HawkGrips 2026 Promo Code and IASTM Tools Review

I’m a big fan of HawkGrips IASTM tools. If you are too, then be sure to use my promo code “OTP” to score a 10% discount on your entire order! That’s a savings of around $360 for an item like the platinum set—or $59 for the multi-tool.

Copy and paste this HawkGrips Promo Code:

OTP

Read on for my review of this awesome product, and why I asked to be an affiliate of this company.

I am a generalist OT (NOT a hand therapist!). I’ve worked in a wide variety of settings, from the ICU to a residential mental health facility. And while I’ve never specialized in hands, the reality is that occupational therapists get a lot of hand-related questions—not just from patients, but also friends and family.

So, when I saw that our hand therapy lead here at OT Potential mentioned her use of HawkGrips on our tennis elbow, golfer’s elbow, and carpal tunnel clinical decision support pages, I was intrigued.

Instrument assisted soft tissue mobilization (IASTM) has solid evidence behind it (see references below). While hand therapists can pursue advanced certifications in the nuances of IASTM, the reality is that it is a safe and cost-effective intervention for someone like me to try on low-level, early stage injuries.

So, after doing my research, I reached out to HawkGrips to see if I could become an affiliate.

I also purchased my own multi-tool with emollient cream, and here’s what I like about it:

• Most importantly: You can actually see the increased blood flow happening. This is the key selling point for me. Our nerves and tendons need good blood flow around them to stimulate healing, and when it is actually VISIBLE, it’s super satisfying for me and the patient.

• HawkGrips provides plenty of support videos for generalists like me!

• This tool is built to last. Like, someday my kids will inherit it.

All of that is to say, I can definitely appreciate why:

1. These are the go-to tools for hand therapists (and a major nice-to-have for generalist OTs like myself), and

2. It’s worthwhile for athletes or people with regular soft tissue injuries to purchase their own!

If you decide to grab some of these tools for yourself, use our promo code “OTP” today! 

Reminder: OT Potential is an affiliate of HawkGrips, and we use our cut of each sale to create more educational resources for occupational therapy professionals.

If you have any questions, please reach out to us!

References

I mentioned the solid evidence behind IASTM, and I wanted to share this reference list from the HawkGrips course “Level I: IASTM Fundamentals“ to give you a sense of the evidence base.

1. Aggarwal A, Saxena K, Palekar TJ, Rathi M. Instrument assisted soft tissue mobilization in adhesive capsulitis: A randomized clinical trial. J Bodyw Mov Ther. Apr 2021;26:435-442. doi:10.1016/j.jbmt.2020.12.039

2. Alonso-Calvete A, Lorenzo-Martínez M, Pérez-Ferreirós A, et al. Why Percussive Massage Therapy Does Not Improve Recovery after a Water Rescue? A Preliminary Study with Lifeguards. Healthcare (Basel). 2022;10(4):693. Published 2022 Apr 7.

doi:10.3390/healthcare10040693

3. Aksan Sadikoglu B, Analay Akbaba Y, Taskiran H. Effects of ischemic compression and instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization techniques in trigger point therapy in patients with rotator cuff pathology: Randomized controlled study. Somatosens Mot Res. Mar 2022;39(1):70-80. doi:10.1080/08990220.2021.2005015

4. Amshel CE, Caruso DM. Vietnamese “coining”: a burn case report and literature review. The Journal of burn care & rehabilitation. 2000;21(2):112-114.Odhav A, Patel D, Stanford CW, et al. Report of a case of Gua Sha and an awareness of folk remedies. Int J Dermatol. 2013;52(7):892-893.

5. Angelopoulos P, Mylonas K, Tsepis E, et al. The effects of instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization, tissue flossing, and kinesiology taping on shoulder functional capacities in amateur athletes. J Sport Rehabil. Apr 9 2021;30(7):1028-1037. doi:10.1123/jsr.2020-0200

6. Aspegren D, Hyde T, Miller M. Conservative treatment of a female collegiate volleyball player with costochondritis. J Manipulative Physiol Ther. 2007;30:321-5.

7. Buntinx-Krieg T, Greenwald J. Softball petechiae: A novel cutaneous finding in a patient participating in post-exercise massage. Cureus. Sep 12 2016;8(9):e777. doi:10.7759/cureus.777 8. Aprile A, Pomara C, Turillazzi E. Gua Sha a traditional Chinese healing technique that could mimick physical abuse: a potential issue with forensic implications. A case study. Forensic Sci Int. 2015;249:e19-20.

