Active Release Techniques (ART) is a cutting-edge soft tissue system/movement-based practice that targets issues with tendons, muscles, fascia, nerves, and ligaments. With the ability to treat a wide variety of injuries and ailments, ART has become one of the most popular methods of treating conditions that result of the overuse of muscles. Overuse injuries are amongst the most common types of injury seen by chiropractors and physical therapists today. Using ART, the doctor is able to analyze various tissues via touch in order to address the damages to soft tissue in the body.
ART is often viewed as a systematic massage where the objective is to loosen the locked or tightened muscles, tendons, and ligaments. Using Active Release Techniques, the doctor is able to break apart scar tissue and adhesions that allow for the tissues to heal at a faster rate. When scar tissue accumulates or adhesions arise in the soft tissue, it is often a result of intense and repetitive stress places on muscles. When the tension in the muscles, ligaments, and tendons builds, the normal nerve function is disrupted and the patient’s range of motion is greatly limited.
In general, ART entails hundreds of different methods and movements to specifically target regions of the body while breaking apart scar tissue buildup. Active Release Techniques is used in a wide range of capacities, but the following is achieved through ART methods:
- Restore function
- Relieve pain
- Remove scar tissue
- Remove muscle adhesions
- Promote healing
- Reduce the effects of repetitive stress injuries
While ART is an incredibly successful system in alleviating the pains associated with overuse injuries, the healing process is often timely. While the extent of the injury will certainly be the primary determinant in the length of recovery and ART treatment, patients should expect to require at least two sessions to show enhanced function and pain relief. Active Release Techniques has truly set the tone for soft tissue treatment for doctors and therapists throughout the globe.