Using ASTYM for Shoulder Pain

Dr. Amanda DeRosa, DPT is a doctor of physical therapy and CrossFit athlete. As a practitioner and Crossfitter, she’s found combining her movement expertise with a modality called ASTYM for shoulder pain has worked wonders. (Read more about why a CrossFit physical therapist is necessary HERE.)

Having been a CrossFit Regionals athlete on 5 different occasions (that’s Dr. Amanda above), she’s had her fair share of nagging shoulder pain. For years she dealt with pain in overhead movements – pull ups, snatches, handstand walks, etc. It impacted her training and personal life. Heading into the 2014 Regionals competition, the training load was taking its toll on her shoulder. A co-worker of hers at the time was certified in ASTYM, and used the technique to treat her shoulder. After a series of ASTYM treatments, the shoulder felt more mobile and the pain was reduced. It was enough to allow her to compete in Regionals that year.

ASTYM for Shoulder Pain – What is it?

ASTYM stands for Augmented Soft Tissue Mobilization. With the use of “instruments” it helps treat the problem, not just the painful site, which makes it more effective than other soft tissue treatments. It helps regenerate soft tissue and eliminates scar tissue or fibrotic tissues that can be contributing to injury and pain. Healthy muscle fibers are lined up like uncooked spaghetti noodles, however, when there is an injury or chronic pain, our muscle fibers end up looking like cooked spaghetti noodles. The fibers are intertwined within each other, causing range of motion restrictions and pain.

Now it should be clear to readers of our blog – techniques like this are fine and dandy, but without expert movement guidance and a program of specific movements, the impact is limited. You don’t just go get worked on…You’ve got to put the work in, too! That’s where Dr. Amanda comes in.

Watch the video below to see her explain it in her own words.

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Do you have shoulder pain? Schedule an appointment with Dr. Amanda.