The Benefits of Active Release Technique (ART)
June 6, 2023Active release technique (ART) treats your body’s soft tissue by combining manipulation and movement. It was first used by Dr. Leahy, a chiropractor, to treat soft tissue disorders in elite athletes and has since been used to treat millions of people. The technique has also been around for more than 30 years!
The Benefits of Active Release Technique (ART)
ART entails identifying, isolating, and targeting the affected area to break up scar tissue. This promotes blood flow and faster healing of injuries. ART can be used to treat problems with your muscles, ligaments, tendons and nerves. Not just anyone can perform ART and providers who use this technique take extensive coursework to become certified. Common conditions that are treated using ART involve low back and neck pain, shoulder strains, bursitis, carpal tunnel, plantar fasciitis, tennis elbow and hamstring pulls.
ART works by breaking up adhesions, which are dense collections of scar tissue that form when muscles and connective tissues are injured. When the scar tissue binds between your muscles it limits flexibility and causes stiffness in muscles and joints. Sometimes adhesions can also entrap nerves which can cause sciatica. Sciatica is also another very common condition that ART can help immensely.
During an ART session, our providers will feel the area of issue and identify the location of the scar tissue. We then isolate and target the area, manipulating it to break up the scar tissue and restore proper blood flow so the area can heal.
To re-emphasize, the goal of ART is to break up the adhesions, restore your range of motion and improve your pain. By breaking up scar tissue, muscles and joints are able to glide and move freely again without pain and stiffness.
ART is definitely an effective treatment for a variety of conditions and injuries of the soft tissues. Overuse and sports injuries do benefit from ART! In conjunction with chiropractic care, ART can help you return to your favorite activities.
The Van Ness Chiropractic Difference
At Van Ness Chiropractic, we realize that stress and imbalance in the body is not one size fits all. We have the clinical knowledge and expert staff to offer treatment that is both effective and empowering. Call us today at 847-842-8070 to set up your appointment for a comprehensive examination and get on the road to health today. You can also visit us at vannesschiro.com to find out more.
