sha to IASTM began when Western clinicians and therapists recognized the potential of this ancient practice and adapted it to fit their modern therapeutic needs.
The Evolution to IASTM
IASTM has taken the core concept of Gua Sha—using tools to manipulate soft tissue—and refined it with contemporary knowledge of anatomy and biomechanics. Unlike Gua Sha, which often leaves visible marks on the skin, IASTM is a more controlled and precise approach. Modern tools are made from stainless steel or other high-quality materials, which allows therapists to target specific areas more accurately.
You can find IASTM in practice among physical therapists, chiropractors, and athletic trainers to treat a range of conditions, including:
- tendonitis
- plantar fasciitis
- chronic pain
- break down scar tissue
- reduce inflammation
- improve blood flow
- speeding up the body’s natural healing process
Scientific Support for IASTM
There are quite a lot of studies that have supported the effectiveness of IASTM. For instance, research published by the American College of Sports Medicine found that IASTM significantly improved range of motion and reduced pain in patients with Achilles tendinopathy. Another study in the Journal of Exercise Rehabilitation demonstrated that IASTM could accelerate recovery from soft tissue injuries, making it an essential tool for athletes.
Integrating IASTM with Resonance Therapy: The Rezzimax Tuner Advantage
Now, back to those wings that sprouted when our Tuner Pro was created. We took the feedback from our professionals and applied the concepts of IASTM to the resonance of the Tuner, and the results were incredible! Combining the two techniques hadn't been done before, and we're still the only ones around doing it.
When the scraping action of IASTM is joined with the gentle vibrations of the Rezzimax Tuner, the effects on soft tissue and are significantly enhanced. The resonance helps to further relax muscles, reduce tension, and improve circulation. One of the great benefits we've noticed is that the Tuner can actually be more comfortable for the patient and avoid any unsightly bruising that is often a side-effect of tissue mobilization. The combination of these two therapies can make therapy more enjoyable, accelerate recovery, relieve pain more efficiently and promote overall well-being.
Can IASTM Make a Difference?
The benefits of IASTM are more numerous than all of the Olympic medals in the world! Regular sessions can result in reduced pain, improved mobility, and faster recovery times. It can also be used as both a preventive measure and a treatment for acute or chronic conditions. For athletes, in particular, it offers a way to maintain peak performance and recover quickly from injuries.
Try It Out - Risk Free
From its humble beginnings as Gua Sha to its modern evolution of IASTM, this therapy has proven to be a powerful tool in the world of rehabilitation and wellness. Supported by scientific studies and clinical evidence, IASTM continues to evolve as a highly effective treatment. When paired with the Rezzimax Tuner Pro II and resonance therapy, IASTM not only continues its tradition of healing but does so with greater efficiency and comfort. By blending ancient wisdom with modern science, IASTM offers a unique and effective approach to healing and maintaining soft tissue health.
Are you ready to give it a try? Order your Tuner today and use it for 60 days- if you don't see a noticeable improvement in your health and function, we'll buy it back from you! Although, you'll most likely find yourself among the 98% of our customers who fall in love with the healing power of the Tuner!