9. Bachman LJ, Fong G, Andersson G, et al. Substance P is a mechanoresponsive, autocrine regulator of human tenocyte proliferation. PLoSOne. 2011;6(11)e27209.

10. Bayliss AJ, Klene FJ, Gundeck EL, Loghmani MT. Treatment of a patient with post-natal chronic calf pain utilizing instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization: a case study. J Manual Manipulative Ther. 2011;19(3):127-34.

11. Benjamin M. The fascia of the limbs and back – a review. J Anat. 2009;214:1-18.

12. Bertozzi, L., Valdes, K., Vanti, C., Negrini, S., Pillastrini, P., & Villafane, J. H. (2015). Investigation of the effect of conservative interventions in thumb carpometacarpal osteoarthritis: systematic review and meta-analysis. Disability and rehabilitation, 37(22), 2025-2043.

13. Brunnekreef J, Thijssen D, et al. Bilateral changes in forearm oxygen consumption at rest and after exercise in patients with unilateral repetitive strain injury: A case-control study. J Orthop Sports Phys Ther. 2012;42(4):371-8. Brunnekreef J, Oosterhof J, et al. Forearm blood flow and oxygen consumption in patients with bilateral repetitive strain injury measured by near-infrared spectroscopy. Clin Physiol Funct Imaging. 2006;26(3):178-84.

14. Burke J, Buchberger D, Carey-Loghmani M, et al. A pilot study comparing two manual therapy interventions for carpal tunnel syndrome. J Manipulative and Physiol Ther. 2007 Jan;30(1):50-61. 15. Buntinx-Krieg T, Greenwald J. Softball Petechiae: A Novel Cutaneous Finding in a Patient Participating in Post-Exercise Massage. Cureus. 2016;8(9):e777.

16. Bush HM, Stanek JM, Wooldridge JD, Stephens SL, Barrack JS. Comparison of the graston technique® with instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization for increasing dorsiflexion range of motion. J Sport Rehabil. Nov 25 2020;30(4):587-594. doi:10.1123/jsr.2019-0397

17. Change CW, Change K, Chen Y, et al. Electrophysiologic evidence of spinal access neuropathy in patients with cervical myofascial pain syndrome. Arch Phys Med Rehabil. 2011 June;(92):935-40.

18. Cheatham SW, Baker R, Kreiswirth E. Instrument assisted soft-tissue mobilization: A commentary on clinical practice guidelines for rehabilitation professionals. Int J Sports Phys Ther. Jul 2019;14(4):670-682.

19. Cheatham SW, Baker RT, Larkins LW, Baker JG, Casanova MP. Clinical practice patterns among health care professionals for instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization. J Athl Train. Oct 1 2021;56(10):1100-1111. doi:10.4085/1062-6050-047-20

20. Cheatham SW, Baker RT, Behm DG, Stull K, Kolber MJ. Mechanical Percussion Devices: A Survey of Practice Patterns Among Healthcare Professionals. Int J Sports Phys Ther. 2021;16(3):766-777. Published 2021 Jun 2. doi:10.26603/001c.23530

21. Cheatham SW, Kolber MJ, Mokha M, Hanney WJ. Concurrent validity of pain scales in individuals with myofascial pain and fibromyalgia. J Bodyw Mov Ther. Apr 2018;22(2):355-360. doi:10.1016/j.jbmt.2017.04.009

22. Cheatham SW, Kreiswirth E, Baker R. Does a light pressure instrument assisted soft tissue mobilization technique modulate tactile discrimination and perceived pain in healthy individuals with doms? J Can Chiropr Assoc. Apr 2019;63(1):18-25.

23. Cheatham SW, Lee M, Cain M, Baker R. The efficacy of instrument assisted soft tissue mobilization: A systematic review. J Can Chiropr Assoc. Sep 2016;60(3):200-211.

24. Chughtai, M., Mont, M. A., Cherian, C., Cherian, J. J., Elmallah, R. D., Naziri, Q., … & Bhave, A. (2016). A novel, nonoperative treatment demonstrates success for stiff total knee arthroplasty after failure of conventional therapy. The journal of knee surgery, 29(03), 188-193.

25. Cook JL, Kahn KL, Harcourt PR, et al. Patellar tendon ultrasonography in asymptomatic active athletes revels hypoechoic regions: a study of 320 tendons. Clin J Sports Med. 1998;8:73-77.

26. Coombs BK, Bisset L, Vinenzino B. Efficacy and safety of corticosteroid injections and other injections for management of tendinopathy: a systematic review of randomised controlled trials. Lancet 2010;376(9754):1751-67.

