Elsie Andrew
Active Release Technique or ART is a process that helps in the treatment of the soft tissues in the body by combining movements and manipulation. This technique has been in the medical industry for more than 30 years.
In this therapeutic process, the affected area is identified, isolated, and targeted to get rid of the scar tissue. It helps in promoting blood flow to the injured area for enhancing the healing process. The therapeutic technique can help in treating conditions related to the:
- Nerves
- Tendons
- Ligaments
- Muscles
Dr. P. Michael Leahy, a famous chiropractor, was the one to use this technique for treating soft tissue disorder for the very first time among elite athletes. Since then, active release therapy has been used for managing millions of individuals.
Professionals who are trained to provide ART to patients are:
- Physicians
- Massage therapists
- Physical therapists
- Chiropractors
This therapeutic technique can help in the treatment of headaches, back pain, and several other similar conditions that result from soft tissue injuries or diseases. Some of the significant conditions include:
- Tennis elbow
- Lower back pain
- Tension headaches
- Shoulder strains
- Bursitis
- Shin splints
How Does It Work?
The technique helps to break adhesions that are a dense accumulation of scar tissue that is seen at the time when connective tissues and muscles get injured. Right after the scar tissue and muscles bind, it could result in limited flexibility, resulting in stiffness and pain.
These adhesions may also trap nerves. By manipulating the soft tissues, ART could help in breaking up the joints, nerves, and muscles. During the session, the healthcare profession will check the area and identify the scar tissue’s exact location. The technique will isolate the area and target it to manipulate and break the scar tissue. It will end up restoring the blood flow, allowing the area to heal.
Signs of Having Scar Tissue
Some of the symptoms indicating that you might have scar tissue include:
- Inflamed Joints
- Weakness, numbness, or tingling
- Decreased strength
- Limited motion range and reduced flexibility
- Tingling, numbness, or pain near your fingers
- Sharp pain experienced near the foot’s bottom
- Pain increases while exercising
- Stiffness near back, knees, hands, elbow, or neck.
Benefits of ART
The therapy aims to break the scar tissue in order to help reduce the stiffness and pain. The treatment offers several advantages and is very useful for soft tissue injuries caused by trauma, overuse, or sports. Some of the benefits are
- Increase in flexibility
- A decrease in lower back pain
- Increase in the range of motion
- Management of carpal tunnel effectively
- Enhancement of sciatic symptoms
- Improvement in chronic neck pain
- Relief from tension headaches
The technique uses very precise pressure and can be quite painful. For people who are not tolerant of pain, the treatment session can be very uncomfortable. Make sure that the treatment is performed by somebody who is certified to provide active release technique.
