WHAT IS ACTIVE RELEASE TECHNIQUE® AND HOW DOES IT HELP?
Active Release Techniques (ART) is a patented soft tissue technique that treats problems with muscles, tendons, fascia, ligaments, and nerves by using isolated pressure and movements on soft tissues to release adhesions. It is very effective in improving pain and increasing blood flow and healing soft tissues.
HOW DOES THE ACTIVE RELEASE TECHNIQUE® WORK?
During an ART® session, the therapists identify, isolate and target the affected areas by using their hands to locate an area with adhesion. They then apply traction to that specific area while the patient moves their body, in order to pull the muscle underneath. This technique helps break up the scar tissue which helps the area restore proper blood flow.
Active Release Therapy® works by breaking up adhesions, which are a microscopic form of scar tissue. This can cause pain, weakness, reduced flexibility, and nerve damage.
WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF ART®?
The Active Release Technique® is very beneficial for musculoskeletal pain.
List of Benefits of ART (Active Release Technique®):
- Improve flexibility
- Reduces Pain
- Promotes faster recovery
- Enhances athletic performance
- Improves circulation
WHAT INJURIES CAN YOU TREAT WITH ACTIVE RELEASE TECHNIQUE®?
- Sciatica
- Ankle sprains
- Iliotibial Band Syndrome
- Hamstring strain
- Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
- Cubital Tunnel Syndrome
- TMJ Disorders
- Plantar fasciitis
- Neck and Low back pain
- Nerve Entrapment
- Radial Tunnel Syndrome
- Repetitive strain injuries
- Shoulder impingement
- Medial and Lateral Epicondylitis
- Many other conditions as well
HOW DOES ART® HELP?
The Active Release Technique® helps restore the function of soft tissue which helps prevent injuries and promotes faster recovery. Active Release Technique® helps break up adhesions which then aid in restoring normal tissue motion and function.
HOW EFFECTIVE IS ART AND DOES THE ACTIVE RELEASE TECHNIQUE® REALLY WORK?
Numerous studies show that ART® is a highly effective soft tissue treatment. In fact, it has been extremely popular with athletes, especially in North America and helps them train better and be injury free.
HOW LONG DOES ACTIVE RELEASE TECHNIQUE® TAKE TO WORK?
The time it takes for ART® to work varies depending on how long the individual has had the injury and other factors. Dr. Barrett will create a treatment plan for you based on the assessment findings.
HOW IS ART® PERFORMED?
During Active Release Technique (ART®), a muscle is shortened and the therapist applies tension to the muscle while the patient moves the area to actively lengthen the muscle. This may cause some pain but this is normal because this technique works by increasing the nervous system’s tolerance to the stretch to a tight muscle.
HISTORY OF ACTIVE RELEASE TECHNIQUE®
ART® has been developed, refined, and patented by P. Michael Leahy, DC, CCSP. He developed this technique because he noticed that his patient’s symptoms seemed to be related to the changes in the soft tissue which he could palpate. This technique method focuses on relieving tension in the tissue caused by repetitive movement.
This technique revolves completely around the patient’s symptoms and aims to treat soft tissue mobility issues with tendons, ligaments, muscles, nerves, and fascia.
Dr. Leahy consistently helped heal 90% of his patients’ issues. In 1985, he first documented his work under the title of Myofascial Release, but later on, he patented it under the name Active Release Techniques®. He is now teaching healthcare providers all over the world to use ART®.