As a sports chiropractor dedicated to helping athletes and active individuals reclaim their peak performance, I’m excited to dive into one of the most effective tools in our arsenal: Active Release Techniques (ART). If you’ve ever experienced muscle tightness, chronic pain, or restricted movement due to overuse or injury, ART might be the solution you’ve been searching for. Let’s explore what ART is, how it works, and how we utilize it to get you back in the game.
What is Active Release Techniques (ART)?
Active Release Techniques is a patented, hands-on soft tissue treatment method designed to find, diagnose, and address problems in muscles, tendons, ligaments, fascia, and nerves. Developed by Dr. P. Michael Leahy, a chiropractor and engineer, ART is grounded in the understanding that repetitive motion, trauma, or prolonged tension can lead to the formation of scar tissue and adhesions within the body’s soft tissues. These adhesions can cause pain, reduced range of motion, and even nerve entrapment.
Unlike traditional massage or chiropractic adjustments that focus solely on relaxation or joint alignment, ART takes a more targeted approach. It combines precise manual pressure with specific patient movements to break up scar tissue, restore proper tissue texture, and improve mobility. This technique is particularly effective for conditions caused by overuse, such as those common among athletes—think tendonitis, shin splints, or carpal tunnel syndrome.
How Does ART Work?
The process of ART involves a systematic evaluation of the affected area to identify adhesions or restrictions. Once located, the practitioner applies controlled pressure to the tissue while the patient actively moves the affected body part through a specific range of motion. This movement, combined with the practitioner’s pressure, helps to:
- Break Down Scar Tissue: Adhesions that form due to injury or overuse are physically disrupted, allowing the tissue to return to its natural state.
- Restore Blood Flow: Improved circulation delivers oxygen and nutrients to the area, promoting healing.
- Release Trapped Nerves: By relieving pressure on nerves caused by tight muscles or fascia, ART can alleviate pain and numbness.
- Enhance Mobility: The technique restores elasticity to muscles and connective tissues, improving overall range of motion.
Each ART session is highly individualized. With over 500 specific protocols, the treatment is tailored to the patient’s unique condition, whether it’s a nagging hamstring, a stiff shoulder, or a chronic lower back issue.
How We Use ART
At Ascend, we integrate ART into our comprehensive approach to sports chiropractic care to address a wide range of musculoskeletal issues. Here’s how we apply it:
Initial Assessment
Every ART treatment begins with a thorough evaluation. We assess your posture, movement patterns, and areas of discomfort to pinpoint the root cause of your pain. This might involve testing your range of motion or applying gentle pressure to identify tender spots or adhesions
Customized Treatment
Once we’ve identified the problem areas, we apply ART with precision. For example:
- For a Runner with Shin Splints: We may target the deep calf and shin muscles, using ART to release tightness and reduce inflammation.
- For a Tennis Player with Elbow Pain: We could focus on the forearm extensors and flexors, breaking up scar tissue to relieve tension on the tendons.
- For a Cyclist with Hip Stiffness: We might need to address the hip flexors and iliotibial band, enhancing mobility for better pedaling efficiency.
During the session, you’ll be an active participant. We’ll guide you through specific movements—such as flexing or extending a joint—while we apply the appropriate tension. This collaboration ensures the treatment is both effective and comfortable.
Complementary Care
ART is often combined with other therapies at our practice, such as chiropractic adjustments, mobility programs, and strength exercises. This holistic approach not only alleviates current pain but also reduces future injury risk by addressing underlying imbalances.
Follow-Up and Prevention
After your initial treatment, we provide a personalized plan to maintain your progress. This might include at-home stretches, strengthening exercises, or periodic ART sessions to keep your soft tissues healthy. Our goal is to empower you with the tools to stay active and injury-free.
Benefits of ART for Athletes and Active Individuals
The beauty of ART lies in its versatility and effectiveness. Athletes and active individuals can expect:
- Faster recovery from sprains, strains, and overuse injuries.
- Improved performance through enhanced mobility and strength.
- Reduced risk of re-injury by addressing scar tissue early.
- Relief from chronic conditions like plantar fasciitis or rotator cuff issues.
Is ART Right for You?
If you’re dealing with persistent pain, stiffness, or a sports-related injury, ART could be a game-changer. At Ascend Sports Chiropractic, we’re here to help you assess whether this technique fits your needs. Schedule today to see how we can tailor ART to your unique situation and get you back to doing what you love.
