How does Active Release Technique Work?

Active Release Technique (ART) a patented, state of the art soft tissue movement based massage technique that focuses on relieving tissue tension by removing adhesions that can develop in tissues as a result of muscle overuse, which may lead to muscular weakness, numbness, aching, tingling and burning sensations. Active Release Technique is a method for the non-surgical treatment of soft tissue and has been reported to be both a diagnostic and a treatment technique. It includes placing a contact point near the lesion and causing the patient to move in a manner that produces a longitudinal sliding motion of soft tissues, like nerves, ligaments, and muscles, beneath the contact point.

Purpose

Active Release Technique is designed to treat symptoms with the muscles, tendons, ligaments, fascia, and nerves. Its main goal is to re-establish proper motion between muscles and fascia for proper function. It is also primarily used to restore free and unimpeded motion of all soft tissues, as well as to release entrapped nerves, and to re-establish optimal texture, resilience, and function of soft tissues.

How does overuse or repetitive stress cause scar tissue?

Muscle overuse also known as Repetitive Strain Injury increases the tension in the tissues of the body. As the repeated use of the same movements causes inflammation and damage to the soft tissues Chronic tension applied to the tissue decreases the blood supply, causing the body to form adhesions. Some examples of repetitive stress could be athletic pursuits, poor posture, improper exercise form, and improper ergonomic at the workplace.

Difference between ART and Massage

Active Release Technique and massage seems to be the same but the process is actually very different and the results they produce are very different. Basically, many styles of massage and generally massage promotes relaxation and increased circulation. For example, neuromuscular and Myofascial Release Massage is not designed to fix the soft tissue and make it work properly. Active Release Technique, on the other hand, is specific for the correction of scar tissues and adhesions, while it restores functional motion. To clear out adhesions through an entire range of movement, sports chiropractor will require to involved muscle, take a hand contact with a specific direction of tension, and then maintain that tension while the patient lengthens out the muscle.

Who performs Active Release Technique?

Generally speaking, sports chiropractors are qualified to perform Active Release Technique or specially trained registered massage therapists. In order to participate, the first requirement is to have a license or certification as a healthcare professional and soft-tissue malpractice insurance to perform soft tissue treatment on patients, and also must have an advanced foundational understanding of anatomy and physiology.

How it works

It combines examination and treatment in which the sports chiropractor evaluates the texture, tightness, movement, and function of each individual tissue. Abnormal tissues are treated by stretching and sliding movements at specified tensions that are intended to increase movement. It will loosen and break up the adhesions. Current research has proven Active Release Technique effective when it comes to treating hamstring dysfunction and pain as well as hip pain, turf toe and carpal tunnel. ART targets the injured area by applying force and tension to it. The combination of the tension and the movement of muscles will loosen and break up the adhesions. As a result, there will be a lesser pain in the once injured area. Allowing patients to feel improved body awareness and strength after few Active Release Technique sessions.

Active Release Technique reduces Chronic Back Pain

In 2013, a study conducted by the Korean Academy of Physical Therapy Rehabilitation, suggest that Active Release Technique can help reduce the symptoms of lower back pain. Chronic back pain is one of the most leading sources of disability in adults.  It can be caused by many different factors. Common causes are nerve damage and injuries that fail to heal properly, and also, abnormal adhesions that commonly trigger Chronic back pain. However, when undergoing Active Release Technique treatment, it can help release compressed nerves and lessening the pain.

How does Active Release Technique Work? is republished from Dynamic Wellness& Chiro

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