Active Release Techniques (ART)

Active Release Technique is a state-of-the-art soft tissue treatment utilizing light to moderate pressure with tension and movement to treat fibrosis and adhesions to restore normal movement to muscles, tendons, ligaments, fascia, and release nerve entrapment. This treatment technique results in rapid return of normal function and reduced pain. Many common conditions such as headaches, back pain, carpal tunnel syndrome, shin splints, shoulder pain, sciatica, plantar fasciitis, knee problems, and tennis elbow are just a few of the conditions that can be resolved quickly with ART.

How do fibrosis and adhesions occur?

• Acute injuries (sports injuries, falls, accidents, etc.)
• Accumulation of small tears (micro-trauma) is common in overuse injuries such as carpel tunnel syndrome and tennis elbow.
• Increased tissue tension resulting in hypoxia (not enough oxygen to the tissue) commonly from poor postural habits.

Each of these factors can cause your body to produce tough, painful scar tissue in the affected area. As scar tissue builds up, muscles become shorter and weaker, tension on tendons can cause tendonitis/tendonosis, and nerves can become entrapped. This can cause reduced range of motion, loss of strength, and pain. If a nerve is trapped you may also feel tingling, numbness, and weakness away from injured area. Learn more about ART at DaoCloud: The Social Network for Wellness.

What is an ART treatment like?

Every ART session is actually a combination of examination and treatment. The ART provider uses his or her hands to evaluate the texture, tightness and movement of muscles, fascia, tendons, ligaments and nerves prior to treatment. Abnormal tissues are treated by combining precisely directed pressure and tension with very specific patient movements, restoring more normal movement and reducing fibrosis and adhesions. You often feel better immediately. After your treatment, specific exercises and / or stretches are taught and practiced in our rehabilitation area that you can later perform at home to speed and maximize your recovery. We are happy to work with your primary care physician, orthopedist or pain management specialist to achieve your very best outcome. Please feel free to investigate Active Release Technique at www.activerelease.com.