Active Release Techniques

Many recreational and professional athletes, as well as everyday people, suffer from the limitations and pain of soft tissue damage and the many problems it can cause. While there are different types of techniques and practitioners used for these conditions, Active Release Techniques is a specific and proprietary treatment method that is highly effective and targets some of the most common painful soft tissue conditions. This article explains what active release techniques are, how they are used to treat the most common injuries, how they can be compared to other available treatments and the benefits of using them in the context of a treatment.

What is the meaning of Active Release Techniques or A.R.T?

Active Release techniques are a patented soft tissue technique that involves deep tissue therapy in unison with both acts of motion and stretching. The doctor uses his or her hands to assess problem areas, then abnormal soft tissues are treated by combining precise, directed tension with very specific patient movements, breaking up painful scar tissue, and providing nearly instant relief. These soft tissue injuries can arise from athletics that require repetitive motion as well as accidents or improper posture and lifting.

Other common injuries occur on a day-to-day basis when many of us least expected. Some injuries helped with ART include carpal tunnel syndrome, neck and back pain, knee and shoulder problems, as well as headaches, shin splints, sciatica, and tennis elbow.

How Does Active Release Work?

The active release technique is primarily used by chiropractors and physiotherapists, as well as some sub-medical doctors. The purpose of the active release technique is to help reduce any restriction or adhesions within the muscle. For many athletes and non-athletes, a muscle will often get injured whether from muscle overuse or some kind of trauma. Then what will happen is the muscle will tighten up or will not move as it’s supposed to, then at some point, it will cause pain. ART will look within the muscle to find where they are at and will loosen them up, and then when that occurs generally all the pain goes away and the athlete or non-athlete is returned to their previous condition, which is no pain.

At Performance Chiropractic + Physiotherapy, we customize each patient’s treatment to fit his or her needs. We often combine ART with treatments such as computerized adjusting, foam rolling, stretching, and nutrition protocols to get patients out of pain and improve their health.