Active Release Technique

Active Release Technique or ART is considered as a state of the art technique that is characterized by soft tissue movement. The method treats health problems related to nerves, muscles, and tendons disorders. The main purpose of ART is to restore suitable motion applied in muscles for proper function. It is used on patients suffering from acute, chronic, repetitive strain injuries and in post-operative circumstances. Due to its effectiveness, ART post-operative cases grew steadily within the past few years. Its success lies in the improvement of scar tissue known to develop during the healing period.

A Patented Technique

A chiropractor sports physician named Dr. Paul Michael Leahy first patented the Active Release Technique. ART is Dr. Leahy’s signature method in treating various chronic pain disorders. He noticed that most chronic pain symptoms originate in the changes within soft tissues.  It manipulates soft tissue which reduces the stress placed on joints and nerves in ordinary chiropractic practices. He developed and refined very specific movements to cure these changes or abnormalities in the tissues. Dr. Leahy consistently treats at least 90% of his patient’s health conditions. In some cases, massage therapist put too much pressure on the body that results in overused muscles. This contributes to scar tissue formation, strains, and more inflammation.

ART prevent those conditions from happening.

Instead, it uses “glide” movement between the nerves and muscular tissues. Healthcare professionals using ART push the joint fluid throughout the body, lowering inflammation and stimulating the lymphatic system. The main goal of ART is to treat chronic pain naturally without any medications or surgery.

ART can treat some of the most common health conditions including:

• Bursitis
• Carpal tunnel syndrome
• Lower back pain
• Plantar fasciitis
• Sciatic nerve pain
• Shin splints
• Shoulder strains
• Tennis elbow
• Tension headaches

How does ART work?

After a traumatic event, scar tissue can build up in the body called adhesions. Abnormal binding of the muscles groups restricts the joint and muscles movements. These adhesions bind together to stabilize injured tissues. They act like very strong “glue” which can compress or squeeze the nerves. Oftentimes the nerves become entrapped in the compression which induces pain to develop. The more these scar tissue forms, the higher the chance these nerves will end up trapped.  The fundamental principle of ART is to prevent scar tissue from building up and causing this discomfort.

Benefits of ART

It improves mobility after an injury

Various types of research discovered that ART treatment can treat patients suffering from chronic pain due to traumatic events.  The technique helps restore the mobility of the musculoskeletal system reducing the pain associated with the injury. Studies show that adults have at least 70% percent chance of experiencing neck pain once in their lifetime. Many experts now considered ART as a beneficial treatment for chronic pain either from the exercise of work-related injuries.

ART increases flexibility

When healthcare specialists applied ART it helps soothes and reduces tough adhesions in muscles. Several studies show similar outcomes that a single ART treatment session can help improve flexibility. Muscle groups that can benefit in ART include leg muscles particularly the hamstrings which are susceptible to injuries.

It reduces Chronic Back Pain

A study conducted by the Korean Academy of Physical Therapy Rehabilitation in 2013, discovered that ART decreases the symptoms of lower back pain. Chronic back pain remains as one of the most leading sources of disability in adults. Abnormal adhesions in the upper legs commonly trigger lower back pain. However, when undergoing ART treatment, it can help release compressed nerves and lessening the pain.

ART improve running performance and prevents injuries

Runners and athletes whose training involves vigorous exercises often overlook the early signs of adhesion. This can lead to tightening and shortening of the muscle groups which can restrict their mobility and flexibility. Recent studies show evidence that ART treatments can encourage faster muscle recovery, thus improving athletic performance.

Active Release Technique Find more on: https://www.dynamicwellnesschiro.com/

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