Active Release Techniques®
Active Release Techniques® / Myofascial Release
The Active Release Techniques® (or ART®) soft tissue system is a movement based massage technique that is designed to treat soft tissue conditions and injuries. Soft tissues refer primarily to 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 permanently with ART®. These conditions all have one important thing in common: they are often a result of overused muscles.
How do overuse conditions occur?
- 1. Acute conditions (muscle pulls, tears, collisions, etc),
- 2. Accumulation of small tears (micro-trauma from repetitive motion)
- 3. Not getting enough oxygen (hypoxia).
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. Abnormal tissues are treated by combining precisely directed tension with very specific patient movements. This results in the break-up and "release" of the scar tissue to help restore proper function of the involved soft tissues, thereby allowing tissue healing, improved function, increased tissue strength and range of motion.
There are over 500 specific treatment protocols / maneuvers that are unique to ART®. They allow providers to identify and correct the specific problems that are affecting each individual patient. ART® is not a cookie-cutter approach.
How many treatments will I need with ART® to get better?
Usually a patient will see significant results from treatments within just a few visits. Resolution of the condition usually occurs within the first 4-6 visits, however the actual time for full healing to take place will differ with each patient. The more chronic or severe the soft tissue condition or injury, the longer the treatment period will take.
Healing time is also dependant upon the effectiveness of other concurrent treatment methods (such as chiropractic, physiotherapy, or massage), as well the adherence and compliance to any prescribed exercises or stretches, along with furthur recommendations by the practitioner.
Is ART® like a massage?
ART® differs from massage in that treatments are usually focused on a few individual muscle, tendon, fascia and/or nerve tissues each visit. Treatments will usually take less time, but can be quite intense. By contrast, the majority of massage techniques will focus on broader areas of the body over a longer time period each visit.
Do ART® treatments hurt?
The treatments are often very deep and can very in intensity. Because ART® treatments are most often performed on irritated soft tissues, these tissues will be quite sensitive for most individuals. However, treatments are always performed to the tolerance level of each individual to maximize theire benefit in the quickest possible time-frame. Most patients state that they actually feel good following the treatment.
What is the history of Active Release Techniques®?
ART® has been developed, refined, and patented by P. Michael Leahy, DC, CCSP. Dr. Leahy noticed that his patients' symptoms seemed to be related to changes in their soft tissue that could be felt by hand. By observing how muscles, fascia, tendons, ligaments and nerves responded to different types of work, Dr. Leahy was able to consistently resolve over 90% of his patients' problems. He now teaches and certifies health care providers all over the world to use ART®.
Common conditions that can be treated with ART® include:
- Headaches & TMJ (jaw) problems
- Shoulder & Rotator Cuff injuries
- Tennis / Golfer's Elbow
- Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
- Low back and Hip pain
- IT-Band Syndrome
- Runner's / Jumper's Knee & Shinsplints
- Achilles Tendonosis & Plantar Fasciitis
- Piriformis Syndrome
- Compartment Syndrome
- Posture related muscle tightness
- Chronic strains & sprains
For more information on Active Release Techniques, please contact Dr. Jeff Barnett at drbarnett@orchardchiro.com.
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