What is ART®

Active Release Technique (ART®) is a successful soft tissue treatment that is not only for athletes, but is for anyone who leads an active life, sits at a computer all day, or enjoys hiking. Every day activities can result in repetitive stress and the formation of scar tissue also known as adhesions. These injuries can be a result of repetitive stress or trauma such as whiplash or from over-use of the same muscle group doing the same activities. This can impede the movement and function of soft tissues (muscles, ligaments, tendons, fascia and nerves). The result is symptoms of pain, stiffness, decreased range of motion, numbness and weakness. ART® is a method of healing injuries by location of scar tissue/adhesions, then applying tension to this site while lengthening muscles, tendons, texture, movement and function thus eliminating symptoms. ART® has become a very popular technique amongst athletes, especially in endurance sports like Iron-Man Triathlons. For more detailed information, visit the ART® website at: http://www.activerelease.com
 

How do Overuse Conditions Occur?

Over-used muscles (and other soft tissues) change in three important ways:

• Acute conditions (pulls, tears, collisions, etc.)
• Accumulation of small tears (micro-trauma)
• Not getting enough oxygen (hypoxia)

Each of these relate to the formation of dense inflexible scar tissue. When scar tissue is present, it binds and ties down tissue that needs to move freely. When you have scar tissue present you have shorter and weaker muscles, decreased range of motion and even pain. Due to the lack of flexibility and possible pressure on structures near the scar tissue, nerve entrapment may occur resulting in "tingling", numbness or even weakness.
 

Everyone can Benefit from ART®

Active Release Technique (ART®) is the treatment of choice for many professional athletes. It is used in sports in which repetitive stress and trauma are typical, such as rugby, swimming, cyclists, rowing, soccer, marathon runners and triathletes.

It is a highly successful treatment not only for athletes, but also for anyone who leads an active lifestyle. If you stand all day at work, sit for long hours at a computer, work in the garden or even work at a physical job, you may benefit from this approach. Due to the emphasis on the soft tissues and scar tissue, it is very helpful for individuals that may have suffered whiplash or other back injuries in a car accident, even if the accident is months to years old.