Active Release Technique (ART) is one reliable and universal way that chiropractors relieve patients of their pain through working out muscle knots. ART treatment is comparable to a deep tissue massage that breaks up adhesions and scar tissue in the soft tissues of the affected area. This technique is especially popular amongst athletes for performance and sports injuries because of its ability to target and respond to different severities and locations of the muscle adhesion or scar tissue.
How does Active Release Technique work?
When using ART, a chiropractor will begin by applying manual tension on a muscle to shorten it. The client being treated then actively lengthens the muscles by making sure that the muscle tension is held in place. The treatment may cause some initial discomfort, but it provides your body with the necessary relaxation and stretch to work through painful knots.
The main goal of an ART is to reduce fibrous adhesions while reestablishing the motions between fascia and muscles. ART creates tension on a scar tissue, which is a fibrous material created by our body to bind and connect injured tissue. However, scar tissue can sometimes bind surrounding structures, which will cause a muscle to become entrapped, pulled, and pinched under that adhesion. Even nerves can get trapped within the muscle and lead to more severe pain and associated symptoms. ART targets the injured soft tissue and restores its normal function before more painful and worrisome consequences arise.
You might consider ART a massage technique, but it is a lot more than that! A professional chiropractor follows 500 specific protocols, after becoming certified, to provide you relief through ART.
How is Active Release Technique different from other techniques?
ART technique is based on the active participation of the patient. A client will move an affected part of the body while a chiropractor presses the injured area. It is this collaboration that allows a chiropractor to feel the affected ligament or muscle as it moves under their contact.
What all can Active Release Technique treat?
ART treatment is highly effective in treating carpal tunnel syndrome, shin splints, shoulder pain, back pain, knee problems, sciatica, plantar fasciitis, tennis elbow, and a number of others conditions that are a result of overused muscles.
What should I expect in an Active Release Technique session?
An ART session is a great balance between examination and treatment. While providing the ART technique, your chiropractor might use their hands to analyze the affected area in terms of tightness, texture, movement of muscles, nerves, tendons, and ligaments.
How to get Active Release Technique therapy?
It is highly recommended to book your ART session only with licensed chiropractors, massage therapists, and doctors who have recent certifications in ART. A bonus to ART therapy is that it does not require any prescription, and you can easily get it by making an appointment with a certified ART provider. To book an appointment with us at one of our San Francisco Bay Area clinics, click here.
