Active Release Technique

Active Release Technique (ART) is the treatment of choice for many top athletes. It is a state of the art treatment that is effective for the treatment of problems within muscles, tendons, ligaments, fascia and nerves. There are over 500 treatment protocols that are unique to this technique. These unique protocols allow for the identification and treatment of specific problems that are affecting each individual patient. Active Release Technique is a non-invasive and very safe (no side effects) treatment that consistently produces excellent results.

 

Everyone can benefit

Active Release Technique is the treatment of choice for many professional athletes. It is typically used in sports in which repetitive stress and trauma are typical, such as hockey, football, soccer, marathon runners and triathletes.

It is a highly successful treatment not only to athletes, but also to anyone who leads an active lifestyle. If you stand all day at work, sit for long hours at a computer, work in the garden or even work at a physical job, you may benefit from this approach. Due to the emphasis on the soft tissues and scar tissue, it is very helpful for individuals that may have suffered whiplash or other back injuries in a car accident, even if the accident is months to years old!

 

Elimination of scar tissue

Active Release Technique focuses on the breaking down and elimination of scar tissue.
The most common cause of scar tissue is over use.
Over used muscles and other soft tissues, change in 3 different ways:

  1. Acute injuries (new and painful pulls, tears and collisions)
  2. Small tears (an accumulation of minor tears ‘microtrauma’ over time)
  3. Not getting enough oxygen (hypoxia)

Each of these relate to the formation of dense inflexible scar tissue. When scar tissue is present, it binds and ties down tissue that needs to move freely. When you have scar tissue present you have shorter and weaker muscles, decreased range of motion and even pain. Due to the lack of flexibility and possible pressure on structures near the scar tissue, nerve entrapment may occur resulting in “tingling”, numbness or even weakness on your arms or legs.

 

Treatment

The initial visit to Precision Health will incorporate a thorough examination and, if appropriate, an initial treatment. The initial treatment will take approximately 30-45 minutes. A comprehensive history and physical examination is performed, during which time the practitioner will evaluate the tissue texture, tightness and movement of the involved muscles, fascia, tendons, ligaments or nerves. Tissue that is abnormal is treated by a combination of precisely directed tension with specific patient movements. Subsequent treatment usually lasts 10-20 minutes and most conditions require 4-6 visits for complete resolution. Chiropractic manipulation is often a frequent adjunct to Active Release Technique, depending on the condition being treated.

 

Precision

Active Release Technique is not typically painful, but can be mildly uncomfortable as the practitioner places precise tension on the abnormal tissue while you provide active motion. Some people have described the discomfort as a mildly uncomfortable ‘good hurt’.

 

Active Release Technique works

This therapy is focused treatment for the soft tissues (muscles, fascia, tendons and ligaments) and as a result is an effective treatment for many conditions, such as:

  • Neck pain
  • Mid and low back pain/injuries
  • Sciatica
  • Muscle strains and pulls
  • Carpal tunnel syndrome
  • Arm/Shoulder Injuries
    • Frozen shoulder
    • Golfers/tennis elbow (tendonitis)
    • Swimmers shoulder
    • Rotator cuff syndrome
    • Throwing injuries
    • Wrist pain
  • Headaches
    • Muscle tension headaches
    • Migraine headaches
  • Running injuries
    • Plantar fasciitis
    • Shin splints
    • Leg pain
    • Knee pain
    • Ankle pain
  • Repetitive stress injuries
    • Occupational
    • Recreational/sport