IASTM
Break it down.
Move freely.
Precision tools worked along the muscle to find and free the adhesions and scar tissue that keep you tight and restricted. Steven brings it to you.
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Mobile, we come to you
Why Stronghold
Recovery is
the real work
IASTM, instrument assisted soft tissue mobilisation, uses fine-edged tools to feel along the muscle and pick up the adhesions and scar tissue that hands can miss, then work them loose.
It pairs naturally with massage in the same session. Steven uses it where it earns its place, not for the sake of it, and tells you straight what he is finding and why.
What's involved
Every session starts with a quick read of how you are moving and where you are holding tension, then the hands-on work, then a few things to take away. Here is roughly how it runs.
Ask about a sessionThe hands-on work
Assessment
Mobility & stretch
Recovery that actually lands
Less tension, better movement, and back to training sooner. That is the whole point.
IASTM
Precision work,
tool in hand
IASTM stands for instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilisation. In plain terms, Steven uses a smooth, contoured tool to glide over the muscle and the fascia around it. The edge of the tool finds tight, restricted and scarred areas the fingers can pass straight over, and lets him work through them with more precision and control than the hands alone allow.
How Steven uses it
- A light pass first to scan the tissue and feel where it catches
- Focused strokes over the tight or scarred area to free it up
- Strokes worked along and across the muscle and fascia
- Often combined with hands-on massage and stretching in the same session
What it helps with
- Tight fascia and stubborn knots that resist the hands
- Old scar tissue and areas that heal stiff after injury
- Restricted movement and that locked-up feeling
- Tendon, shin, calf and IT band tightness
Who it is for
Athletes chasing the last bit of range, people recovering from an old injury that never quite freed up, and anyone whose tight spots have not shifted with massage alone. It sits naturally alongside sports massage and assisted stretch.
Deep tissue
Because tight muscles
cost you performance.
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Would rebook
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Faster recovery
Deep, slow work through the big muscle groups to break down knots and get blood moving through tired tissue. Firm at the time, loose and easy afterwards.
Cupping & IASTM
Because the tight spots
hide where hands miss.
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Sessions logged
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Minutes hands-on
When hands alone cannot reach it, cupping and IASTM tools lift and free the stubborn adhesions that keep pulling you tight. They slot into the same session wherever they help most.
Testimonials
Because claims
prove nothing.
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Rebook rate
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Would recommend
Turned up on time, knew exactly what he was doing, and had me moving better the same week.
Assisted stretch
Because range is
where power lives.
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More range
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Guided each session
Guided, hands-on stretching to open up the joints and lengthen tight tissue, so you move through a fuller range and get more out of every session.
Sauna & cold plunge
Heat, then cold.
The full reset.
Heat to loosen everything off, then cold to bring it back down. Steven sets up the sauna and plunge wherever you are and times the rounds.
Your session
What to expect
Steven brings everything to you. He will warm the area with a few minutes of hands-on work, apply a little gel, then use the tool in steady strokes over the tight tissue. It feels like a firm, focused scrape, intense over a stubborn spot but never unbearable. He checks in as he goes and works to a level you are happy with.
About marks and soreness
A little redness or light bruising can come up over very tight areas. It is normal, it is not harmful, and it settles within a few days. Steven keeps the work within a sensible range so you leave loosened off, not battered.
Afterwards
Drink plenty of water and keep moving gently, light movement helps the tissue settle. A little tenderness for a day is normal. Avoid a hard training session straight after and let the area recover.
When it is not suitable
IASTM is not used over broken skin, fresh injuries, infections, varicose veins, or for some medical conditions and during pregnancy without care. Mention anything relevant when you book and Steven will advise honestly, or use a gentler technique instead.
The work
What a session looks like
Pricing
Simple, honest pricing
Within a massage
On request
IASTM focus
On request
Block of 5
On request
Prices depend on the treatment and whether it is a one-off or a block. Message or call Steven for a straight price, there is no obligation.
FAQ
Common questions
What is IASTM?
It stands for instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilisation. Steven uses a smooth, contoured tool to glide over the muscle and fascia, finding and working through tight and scarred areas more precisely than the hands alone.
Is it the same as Graston?
Graston is one well-known brand of IASTM. The method is the same idea, a specially shaped tool used to treat soft tissue. Steven uses professional tools and the same technique.
Does it hurt?
It can feel intense over a tight or sensitive spot, but it should never be unbearable. Steven works to a level you are comfortable with and checks in as he goes. Most people call it a firm, satisfying scrape.
Will it leave marks?
Sometimes a little redness or light bruising over very tight areas. It is not harmful and it settles within a few days. Steven keeps the treatment within a sensible range.
What does it help with?
Tight fascia, old scar tissue, stubborn knots, restricted movement, and tendon or IT band issues that have not responded to hands-on work alone. It pairs well with massage and stretching.
Do I need to provide anything?
No. Steven is mobile and brings the tools, gel and everything else. You just need a clear bit of floor about two metres by three.
Steven Mills
Ready when you are.
Call or message and Steven gets straight back to you. No automated nonsense, no pushy sales, just a straight answer.