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Astym Therapy

A Breakthrough for Scar Tissue Restrictions & Chronic Pain That Won't Let Go

astym therapyWhen Other Treatments Haven’t Worked, Astym Can Help

Are you dealing with stubborn pain, tightness, or scar tissue that just won’t resolve, no matter how much you stretch or rest? Have old injuries, surgeries, or overuse left you with restricted movement that’s holding you back from the activities you love? You may be a candidate for Astym therapy, a specialized, science-backed treatment that helps the body heal from the inside out.

At HARTZ Physical Therapy, our Astym-certified therapist, MacKenzi Myers, DPT, offers this advanced treatment at our Lititz location. Astym is especially effective for chronic conditions that haven’t responded to more conservative treatments — giving you a path forward when other approaches have fallen short.

 

 

Our Services

Astym treatment uses specialized instruments, applied directly to the skin, to locate areas of dysfunctional soft tissue — including scar tissue, adhesions, and degenerated tendon or muscle tissue. By applying targeted pressure to these areas, Astym stimulates your body’s own healing response: breaking down unhealthy scar tissue while encouraging the regeneration of healthy, functional tissue. Unlike treatments that only relieve symptoms temporarily, Astym is designed to resolve the underlying cause of chronic soft tissue pain — which is why it often works even when other approaches haven’t.

 

Astym can help you with:

  • Chronic tendinitis & tendinopathy
  • Scar tissue from surgery or injury
  • Plantar fasciitis
  • Carpal tunnel syndrome & nerve entrapment
  • Muscle strains & overuse injuries
  • Restricted range of motion
  • Post-surgical stiffness or adhesions

Treatment may include:

  • Instrument-assisted soft tissue treatment — Specialized tools glide over the skin to locate and treat areas of scar tissue and tissue dysfunction.
  • Scar tissue resorption — Targeted pressure encourages your body to break down old, unhealthy scar tissue.
  • Tissue regeneration — Stimulates the growth of new, healthy muscle, tendon, and soft tissue.
  • Eccentric loading & stretching — Paired with Astym to rebuild strength and flexibility in treated tissue.
  • Functional exercise — Personalized movement to help you return to work, sport, or daily activities with confidence.

Schedule a FREE Consultation

Not sure if Astym is right for you? We offer a free phone consultation with MacKenzi to determine whether Astym therapy can help resolve your pain and restore your mobility.

Good candidates include people who:

  • Have chronic tendinitis or tendinopathy that hasn’t improved with other treatments
  • Are dealing with painful or restrictive scar tissue from surgery or injury
  • Have plantar fasciitis, carpal tunnel, or similar soft tissue conditions
  • Want to stay active, working, or in their sport while they recover

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Astym therapy?

Astym is a specialized, evidence-based soft tissue treatment that uses handheld instruments to locate and treat areas of scar tissue, adhesions, and tissue dysfunction. It works by stimulating your body’s own healing response — breaking down unhealthy scar tissue while encouraging the regeneration of healthy muscle, tendon, and soft tissue.

Does Astym hurt?

Astym involves applying pressure to areas of dysfunctional tissue, so you may feel some mild to moderate discomfort during treatment, especially over more affected areas. Most patients tolerate it well, and any soreness afterward is similar to what you’d feel after a deep tissue massage or a good workout — it typically fades within a day or so.

What conditions does Astym treat?

Astym is especially effective for chronic tendinitis and tendinopathy, scar tissue from surgery or injury, plantar fasciitis, carpal tunnel syndrome, muscle strains, and restricted range of motion. It’s particularly helpful for stubborn conditions that haven’t responded well to other treatments.

How many sessions will I need?

Most patients complete a course of Astym treatment over about 4 to 5 weeks, with sessions twice a week — roughly 8 to 10 visits total. Your therapist will tailor your plan to your specific condition and progress along the way.

Can I stay active during treatment?

Yes! One of the things that makes Astym unique is that it’s designed to let you stay active, keep working, and even continue your sport while you heal. Your therapist will guide you on any adjustments needed, but Astym doesn’t require the extended downtime some other treatments do.

Is Astym the same as scraping or IASTM techniques like Graston?

Astym shares some similarities with other instrument-assisted techniques, but it’s a distinct, separately researched approach with its own specific protocols and certification. Our therapist, MacKenzi Myers, DPT, is certified specifically in Astym and trained extensively in its application.

Will I need a referral for Astym therapy?

In most cases, no. Pennsylvania’s Direct Access law allows you to be seen by a physical therapist without a physician referral. We’re happy to coordinate with your doctor if you have one, especially for more complex or post-surgical cases.

Where can I get Astym therapy at HARTZ?

Astym therapy is currently offered exclusively at our Lititz location with MacKenzi Myers, DPT, our certified Astym provider.

Our Astym Therapist:

Mackenzi Myers, DPT | Physical Therapist | Astym Therapy Certified | Lititz Office
mmyers@hartzpt.com.

MacKenzi “Kenzi” brings a calm, patient-centered approach to every Astym treatment session. As our Astym Certified provider located at the Lititz office, she combines specialized training with genuine compassion — taking the time to understand each patient’s unique pain, history, and goals before building a personalized treatment plan.

Kenzi believes that healing chronic pain and scar tissue takes more than just the right technique — it takes trust. She walks patients through what to expect at every step, so there are no surprises along the way, and she adjusts her approach based on how each person’s body responds to treatment. Her calm, reassuring presence helps patients feel comfortable even when working through old injuries or stubborn areas of tissue dysfunction.

What Kenzi loves most about Astym is watching her patients regain movement and function that other treatments couldn’t unlock. She celebrates every small win along the way — a little more range of motion, a little less pain — because she knows those moments add up to real progress. Whether you’re dealing with a chronic tendon injury, post-surgical scar tissue, or pain that hasn’t responded to other treatments, Kenzi is dedicated to helping you find lasting relief.