The instruments used are usually made of stainless steel with beveled edges and special contours that allow for deeper penetration to specific anatomical locations. The ergonomic designs of the instruments used give the clinician the ability to feel and locate soft tissue restrictions.When used for soft tissue disorders, IASTM is used to effectively break down soft tissue adhesions, scar tissue and fascial restrictions. These adhesions can occur from a result of surgery and/or immobilisation afterwards, repeated strain, or just over long periods of excessive use.The principles of IASTM state that introducing controlled microtrauma to the desired soft tissue will cause the stimulation of a local inflammatory response. This microtrauma will begin a process of reabsorption of scar tissue or excessive fibrosis, and facilitate healing activities which will remodel the surrounding soft tissue.Other specific conditions for which IASTM is usually used include lower back pain, neck pain, rotator cuff tendinitis, patellar tendinitis, carpal tunnel syndrome, plantar fasciitis, trigger finger, bursitis, and many more.