ACTIVE RELEASE TECHNIQUE
Active Release Therapy (ART)* is a patented, state of the art soft tissue system/movement based technique that treats problems with muscles, tendons, ligaments, fascia and nerves. Headaches, back pain, carpal tunnel syndrome, shin splints, shoulder pain, sciatica, plantar fasciitis, knee problems, and tennis elbow are just a few of the many conditions that can be resolved quickly and effectively with ART. These conditions all have one important thing in common: they are often a result of overused muscles.
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. Abnormal tissues are treated by combining precisely directed tension with very specific patient movements.
These treatment protocols- over 500 specific moves- are unique to ART. They allow providers to identify and correct the specific problems that are affecting each individual patient.
*Results may vary between patients
HOW DO OVERUSE CONDITIONS OCCUR?
Over-used muscles (and other soft tissues) change in three important ways:
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Acute conditions (trauma- pulls, tears, collisions, etc)
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Accumulation of small tears (micro-trauma)
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Repetitive overuse (small, frequent, repetitive movements)
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Sustained muscle contraction (sitting at a computer or desk)
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Not getting enough oxygen (hypoxia)
Each of these factors can cause your body to produce tough dense scar tissue in the affected area. This scar tissue binds up and ties down tissues that need to move freely. As scar tissue builds up muscles become shorter and weaker; tension on tendons causes tendonitis and nerves can become trapped. 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.
Research has shown scar tissue to be weaker, less elastic, more prone to future re-injury and up to 1000 times more pain sensitive than normal healthy tissue. This results in chronic pain. ART aims to locate this scar tissue and remove the adhesions so your muscles and nerves can move and work freely.