ART (Active Release Technique)
Active Release Technique (ART) is a soft tissue therapy designed to rid injured areas of scar tissue. Here at Performance Chiropractic we incorporate ART in our treatment of musculoskeletal disorders to remedy injuries such as carpal tunnel syndrome, shin splints, rotator cuff injuries, sciatica, plantar fasciitis, knee problems, tennis elbow, headaches, and back pain. All of theses conditions tend to have one thing in common: the result of an overused muscle.
We are all prone to over-using muscles while at work and in our daily lives, no matter the occupation. Overuse Syndrome is common in our society. As a result of our work duties, athletic events and daily lives, we are all at risk of developing this syndrome due to repetitive stresses on the same structures. These stresses may not be painful at first, but the body learns to compensate for long term use resulting in the soft tissue adapting and changing over time.
• Muscles become shorter and weaker
• Tension on tendons causes tendonitis
• Nerves can become entrapped
Each of these factors contribute to symptoms such as:
• Reduced Range of Motion
• Loss of Strength
• Pain
• Nerve entrapment (If a nerve is trapped, it can cause numbness and tingling in the affected area.)
Scar tissue serves the body the same way patch repairs do on small cracks in the road. When muscles or other tissues are overstressed or injured, our bodies use scar tissue as a patch repair. This is naturally how your body heals. If the source of the injury is not corrected, the tissue will accumulate too much scar tissue creating a problem. This is similar to when a road has had too many patch repairs and no longer smooth.
ART is a way to smooth out your muscles and tissue or “resurface the road”. It is not a massage technique which is used for decreasing muscle tension.This technique works out the scar tissue and helps the tissues to heal normally with long lasting results. It is important to note that pain, numbness or other symptoms may not be resolved if the scar tissue is not broken up or the source of the tension is not discovered. Our highly trained chiropractor is knowledgeable in ART and will perform a careful, thorough exam.
For more information on Active Release Techniques®, please visit their website: www.activerelease.com, or contact us at (775) 853-0250.