Active Release Techniques (ART) is a patented, state of the art soft tissue system and movement based technique that treats problems with muscles, tendons, ligaments, fascia and nerves very effectively. What separates ART treatment from conventional massage or muscle work, is the precise directed tension and the very specific movement to ensure the smooth movement of tissue, the directed breaking up of scar tissue and the ability restore function with minimal treatment time.
Headaches, back pain, carpal tunnel syndrome, shin splints, shoulder pain, sciatica, plantar fasciitis, knee problems, and tennis elbow are just some of the many conditions that can be resolved quickly and permanently with Active Release Techniques.
At Fitwell, we leverage our system of manual therapy and customized functional movement rehab designed to get you out of pain and moving at your full potential. To optimize the recovery results, our team of expert therapists suggest it is often best to combine ART with Sports Chiropractic Care and Functional Movement Programing/Rehab.
How Do Muscles Get Injured and React?
Muscles can be injured in 3 major ways:
- Acute Injury (Trauma, Tears, Pulls, Collisions, etc)
- Overuse (Repetitive Strain Injury)
- Constant pressure/tension for an extended periods (Poor Posture)
These causes could lead to build up of fibrous tissue, which is often referred to as “adhesion” or “scar tissue”, in the area. The adhesion, or scar tissue, should be reduced for many reasons. Adhesions limit blood flow to the structure, shorten the muscle and decreases the function of the structure. This can cause pain, weakness and sometimes numbness if the adhesion is putting pressure on a nerve.
Soft tissues (Muscles, Tendons, Ligaments, etc) changes following an injury:
- Inflammation (First 24-72 hours)
- Stringy muscle lesions (2 days – 2 weeks)
- Lumpy tissue, palpable adhesions (2 weeks – 3 months)
- Leathery tissue, changes slowly and more chronic in nature (3 months and beyond)
Why Get Active Release Techniques (ART) ?
With Active Release Technique, the whole structure (of muscle, tendon, ligament, nerve or fascia) can be treated instead of a particular section. It is the active motion, directed pressure, and specificity of treatment of the muscle that allows the practitioner to break up the adhesions. Every ART session is actually a combination of examination and treatment. The ART provider uses his/her hands to evaluate the texture, tightness and movement of muscles, fascia, tendons, ligaments and nerves. Each treatment only takes a few passes over the structure, and it is extremely effective to accomplish great results.