The Art of A.R.T.
When body systems responsible for movement stop working as they should, you feel pain. Active Release Technique is designed to correct the root of the movement disfunction and the resulting pain.
ART, or Active Release Technique, is a patented soft-tissue technique designed to release muscles, ligaments, tendons, and fascia that no longer function properly due to overuse or other injuries. Founded in 1984 by Dr. P. Michael Leahy, ART is considered the gold standard of non-invasive soft tissue work.
When you get injured, your body responds by producing tough, dense scar tissue in the problem area - it’s the body’s idea of an all-purpose bandaid. Unfortunately, as this scar tissue builds, it restricts healthy tissues, preventing them from moving freely. As the buildup continues, your muscles weaken and become shorter, nerves can become trapped, and the tension that is placed on the tendons might even cause tendon inflammation or tendonitis. Eventually, all of this leads to a reduced range of motion, loss of strength, pain, and sometimes even numbness or tingling.
ART treatment is effective against signs and symptoms of muscle and nerve dysfunction – sometimes referred to as soft-tissue conditions or MSDs – including tightness, pain, tingling, inflammation, restricted range of motion, muscle ache, and related symptoms.
How does ART work?
Active Release treats your body’s soft tissue by combining manipulation with movement. ART providers palpate (normal-people speak, using touch and feel) around the trouble areas to pinpoint the damaged and inflamed tissues. The technique works by breaking up adhesions, or dense collections of scar tissue that form when muscles and connective tissues are injured. When the scar tissue binds between your muscles, it limits flexibility, causing pain and stiffness in muscles and joints. The manipulation of the soft tissues through ART breaks up the adhesions so your muscles, joints, and nerves can move freely again, promoting blood flow and faster healing of injuries.
What can I expect during a treatment session?
Treatment sessions typically last about 15 minutes, and many patients experience dramatic reduction in pain and increase in range of motion after their first treatment. The clinician applies deep tension (iron thumb, anyone?) at the area of tenderness whilst the patient is instructed to actively move the injury site from a shortened to a lengthened position. ART involves very precise pressure and can cause some discomfort, especially in tender areas. Many conditions can be treated in just one session, but some will need a few treatment sessions to eliminate the issue.
ART can be used to treat a variety of soft tissue issues and injuries, such as:
Back Pain
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Lockjaw
Repetitive stress/overuse Injuries
Strains
Foot Pain
Migraines
Frozen shoulder
Sciatica
Dr. Sandy has cultivated her Iron Thumbs to help you overcome soft tissue conditions - she uses ART in conjunction with chiropractic adjustments to get you out of the doctor’s office and feeling better ASAP! if you are having issues with any of the symptoms or ailments described above, give us a call or visit our website to schedule an appointment.
