Active Release Therapy
Active release therapy is a soft tissue technique that mainly focuses on easing tissue tension by eliminating adhesions/fibrosis that can develop in tissues because of congestion due to repeated use. These conditions can cause muscle weakness, numbness, pain, tingling, and a burning sensation. Active release therapy has been proven to be both a treatment and a diagnostic technique.
How Does Active Release Therapy Work?
The goal of active release therapy is to break down scar adhesions and tissue to optimize body function. The therapy can be used in chronic and acute and conditions that involve muscles, fasciae, nerves, ligaments, and tendons. During treatment, a physiotherapist will position the patient’s tissue so it is “active”. For instance, to relieve an injured muscle with active release therapy, the physiotherapist places the patient in a position where the muscle shortens and then applies practical tension.
They will then ask you to lie down while the tension remains in place. The therapist can apply this combination of movement and tension in different areas before you feel completely relaxed. It’s like a massage, but with stretching and movement, except the therapist uses specific minor points of contact instead of broad strokes. The therapy can be very intense as it increases the nervous system’s tolerance for muscle stretching. It is described as “good pain” by many.
Benefits of Active Release Therapy
The benefits of active release therapy include reduced pain in the affected area as well as increased strength and mobility. By breaking down scar tissue, ART can improve your range of motion and blood circulation, and help you move more easily. Symptom relief can be immediate from the first session, and often only three sessions are needed to get the full benefit.
Scar tissue is a fibrous and dense material formed by inflammation to bind and connect injured tissue. It is part of the body’s natural healing process. Scar tissue is however less functional than normal healthy tissue. With adhesions or scarring (a band of scar tissue that connects two pieces of organs or tissue), muscles can shorten and weaken, while nerves can be entrapped or pinched. All of this causes dysfunction and pain in the area.
Breakdown of adhesions and scar tissue by active release therapy relieves pain and restores function to that part of your body. At Performance Chiropractic + Physiotherapy, our experts will help you remove restrictions that inhibit range of motion and restore full performance and function the affected tissues.
Dr. Ashley Todd is the owner and certified chiropractor at Performance Chiropractic + Physiotherapy, with more than 15 years of professional experience. Registered with the College of Chiropractors of Alberta and the Chiropractic Association of Alberta, Dr. Todd holds a Kinesiology degree from the University of British Columbia and a Doctorate of Chiropractic. He is fully certified in Active Release Techniques (ART) and treats athletes for the Edmonton Elks and Oil Kings. Dr. Todd is dedicated to helping people move better, perform stronger, and live pain-free.
