Sound-Assisted Soft-Tissue Mobilization NEW to Versailles Health Care Center

L to R: PTA Jennifer Everman, PT Stephanie Goubeaux, COTA Cindy Bowers,
and PT Stephen Winner.

Four therapists at Versailles Health Care Center recently received training in Sound-Assisted Soft-Tissue Mobilization (SASTM). Physical Therapists, Stephanie Goubeaux and Stephen Winner, along with Physical Therapist Assistant, Jennifer Everman, and Certified Occupational Therapist Assistant, Cindy Bowers, are now certified in this amazing soft tissue technique and are excited to be able to offer it at The Rehab Clinic at Versailles Health Care Center. The SASTM method is used by the NFL, NBA, MLB, Cirque du Soleil, USA Olympics and Track and Field, NIKE Training Center, and university athletic training programs. By doing the same SASTM method, Versailles Health Care Center patients receive the same outcomes as professional and amateur athletes.

SASTM, a research-based method developed by David Graston, is a form of soft tissue mobilization, which enables clinicians to efficiently locate and treat individuals diagnosed with soft tissue dysfunction. The SASTM method allows the clinician to detect scar tissue and treat it in an alternate manner utilizing a variety of ceramic-polymer based tools, as opposed to using hands alone. The instruments used also provide the clinician with a mechanical advantage and are also sensitive to subtle restrictions in the tissue. SASTM has proven to have highly effective results as it provides an innovative method to expedite the restoration and recovery of patients to full, functional lives.

Based on the “Gua Sha” technique used in Chinese Medicine for hundreds of years, SASTM assists in cross-fiber massage. This is used to find and break down areas exhibiting soft-tissue fibrosis or constant inflammation. The micro trauma inflicted through the instrument initiates a healing flow, and then ice and stretching are used to help control pain, remodel tissue and restore function.


Soft tissue mobilization has been used to treat a number of diagnoses. SASTM has most effectively been used in the restoration of function and the reduction of pain. Below is a list of diagnoses SASTM can help to treat:

Achilles Tendonitis (Heel Pain)
Ankle Strains/Sprains (Medial/Lateral)
Bicep Tendonitis
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Cervical Pain (Neck)
DeQuervain's Syndrome (Gamer’s thumb)
Frozen Shoulder
Groin Pulls
Hammer Toe
Hamstring Injuries
Hip Replacements
Joint Contractures
Knee Replacements
Knee Sprains
Lumbar/Sacral Pain (Low Back)
Medial/Lateral Epicondylitis
Morton's Neuroma
Musculoskeletal Imbalances
Patellar Tendonitis (Anterior Knee Pain)
Quadriceps Injuries
Rotator Cuff Tendonitis
Scars (Surgical/Traumatic)
Shin Splints
Sacral Iliac Pain (Low Back)
Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome
Thoracic Pain (Mid Back)
Tibialis Posterior Tendonitis
Trigger Finger
Turf Toe

If you are interested in learning more about the SASTM method offered at The Rehab Clinic at Versailles Health Care Center, contact Shannon Condon at 937-526-0130. The Rehab Clinic at VHCC offers inpatient and outpatient therapy to people of all ages. It employs 14 full-time local therapists and is open seven days a week. Other specialty programs offered are Parkinson’s Therapy, Vestibular Rehab Therapy, Sports Medicine, Cardiac Recovery, Pulmonary Rehab, Stroke Recovery, Continence Improvement, Wound Care, Joint Replacement Therapy, and much more.