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THE TECHNIQUE
The Fluid Motion Soft Tissue technique is a soft tissue technique designed to facilitate the healing of soft tissue adhesions and injuries. F.M.S.T. stands for Fluid Motion Soft Tissue technique, and the goal of the tools is for the practitioner to achieve faster results from soft tissue injuries.
The technique is based on the ancient Chinese technique called Gua Sha meaning “scraping sand.” Sand refers to the texture irregularities of the myofascial interface. These soft tissue adhesions are usually painful, and the proper technique will help to facilitate faster tissue healing while keeping the patient’s comfort level in check.
INNOVATIVE DESIGN
Fluid Soft Motion Tools combine just two tools to effectively and gently manipulate tissue over all surfaces of the body to reduce scarring, control pain and improve joint and muscle flexibility. Constructed out of a composite metal-injected plastic material weighing just 12 oz. for the larger tool, and 6.4 oz. for the smaller tool, their superior weight allows practitioners to affect tissue with fewer strokes and less pressure.
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An ambidextrous design allows every edge on the tools to be used on multiple body areas and body types. The ends of the larger tool have a unique rounded in edge designed to work along the edge of the spine where the tendinous attachment is restricted and thickened, and it is shaped to treat areas with all edges of the tool. The concave surface is utilized most in larger areas of treatment such as the thoracic and rib cage region where the convex surface of the tool has been most efficiently used where the body creates a natural concave surface as the posterior knee region and the plantar fascia.
The smaller tool was designed to be the multi-use tool in the toolbox. The tool edges and size can effectively treat many different areas of the body with an emphasis on the extremities such as the palm of the hand and fingers or with foot and ankle injuries.
The patented indented handle allows the therapist to hold a firm grip and it keeps lotions and creams where they belong on the edge of the tool making the treatment cleaner and more effective. Easily cleaned between clients and uses, the tools show no wear from the use of various lotions and skin creams.
WHY FMST FOR MASSAGE THERAPY?
How do you properly assess the soft tissues in areas of the body and decrease patient treatment time in order make this technique a simple addition to your practice? In massage therapy, most therapists work by themselves either in a mobile setting, private office, fitness center, chiropractic office, hospital, or spa. In most settings, the therapist will assign 30 minutes to one hour for appointments. A big concern in the profession can be wear and tear on the therapist’s body. Manual techniques many times force the therapist into awkward positions to perform work on a specific area of a patient. The Fluid Motion Soft Tissue tools have been designed to increase efficiency by scanning an area and identifying the most troublesome tissue restrictions allowing the massage therapist to work through many areas in a single session.
What if I prefer to use my hands? Many therapists are trained and would rather use only their hands. FMST tools are not meant to replace the hands for all methods of soft tissue work, but they enhance your current methods while simultaneously alleviating some of the wear and tear on your own body.
SUMMARY
Fluid Motion Soft Tissue tools can be effectively implemented into busy practitioner schedules and can help even the most challenging patients. By adding FMST tools to your massage toolbox, you will possess the knowledge, skills and tools necessary to get the job done right.
