Active Release Technique (ART) is a type of tissue massage therapy provided by physical therapists and chiropractors. The goal of ART is to relieve tension in the muscles and tissues, and the removal of adhesions that are often a result of repetitive use or trauma. Tension and scar adhesions can cause pain and stiffness throughout the body. Over time, it can lead to aching, weakness, numbness, tingling, and burning sensations. Athletic and exercise performance can also be affected. Active release techniques can relieve pain and restore optimal function to the soft tissues.
How Active Release Technique Works
An ART session first begins with an examination. Treatment follows according to what the specialist sees can be done. The specialist will check the texture of the soft tissues throughout the body and if abnormal textures and tightness is detected, they will proceed to apply any of the 500 targeted deep pressure and active movements.
Benefits of ART
The benefits of active release techniques include but are not limited to:
- Relieve acute and chronic pain. Can be used for acute and chronic pain patients. It is most commonly used for neck, back, shoulder, leg, knee, and hand pain.
- Increase pain pressure threshold. In one study, patients who receive ART had a decreased sensitivity to adductor muscle pain – a muscle found in the thigh.
- Greater flexibility. ART may be used to loosen up tight muscles, particularly the hamstrings. A single session of active release technique can improve flexibility in an area with tight muscles.
- Relief from carpal tunnel syndrome. Relieve pain from median nerve irritation from carpal tunnel syndrome, restoring hand function.
- Improve range of motion after injuries. Particularly effective in relieving neck pain and improving range of motion.
- Relieves chronic lower back pain. Back pain is very commonly caused by adhesions and compressed nerves. ART can also relieve sciatic pain.
- Relieves tension headaches. Loosen up tight muscles in the neck and break down adhesions, which are a common cause of tension headaches.
- Prevents sports injuries. Tightness is a common cause of sports injuries. Flexible muscles are less likely to become strained, pulled, or torn.
- Faster recovery from sports injuries. Active release technique is used to help athletes recover faster from injuries. It is very effective in treating patients with shin splints, plantar fasciitis, tennis elbow, and other common sports injuries.
- Improve sports performance. The motions used in active release therapy promote faster recovery of injured muscles and connective tissues, and also restore normal muscle and connective tissue function. To perform well in sports, your body needs to be in peak physical condition, which includes having optimal functioning soft tissues.
Active Release Technique in Dallas/Fort Worth, Texas
Athletes and non-athletes can benefit from the active release technique. If you are experiencing pain from repetitive use or sports injury, our highly skilled specialists at Reagan Integrated Sports Medicine can provide you this effective treatment. If you want to know specifically how ART can help you become pain-free, make an appointment with our specialists. Call Reagan Integrated Sports Medicine at (972) 503-7272 or request an appointment online.