27. Daniels CJ, Morrell AP. Chiropractic management of pediatric plantar faciitis: a case report. J Chiropr Med. 2012;11:58-63.

28. Davidson CJ, Gannion LR, Ghlsen GM, et al. Rat tendon morphologic and functional changes resulting from soft tissue mobilization. Med SciSports Exerc. 1997;29(3):313-19.

29. Doeringer JR, Ramirez R, Colas M. Instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization increased hamstring mobility. J Sport Rehabil. Feb 1 2023;32(2):165-169. doi:10.1123/jsr.2022-0015

30. Driscoll M, Blyum L. The presence of physiological stress shielding in the degenerative cycle of musculoskeletal disorders. J of Bodyw Mov Ther. 2011;15:335-42.

31. Duffy S, Martonick N, Reeves A, et al. Clinician reliability of one-handed instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization forces during a simulated treatment. J Sport Rehabil. May 1 2022;31(4):505-510. doi:10.1123/jsr.2021-0216

32. Dye SF, Vaupel GL. Dye CC. Conscious neurosensory mapping of the internal structures of the human knee without intraarticular anesthesia. Am J Sports Med. 1989;26(6):773-7.

33. Erickson, M., Lawrence, M., Stegink Jansen, C., Coker, D., Amadio, P., & Cleary, C. (2019). Carpal tunnel syndrome: A summary of clinical practice guideline recommendations-using the evidence to guide physical therapist practice. J. Orthop. Sports Phys. Ther, 49, 359-360.

34. Loghmani, M. T., & Bane, S. (2016). Instrument-assisted soft tissue manipulation: evidence for its emerging efficacy. J Nov Physiother S, 3(2).

34. Fong G, Backman LJ, Danielson P, et al. Substance P enhances collagen remodeling and MMP-3 expression by human tenocytes. J Orthop Res. 2013;(1):91-8.

35. Frost P, Andersen JH, Lundorf E. Is supraspinatus pathology as defined by magnetic resonance imaging associated with clinical sign of shoulder impingement? J Shoulder Elbow Surg. 1999;8(6):565-8.

36. García-Sillero M, Jurado-Castro JM, Benítez-Porres J, Vargas-Molina S. Acute Effects of a Percussive Massage Treatment on Movement Velocity during Resistance Training. Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2021;18(15):7726. Published 2021 Jul 21. doi:10.3390/ijerph18157726

37. Gehlsen GM, Ganion LR, Helfst R. Fibroblast responses to variations in soft tissue mobilization pressure. Med Sci Sports Exerc.1999;28(5):375-80.

38. Gutierrez Espinoza, H., Araya-Quintanilla, F., Olguín-Huerta, C., Valenzuela-Fuenzalida, J., Jorquera-Aguilera, R., Gutiérrez-Monclus, R., & Retamal-Pérez, P. (2021). Effectiveness of manual therapy in patients with thumb carpometacarpal osteoarthritis: a systematic review and meta- analysi. Physiotherapy Theory and Practice, 1-10.

39. Hammer WI, Pfefer MT. Treatment of subacute lumbar compartment syndrome using the Graston Technique. J Manipulative Physiol Ther. 2005;28:199-204.

40. Hammer WI. The effect of mechanical load on degenerated soft tissue. J Bodyw Mov Ther. 2008;12(3);246-56.

41. Howitt S, Wong J, Zabukovec S. The conservative treatment of trigger thumb using Graston techniques and active release techniques. J Can Chiropr Assoc. 2006;50(4):249– 254. 42. Johnson, J., Tranchida, G., Mathiason, M. A., O’Brien, V. H., & McGee, C. (2022). Characterizing response to a dynamic stability modeled approach for thumb carpometacarpal joint pain: A retrospective study. Journal of Hand Therapy, 35(3), 346-357.

43. Jusdado-García M, Cuesta-Barriuso R. Soft tissue mobilization and stretching for shoulder in crossfitters: A randomized pilot study. Int J Environ Res Public Health. Jan 12 2021;18(2)doi:10.3390/ijerph18020575

44. Kahn KM, Scott A. Mechanotherapy: how therapists’ prescription of exercise promotes tissue repair. Br J Sports Med. 2009;43:247-51.

