Having used IASTM tools in our clinics for years, we have learned a thing or two about what makes a good one. Therefore, we thought it would be a good idea to briefly explain what has led us to create the I-assist in the form you see here.

Firstly, it had to be metal. In order to transmit, and indeed amplify the subtle variations in muscle grain, scar tissue and general subcutaneous structure, a material must be able to resonate, vibrate at the molecular structure level. Some high-density plastics can approach the resonant abilities of some less resonant metals like Aluminium, but there is simply no comparison with the more dense and resonant metals. Its common sense really,…..they don’t make bells out of plastic for a reason!

Aluminium is a very low melting point metal, which makes it easy and cheep to cast. Its resonant properties are however poor compared to harder metals, it is prone to oxidisation when regularly in contact with perspiration, and being quite soft doesn’t stand up well to everyday clinical use.

The I-assist is therefore cast in 316 Grade Stainless Steel containing around 18% Chromium, and 10% Nickel. We have particularly specified 316LVM as it is a low carbon alloy (less than 0.03%), giving it particularly good anti-corrosion qualities, and therefore extremely good biocompatibility. It is commonly used for surgical implants, is extremely resonant, particularly hard, and should still be looking as good as new in 50 years time!

By far the easiest manufacture process is to cut the tool from metal sheet. However, this method of production brings several limitations. Firstly the tools shape has to be all on one flat plane,….like the sheet, making ergonomics and general shape design compromised from the start. Equally, in order to manufacture the Stainless plate from which a tool can be cut, the raw metal is repetitively heated and rolled like pastry until the required thickness is achieved. This has the effect of elongating the crystalline structure within the metal,……and you guessed it, this massively impacts on the materials resonance.

Cast metal has a uniform crystalline structure, preserving the materials natural resonance, and of course choosing the casting method of manufacture provides unlimited scope for tool shape, allowing more thought to be put into the function and ergonomics of the tool its self.

Having taken our time with the development of the I-assist, we are extremely proud of the resultant product. The shape incorporates a huge array of convex and concave treatment edges and surfaces. There is a hook, and selection of small radii for treating the extremities, there are flats and ridges for more localized working, and the edges all blend into each other allowing natural and fluid movement between techniques.

There are no grooves or cast in patterns to collect dirt, so the tool is easy to keep clean and hygienic, and grip is comfortably provided by matt textured metal surfaces wherever the tool is intended to be held.

Most satisfyingly, the I-assist feels completely natural in your hand, it seems to fit perfectly no matter how you choose to hold it. This ergonomic success means that you will find yourself becoming at ease very quickly with the many different ways in which the tool can be used, rapidly getting the best from your IASTM technique within your practice.