Revolutionizing Pain Management: The Power of Active Release Technique

November 29, 2022 / Chiropractic, Physiotherapy
Revolutionizing Pain Management: The Power of Active Release Technique

Things you need to know about active release technique (ART)

What is Active Release Therapy and how does ART help?

Active Release Techniques (ART) is a patented soft tissue technique that treats problems with muscles, tendons, fascia, ligaments, and nerves by using isolated pressure and movements on soft tissues to release adhesions. It is very effective in improving pain and increasing blood flow and healing soft tissues.

How does the active release technique work?

During an ART session, the therapists identify, isolate and target the affected areas by using their hands to locate an area with adhesion. They then apply traction to that specific area while the patient moves their body, in order to pull the muscle underneath. This technique helps break up the scar tissue which helps the area restore proper blood flow.

Active Release Therapy works by breaking up adhesions, which are a microscopic form of scar tissue. This can cause pain, weakness, reduced flexibility, and nerve damage.

What are the benefits of ART?

The active release technique is very beneficial for neck, lower back, shoulder, and knee pain.

List Of Benefits Of Art (Active Release Technique):

  • Improve flexibility
  • Reduces Pain
  • Promotes faster recovery
  • Enhances athletic performance
  • Improves circulation

What injuries can you treat with Active Release Technique?

  • Sciatica
  • Ankle sprains
  • Iliotibial Band Syndrome
  • Hamstring strain 
  • Carpal Tunnel Syndrome 
  • Cubital Tunnel Syndrome
  • TMJ Disorders 
  • Plantar fasciitis
  • Neck and Low back pain
  • Nerve Entrapment 
  • Radial Tunnel Syndrome. 
  • Repetitive strain injuries
  • Shoulder impingement
  • Medial  and Lateral Epicondylitis

How Does ART Help?

The active Release Technique helps restore the function of soft tissue which helps prevent injuries and promotes faster recovery. Active Release Therapy helps break up adhesions which then aid in restoring normal tissue motion and function.

How effective is ART and Does the Active Release Technique Really Work?

Numerous studies show that ART is a highly effective soft tissue treatment. In fact, it has been extremely popular with athletes, especially in North America helps them train better and be injury free.

How Long Does Active Release Technique Take To Work?

The time it takes for Art to work varies depending on how long the individual has had the injury and other factors. Our chiropractor will create a treatment plan for you based on the assessment findings.

How To Do Active Release Technique

During Active Release Therapy (ART), a muscle is shortened and the therapist applies tension to the muscle while the patient moves the area to actively lengthen the muscle. This may cause some pain but this is normal because this technique works by increasing the nervous system’s tolerance to the stretch to a tight muscle.

Is Active Release Technique Covered By Insurance?

Active release therapy at our clinics is done by our registered chiropractors so it will cover your sessions if your insurance plan covers chiropractic care.

History of Active Release Technique

ART has been developed, refined, and patented by P. Michael Leahy, DC, CCSP. He developed this technique because he noticed that his patient’s symptoms seemed to be related to the changes in the soft tissue which he could palpate. This technique method focuses on relieving tension in the tissue caused by repetitive movement.

This technique revolves completely around the patient’s symptoms and aims to treat soft tissue mobility issues with tendons, ligaments, muscles, nerves, and fascia.

Dr. Leahy consistently helped heal 90% of his patients’ issues. In 1985, he first documented his work under the title of Myofascial Release, but later on, he patented it under the name Active Release Techniques. He is now teaching healthcare providers all over the world to use ART.

How Much Does Active Release Technique Cost?

ART is done by our chiropractors. The fees for chiropractic services are:
Initial session which is an hour long and includes assessment and assessment for $125.
A 30 minute follow up treatment session is for $95.

How Art Is Different Considered To Many Other Soft Tissue Techniques?

The main difference between Active Release Therapy and any other soft tissue techniques is that ART incorporates active movement into treatment. While the therapist presses on the affected area, the patient actively moves the affected structure.

Active Release Technique Vs Myofascial Release

  • Is Active Release Technique the same As Myofascial Release?

Active Release Therapy is an advanced form of Myofascial release and its main goal is to break up adhesions which helps with the reduction of pain and increases the range of motion. It also helps reduce inflammation by improving circulation.

The main goal of Myofascial Release Therapy is to loosen the fascia and release restrictions to restore the range of motion and decrease pain.

In Myofascial Release Therapy, the therapist applies gentle but firm pressure to areas known as trigger point areas to release the tension.

Book your appointment for an ART session here.