45. Kim YK, Cho SY, Lee KH. Effects of transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation and instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization combined treatment on chronic low back pain: A randomized controlled trial. J Back Musculoskelet Rehabil. 2021;34(5):895-902. doi:10.3233/bmr-200369

46. Koumantakis GA, Roussou E, Angoules GA, et al. The immediate effect of iastm vs. Vibration vs. Light hand massage on knee angle repositioning accuracy and hamstrings flexibility: A pilot study. J Bodyw Mov Ther. Jul 2020;24(3):96-104. doi:10.1016/j.jbmt.2020.02.007

47. Kouzaki M, Shinohara M et al. Local blood circulation among knee extensor synergists in relation to alternate muscle activity. J ApplPhysiolo 2003;95:49-56.

48. Konrad A, Glashüttner C, Reiner MM, Bernsteiner D, Tilp M. The Acute Effects of a Percussive Massage Treatment with a Hypervolt Device on Plantar Flexor Muscles’ Range of Motion and Performance. J Sports Sci Med. 2020;19(4):690-694. Published 2020 Nov 19.

49. Kozma EM, Olczyk K et al. An accumulation of proteoglycans in scarred fascia. Mol Cell Biochem. 2000;203:103-12.

50. Langevin H. Connective tissue: A body-wide signaling network? Med Hypothesis. 2006;66:1074-7.

51. Lee J, Young A, Erb NJ, Herzog VW. Acute and residual effects of iastm and roller massage stick on hamstring range of motion. J Allied Health. Spring 2020;49(1):e51-e55.

52. Lehr ME, Fink ML, Ulrich E, Butler RJ. Comparison of manual therapy techniques on ankle dorsiflexion range of motion and dynamic single leg balance in collegiate athletes. J Bodyw Mov Ther. Jan 2022;29:206-214. doi:10.1016/j.jbmt.2021.11.004

53. Lewit K, Olsanska S. Clinical importance of active scars: abnormal scars as a cause of myofascial pain. J Manipulative Physiol Ther. 2004 Jul-Aug;27(6):399-402.

54. Li L, Ge H, et al. Nociceptive and non-nociceptive hypersensitivity at latent myofascial trigger points. Clin J Pain. 2009 Feb;25(2):132-7.

55. Loghmani MT, Warden SJ. Instrument-assisted cross-fiber massage accelerates knee ligament healing. J Orthop Sports Phys Ther. 2009;39(7):506-14.

56. Looney B, Srokose T, Fernandez-de-las-Penas C, Cleland J. Graston instrument soft tissue mobilization and home stretching for the management of plantar heel pain: a case series. J Manipulative Physiol Ther. 2011;34:138-142.

57. MacDonald N, Baker R, Cheatham SW. The effects of instrument assisted soft tissue mobilization on lower extremity muscle performance: A randomized controlled trial. Int J Sports Phys Ther. Dec 2016;11(7):1040-1047.

58. Malliaras P,Cook J. Patellar tendons with normal imaging and pain: Change in imaging and pain status over a volleyball season. Clin J Sports Med. 2006;16:388–91.

59. Masi AT, Hannon JC. Human resting muscle tone (HRMT): narrative introduction and modern concepts. J Bodyw Mov Ther. 2008;12:320-2.

60. Mahmood T, Afzal W, Ahmad U, Arif MA, Ahmad A. Comparative effectiveness of routine physical therapy with and without instrument assisted soft tissue mobilization in patients with neck pain due to upper crossed syndrome. J Pak Med Assoc. Oct 2021;71(10):2304-2308. doi:10.47391/jpma.03-415

61. Martonick NJP, Reeves AJ, Whitlock JA, et al. Instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization forces applied by trained clinicians during a simulated treatment. J Sport Rehabil. Jan 1 2022;31(1):120-124. doi:10.1123/jsr.2020-0247

62. McCormack JR. The management of mid-portion Achilles tendinopathy with ASTYM and eccentric exercise: a case report. Int J Sports Phys Ther. 2012;7(6):672-7.

63. Melham TJ, Sevier TL, Malnofski MJ, Wilson JK, Robert HJ. Chronic ankle pain and fibrosis successfully treated with a new noninvasive augmented soft tissue mobilization technique (ASTM): a case report. Med Sci Sports Exerc. 1998;30(6):801–804.

