Therapeutic tools

Instrument Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization (IASTM) is a manual physiotherapy technique using stainless steel or rigid polymer instruments designed to detect and treat tissue restrictions.

It allows for highly precise targeting of adhesions, scar tissue and deep muscle tension that the hands alone cannot always isolate.

This approach promotes flexibility, mobility and natural tissue regeneration.

The instrument was gently passed over the skin after the application of a lubricant to ensure a smooth movement.

By working through the fascia, muscles and tendons, it identifies areas of tension and induces controlled micro-inflammation, triggering a natural healing process:

• Collagen production,
• Tissue relaxation,
• Stimulation of circulation,
• Progressive reduction of pain.

This process helps the body to regenerate, restore mobility, and improve tissue quality.

• Lasting pain relief: Reduces chronic tension and muscle pain.
• Improved mobility: Restores joint freedom by reducing adhesions and fascial restrictions.
• Accelerated recovery: Stimulates circulation and promotes healing after injuries, tendinitis, or sprains.
• Scar tissue treatment: Helps soften and release areas of fibrosis or scarring.
• Performance optimization: Supports muscle function and fluidity of movement in athletes or active workers.
• Overall effect: Improves local circulation, detoxification, and a feeling of lightness in the body.

At Cayo Therapies, IASTM is integrated with physiotherapy and therapeutic massage care to target areas of restriction, improve recovery and prevent recurrences.

It can be combined with other complementary techniques such as cupping, k-taping or joint mobilizations in order to maximize results.

Cupping therapy is a manual approach that uses suction to create a decompression effect in the tissues.

Unlike the pressure exerted during a massage, cupping gently lifts the skin, thus promoting blood and lymphatic circulation and the elimination of accumulated tension.

A suction cup is applied to the skin using a controlled air system (manual or electric).

The resulting depression pulls the tissues upwards, which:

• Increases oxygen and nutrient supply,
• Promotes the release of adhesions and tension points,
• Helps drain toxins and metabolic waste.

The combined effect stimulates recovery and provides a feeling of lightness and deep relaxation.

• Reduced muscle and joint pain
• Release of myofascial tension
• Improved blood and lymphatic circulation
• Faster post-workout recovery
• Natural draining and detoxifying effect

Integrated into physiotherapy and therapeutic massage treatments, cupping allows for targeted tissue release and promotes a better range of motion.

It can be combined with IASTM, K-taping or pressotherapy for a comprehensive approach to recovery.

Normatec 3 pressotherapy is a dynamic sequential compression system designed to stimulate circulation, reduce muscle fatigue and accelerate recovery after exertion.

Used by athletes as well as people suffering from heavy legs or water retention, it offers a progressive and controlled air pressure massage.

The Normatec 3 boots wrap around the legs and inflate in sequences, reproducing a veno-lymphatic pumping effect.

Each compression cycle helps to:

• Drain metabolic waste,
• Reduce aches and pains and the feeling of heaviness,
• Promote better venous return and optimal muscle oxygenation.

• Accelerates recovery after exercise
• Reduces inflammation and water retention
• Improves venous and lymphatic circulation
• Decreases muscle fatigue
• Immediate feeling of lightness and relaxation

Pressotherapy is used as a passive recovery tool after demanding sessions, competitions, or manual treatments.

It fits perfectly into a protocol for injury prevention, physical preparation or post-massage recovery.

A must-have for athletes, runners, workers who stand for long periods, or anyone looking to lighten their legs and improve circulation.

Dry needling, also called dry needling, is a specialized physiotherapy technique that involves inserting thin, sterile needles into points of muscle tension (or trigger points).

It aims to relax contracted muscle fibers and reset neuromuscular function, without injecting any substance.

When the needle enters the point of tension, it causes a reflex release reaction.

This results in:

• a rapid reduction in pain,
• local muscle relaxation,
• improved circulation and nerve control.

The body reacts naturally by triggering a process of repair and regulation.

• Rapid relief from deep muscle pain
• Reduction of chronic tension points
• Improved mobility and muscle strength
• Reduction of headaches, neck and lower back pain of myofascial origin
• Non-medicinal, safe technique that complements manual therapy

Used in physiotherapy treatments, dry needling is particularly effective for persistent pain, postural stiffness or recurring sports injuries.

It is often combined with manual techniques, joint mobilization, or corrective exercises to restore optimal movement function.