Understanding Active Release Therapy (often abbreviated A.R.T.) can be a little tricky, so let's begin by explaining the types of tissue problems it can help with before explaining the therapy itself.
Tissue Issues
Active Release Therapy is great for treating chronic problems like headaches, sciatica, shin splints, and plantar fasciitis. Sciatica is a term for leg pain (sometimes numbness, tingling, or weakness) that originates in the lower back and then travels down the sciatic nerve through the legs. Shin splints describe pain experienced between the knee and ankle, which is typically caused by repeated trauma to the connective muscle tissue around the shinbone (often a result of activities like running). Plantar fasciitis is one of the most common causes of heel pain, occurring when there is an inflammation of the tissue that connects the heel bone and toes.
All of these conditions are usually the result of overused muscles (or soft tissues). Overuse can change the muscle through pulls or tears (acute conditions), an accumulation of small tears, or hypoxia (muscles not receiving enough oxygen). These occurrences can lead to your body producing dense, tough scar tissue in the affected muscles. This scar tissue tightens up other tissues that are supposed to be moving freely. When the scar tissue builds up, the muscles become tighter. This can result in decreased range of motion, muscle weakness, and pain. Muscle tension from scar tissue can also affect nerves, causing numbness, tingling sensations, and weakness.
The A.R.T.ful Remedy
Active Release Therapy is a form of soft tissue therapy, essentially a soft tissue massage of targeted areas to get at the source of pain. It addresses problems with individual tissues and problems in between tissues. This last part is important to note because tissues can affect other tissues or structures near them, either directly or biomechanically (a fancy word for the mechanical function of a body part). A.R.T. sessions begin with a physical exam and a personal history evaluation to ensure treatment plans are customized for each individual case. During these examinations, abnormal tissues (i.e. scar tissues) are identified and evaluated by the Active Release Therapy provider. From there, the tissue is treated with a combination of directed tension and specific patient movements. Each session's treatment is dependent upon the provider's examination of the patient's needs, ensuring each session is individualized and that no two patients' treatments are alike.
Another positive of this incredible therapy is the fact that it is completely natural. A.R.T. relieves pain without medication or invasive procedures (like surgery). Appointment schedules can also be arranged to fit around patients' busy lives so they can find the plan that best suits them without any interruption to work or school.
Active Release Therapy is an innovative solution to a wide variety of soft tissue-related pains. With its non-invasive treatment and flexible scheduling, there's not much to lose by setting up an appointment and finding out if A.R.T. can put an end to your pain. Experiencing a pain-free lifestyle opens up many new and exciting activities that you probably never thought you could consider.
Tissue Issues
Active Release Therapy is great for treating chronic problems like headaches, sciatica, shin splints, and plantar fasciitis. Sciatica is a term for leg pain (sometimes numbness, tingling, or weakness) that originates in the lower back and then travels down the sciatic nerve through the legs. Shin splints describe pain experienced between the knee and ankle, which is typically caused by repeated trauma to the connective muscle tissue around the shinbone (often a result of activities like running). Plantar fasciitis is one of the most common causes of heel pain, occurring when there is an inflammation of the tissue that connects the heel bone and toes.
All of these conditions are usually the result of overused muscles (or soft tissues). Overuse can change the muscle through pulls or tears (acute conditions), an accumulation of small tears, or hypoxia (muscles not receiving enough oxygen). These occurrences can lead to your body producing dense, tough scar tissue in the affected muscles. This scar tissue tightens up other tissues that are supposed to be moving freely. When the scar tissue builds up, the muscles become tighter. This can result in decreased range of motion, muscle weakness, and pain. Muscle tension from scar tissue can also affect nerves, causing numbness, tingling sensations, and weakness.
The A.R.T.ful Remedy
Active Release Therapy is a form of soft tissue therapy, essentially a soft tissue massage of targeted areas to get at the source of pain. It addresses problems with individual tissues and problems in between tissues. This last part is important to note because tissues can affect other tissues or structures near them, either directly or biomechanically (a fancy word for the mechanical function of a body part). A.R.T. sessions begin with a physical exam and a personal history evaluation to ensure treatment plans are customized for each individual case. During these examinations, abnormal tissues (i.e. scar tissues) are identified and evaluated by the Active Release Therapy provider. From there, the tissue is treated with a combination of directed tension and specific patient movements. Each session's treatment is dependent upon the provider's examination of the patient's needs, ensuring each session is individualized and that no two patients' treatments are alike.
Another positive of this incredible therapy is the fact that it is completely natural. A.R.T. relieves pain without medication or invasive procedures (like surgery). Appointment schedules can also be arranged to fit around patients' busy lives so they can find the plan that best suits them without any interruption to work or school.
Active Release Therapy is an innovative solution to a wide variety of soft tissue-related pains. With its non-invasive treatment and flexible scheduling, there's not much to lose by setting up an appointment and finding out if A.R.T. can put an end to your pain. Experiencing a pain-free lifestyle opens up many new and exciting activities that you probably never thought you could consider.
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