Use of instrument-assisted soft-tissue mobilization (IASTM) is on the rise among health care practitioners, particularly doctors of chiropractic (DCs). A soft-tissue injury involves damage to the muscles, ligaments, tendons and/or myofascia. Sprains and strains are the most common soft-tissue injuries and are the result of either a trauma, such as falling or twisting an ankle, or repetitive use, such as a person who plays tennis five times a week and develops pain in his or her shoulder.