About Smart Tools
What is IASTM?
IASTM aka “Instrument Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization,” is a manual therapy approach to musculoskeletal injuries using specifically designed tools. The most effective material for IASTM is stainless steel, which Smart Tools are comprised.
Smart Tools were developed to assist in effective treatment of adhesions and scarring brought on by surgeries, injuries, and overuse of muscles. Our tools will assist medical doctors, osteopathic doctors, chiropractors, physical therapists, physical therapy assistants, occupational therapists, athletic trainers, massage therapists, acupuncturists, and others to effectively treat patients with less fatigue to the practitioner.
We have experimented with various tools and are confident the Smart Tools will provide years of satisfaction at a fraction of the cost of comparable products on the market. Our use of precision machining creates an unrivaled contact with the skin surface and the tool to transmit a unique vibration, which helps isolate the troubled area. The medical grade stainless steel, polished to a mirror- like finish, allows the use of topical solutions to be used without any risk or damage the tools.
This will enable the practitioner to create a controlled inflammatory process, which will allow the tissue to begin the healing process, breaking down scar tissue/adhesions in the troubled area, and accelerate the recovery process.
What is BFR?
Blood flow restriction (BFR) training is a training and rehabilitation strategy involving the use of cuffs or bands placed around a limb during exercise, to maintain arterial inflow to the muscle while preventing venous return (venous occlusion).
How does it work?
- Lack of venous return creates a swelling effect of the muscle.
- Metabolites, such as lactate, accumulate and stimulate muscle growth.
- Hypoxic environment promotes strength and muscle growth.
- Direct muscle fatigue forces the nervous system to recruit the largest fast-twitch muscle fibers, which have the greatest capacity to grow.
- Increase to Growth Hormone (GH) and Insulin Growth Factor 1 (IGF-1).
What are the benefits?
- Increased muscle size (Hypertrophy)
- Increased muscle strength
- Increased cardiovascular capacity
- Increased GH, IGF1 and maybe testosterone
- Decreased joint/tissue stress
- Little to no muscle damage
- Little to no recovery needed
- Little to no soreness or delayed onset muscular soreness (DOMS)
- Low Intensity needed (resistance or cardio)
Who benefits?
- Immobile or mobility-restricted populations:
- Bed ridden
- Casted
- Post-operation rehabilitation patients
- Elderly
- Athletic populations:
- Active recovery
- Decrease joint/tissue loads
- Isolated exercises for “weak link” region
What are the risks?
- Injury resulting from this type of training is rare
- Possibility with inappropriate implementation:
-
- Subcutaneous hemorrhage
- Numbness
- Always consult your physician prior to any new exercise program
-
BFR (Blood Flow Restriction) Training
What is BFR training?
Blood flow restriction (BFR) training is a training and rehabilitation strategy involving the use of cuffs or bands placed around a limb during exercise, to maintain arterial inflow to the muscle while preventing venous return (venous occlusion).
How does BFR work?
- Lack of venous return creates a swelling effect of the muscle.
- Metabolites, such as lactate, accumulate and stimulate muscle growth.
- Hypoxic environment promotes strength and muscle growth.
- Direct muscle fatigue forces the nervous system to recruit the largest fast-twitch muscle fibers, which have the greatest capacity to grow.
- Increase to Growth Hormone (GH) and Insulin Growth Factor 1 (IGF-1).
What are the benefits of BFR?
- Increased muscle size (Hypertrophy)
- Increased muscle strength
- Increased cardiovascular capacity
- Increased GH, IGF1 and maybe testosterone
- Decreased joint/tissue stress
- Little to no muscle damage
- Little to no recovery needed
- Little to no soreness or delayed onset muscular soreness (DOMS)
- Low Intensity needed (resistance or cardio)
Who can benefit from undertaking BFR?
- Immobile or mobility-restricted populations:
- Bed ridden
- Casted
- Post-operation rehabilitation patients
- Elderly
- Athletic populations:
- Active recovery
- Decrease joint/tissue loads
- Isolated exercises for “weak link” region
Are there any risks associated with BFR?
- Injury resulting from this type of training is rare
- Possibility with inappropriate implementation:
-
- Subcutaneous hemorrhage
- Numbness
- Always consult your physician prior to any new exercise program
-
Sources
Loenneke JP, Abe T, Wilson JM, Ugrinowitsch C, & Bemben MG (2012) Blood flow restriction: how does it work? Frontiers in Physiology, 3, 392.
Loenneke JP, Wilson GJ, & Wilson JM (2010) A mechanistic approach to blood flow occlusion. International Journal of Sports Medicine, 31(1), 1-4.
Nakajima T. Key considerations when conducting KAATSU training. Int J KAATSU Train Res. 2011;7(1):1-6
Nakajima T. Use and safety of KAATSU training; results of a national survey. Int J KAATSU Train Res. 2006;2(1):5-13
Certification Courses
Who is eligible to take the Smart Tools Certification courses?
If you are a Health Professional, Chiropractor, Physiotherapist, Osteopath, Exercise Physiologist, Exercise Scientist, Podiatrist, Myotherapist or Massage Therapist, or manual therapy is in your scope of practice, you can use Smart Tools.
Do I have to take a course to be eligible to buy the tools?
No. However, the courses are highly recommended in order for you to use the tools optimally and for greater patient outcomes.
Do you host private courses?
Yes. Contact us for more information.
Do you have any courses outside Australia?
Yes, contact us for international course listings.
Do you have international dealers/distributors?
Yes. Contact us for more information.