64. Mu J, Fan W. Lens subluxation after use of a percussion massage gun: A case report. Medicine (Baltimore). 2022;101(49):e31825. doi:10.1097/MD.0000000000031825

65. Mylonas K, Angelopoulos P, Billis E, Tsepis E, Fousekis K. Combining targeted instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization applications and neuromuscular exercises can correct forward head posture and improve the functionality of patients with mechanical neck pain: A randomized control study. BMC Musculoskelet Disord. Feb 21 2021;22(1):212. doi:10.1186/s12891-021-04080-4

66. Nazari G, Bobos P, Lu SZ, et al. Effectiveness of instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization for the management of upper body, lower body, and spinal conditions. An updated systematic review with meta-analyses. Disabil Rehabil. May 25 2022:1-11. doi:10.1080/09638288.2022.2070288

67. Needs D, Blotter J, Cowan M, Fellingham G, Johnson AW, Feland JB. Effect of Localized Vibration Massage on Popliteal Blood Flow. J Clin Med. 2023;12(5):2047. Published 2023 Mar 4. doi:10.3390/jcm12052047

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69. Pisirici P, Cil ET, Coskunsu DK, Saylı U, Subasi F. Extracorporeal shockwave therapy versus graston instrument-assisted soft-tissue mobilization in chronic plantar heel pain: A randomized controlled trial. J Am Podiatr Med Assoc. Nov-Dec 2022;112(6)doi:10.7547/21-036

70. Sandrey MA, Lancellotti C, Hester C. The effect of foam rolling versus iastm on knee range of motion, fascial displacement, and patient satisfaction. J Sport Rehabil. Jul 23 2020;30(3):360-367. doi:10.1123/jsr.2018-0494

71. Schaefer JL, Sandrey MA. Effects of a 4-week dynamic-balance-training program supplemented with Graston instrument-assisted soft-tissue mobilization for chronic ankle instability J Sport Rehab. 2012;21:313-26.

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74. Shah JP, Gilliams EA. Uncovering the biochemical milieu of myofascial trigger points using in vivo microdialysis: An application of muscle pain concepts to myofascial pain syndrome. J Bodyw Mov Ther. 2008;12:371-84.

75. Shah JP, Danoff JV, et al. Biochemicals associated with pain and inflammation are elevated in sites near to and remote from active myofascial trigger points. Arch Phys Med Rehabil. 2008 Jan;(89):16-23.

76. Slaven EJ, Mathers J. Management of chronic ankle pain using mobilization and ASTYM treatment: a case report. J Manual Manipulative Ther. 2011;19(2):108-12.

77. Stecco A, Macchi V, Stecco C, et al. Anatomical study of myofascial continuity in the anterior region of the upper limb. J Bodyw Mov Ther. 2009;13:53-62.

78. Stevenson TC, Whitlock JA, Martonick N, et al. Descriptive analysis of forces applied by trained clinicians during two-handed instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization. J Athl Train. Nov 18 2021;58(1):60-4. doi:10.4085/1062-6050-282-21

79. Stroiney DA, Mokris RL, Hanna GR, Ranney JD. Examination of self-myofascial release vs. Instrument-assisted soft-tissue mobilization techniques on vertical and horizontal power in recreational athletes. J Strength Cond Res. Jan 2020;34(1):79-88.  doi:10.1519/jsc.0000000000002628

80. Syeda M, Bartholomew J, Santiago SV, et al. Exploring force production reliability across different levels of clinical experience during a simulated one-handed instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization treatment: A pilot study. Int J Sports Phys Ther. 2022;17(6):1136-1143. doi:10.26603/001c.38170

81. Taylor, A., & Wolff, A. L. (2021). The forgotten radial nerve: A conceptual framework for treatment of lateral elbow pain. Journal of Hand Therapy, 34(2), 323-329.

82. Vaillant J, Rouland A, et al. Massage and mobilization of the feet and ankles in elderly: effects on clinical balance performance. Man Ther. 2009 Dec;14(6):661-4.

83. Vicenzino B, Paungmali A, Buratowski S, Wright A. Specific manipulative therapy treatment for lateral epicondylalgia produces uniquely characteristic hypoalgesia. Man Ther. 2001 Nov;6(4):205-12.

84. Wang JHC, Yang G. Li Z, Shen W. Fibroblast responses to cyclic mechanical stretching depend on cell orientation to the stretching direction J Biomech. 2004 Apr;37(4):573-6.

85. Warner D. Central Sensitization. Anesthesiology. 2007;106(4):864-7.

86. Yang C, Huang X, Li Y, Sucharit W, Sirasaporn P, Eungpinichpong W. Acute Effects of Percussive Massage Therapy on Thoracolumbar Fascia Thickness and Ultrasound Echo Intensity in Healthy Male Individuals: A Randomized Controlled Trial. Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2023;20(2):1073. Published 2023 Jan 7. doi:10.3390/ijerph20021073