Active Release Technique (ART) is a manual therapy that focuses on identifying and isolating specific soft tissue restrictions to achieve a structural reset of the tissues. This process is facilitated by using different pressure techniques to elicit an involuntary response referred to as “active release.”
Active release technique is a fast, simple, and effective technique that relieves muscle tension and lengthens shortened muscles by breaking up knots or bands in the muscles known as fascia. These techniques are used together with other manual therapies, such as massage and stretching, to help accelerate the healing process. Depending on your needs, they may also be used independently for muscle activation and lengthening as part of a pre-exercise routine or post-workout recovery.
In the active release technique treatment, the therapist locates and isolates specific restrictions in the soft tissues. These restrictions are called “knots” or “bands” that can become tight and restrict movement. Once identified, these restrictions are then relaxed by applying pressure on them to break them up.
The therapist may also ask you to move through a full range of motion while the hand is on the affected area to stimulate circulation further and increase the effectiveness of this technique. This process is repeated until all restrictions have been released.
The effectiveness of the active release technique depends heavily on how well you can identify and isolate these restrictions within your body. Suppose you find it difficult to identify specific areas causing pain or discomfort. In that case, you should undergo a few sessions with a trained ART practitioner to better understand their work and what they look like within your body.
What Type of Patient Typically Receives This Form of Therapy
This therapy is generally used for patients such as office workers, athletes, seniors, and people injured at work who experience pain and discomfort in the shoulder, neck, or back. It is also recommended for patients who are experiencing pain or symptoms that may be associated with a specific area of the body. Active release technique can be used to treat all types of pain, but it is most commonly used for chronic pain or cases where there is no clear cause for the pain the patient is experiencing.
This form of therapy is generally performed by a physical therapist or massage therapist who has undergone additional training through an accredited program at a physical therapy school. This training allows practitioners to perform ART procedures according to standard techniques and best practices while providing them with the necessary knowledge to assess and treat their patients properly.
Active-release techniques may not treat all types of pain, but it is used in conjunction with other forms of therapy. For example, exercise and other modalities have proven effective in treating chronic pain conditions such as fibromyalgia and osteoarthritis.
Common Conditions the Active Release Technique Can Treat
The Active Release Technique is often used to treat the following conditions:
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
The hand, wrist, and forearm are carpal tunnel syndrome’s most commonly affected areas. The median nerve passes through the carpal tunnel, a narrow space within the wrist. This nerve can become compressed in this area, causing pain or numbness in the fingers.
As a result of this compression, muscles surrounding this area can also become tight. This tightness restricts blood flow to these muscles and causes them to become even tighter and more painful over time. This condition is often treated by stretching the tissues restricting circulation to these areas, or applying pressure on them until they begin to relax.
Tennis Elbow
This injury occurs when repetitive trauma to a tendon within the elbow joint. The tendon becomes inflamed and painful because of its continual irritation caused by repeated movements of flexing and extending your elbow joint. The inflammation is caused by the repetitive stress of the tendon being put under constant pressure, causing it to become inflamed.
Tennis Elbow commonly affects people aged between 15 and 35 years old. However, people suffering from this injury can be as young as ten. It’s common in sportspeople such as tennis players, surfers, golfers, swimmers, and even weightlifters (heavy weights can put a lot of strain on your elbow).
Chronic back pain
The spine is made up of vertebrae, which are small bones that support the spinal column. The spine can become compressed in many areas, which can cause pain and discomfort. Treatments for this condition include stretching the muscles surrounding the spine, applying heat to the area, or using a back brace device to restrict movement in certain spine areas.
The active release technique can also be used to treat this condition. In this technique, stretches are performed on the muscles surrounding the area of pain, and pressure is applied while applying gentle traction to these tissues. This procedure can effectively reduce pain and restore normal motion in these tissues.
Sciatica
This is a condition where the sciatic nerve passes through the back of your hip. The sciatic nerve runs down the back of your thigh and is attached to the lower spine. The pain you experience can be severe and affect your back, buttocks, feet, and legs.
This injury is usually caused by repetitive trauma to the nerve, causing it to become inflamed and painful. It is caused by overuse of the muscle that runs along the side of your leg, called the quadriceps. This muscle is responsible for kicking a football or doing a squat.
Cramps
Cramps are a symptom of an overworked muscle, usually in the legs. Cramps can be caused by several different reasons and can be very painful. They often occur at night when you are trying to sleep.
Cramps can be caused by many different things, including dehydration, electrolyte imbalances, and hormonal changes. Cramps are very common in athletes who have high levels of performance. They are most often seen in soccer players and athletes who participate in endurance sports such as running.
The most common treatments for cramps are rest and hydration, but sometimes medications are necessary to relieve the pain. Active release techniques can also help to reduce the pain and to swell from cramping muscles.
The Benefits of Using ART Therapy In Tandem With Chiropractic Adjustments
A combination of the Active release technique and chiropractic adjustments is a very powerful tool for the body to release any restrictions that may be restricting motion or circulation in the soft tissues. The pressure applied by the ART practitioner can help break up these knots and allow blood flow to increase in affected areas.
During the active release technique, your body is forced to break up these restrictions and re-establish normal movement patterns. This process requires great effort from your body and its nervous system, which causes the muscles surrounding the affected area to tighten. This can cause discomfort or pain when the muscles are subsequently allowed to relax.
With a chiropractic adjustment, this tension is removed by manipulation of the joints involved in the problem and other areas of soft tissue that might be involved. Once these tight areas have been released, there is less tension on other nearby muscle groups, allowing them to relax and release any discomfort they may be experiencing. As a result, you can experience immediate relief from any pain you were experiencing before receiving this treatment.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the active release technique involve?
The active release technique involves a physical therapist using his own hands or a soft tool to apply pressure to tight muscles.
How long does it take to learn the active release technique?
It usually takes a patient 3-5 sessions to learn the active release technique.
Can I do this at home on my own by myself?
Yes, you can do this at home by yourself. However, it is advisable to have a professional do the treatment for you.
How long will it take for the symptoms to go away after using the active release technique?
It usually takes 3 to 6 weeks for the symptoms to subside.
Is it painful to have an ART treatment?
The ART treatment is not painful. It gives you a sense of relief because the tight muscles are being released.
Is ART treatment covered by my medical insurance?
Most medical insurance plans do not cover ART treatments.
What are the main benefits of ART therapy?
There are many benefits of ART therapy. For example, the following:
- It reduces pain or discomfort.
- It improves mobility and range of motion in the joint.
- It helps the joint to heal faster.
- It reduces tissue tension, which can help reduce pain and stiffness in other body areas.
Do I need to see a doctor before I start ART?
It is not required to see a doctor before you start the treatment. However, it is recommended that you seek medical advice if unsure how to proceed.
Is it safe to use ART during pregnancy and while breastfeeding?
It is safe to use ART during pregnancy and while breastfeeding. It also has no known side effects, as it is a soft tissue therapy.
Is there a risk of any side effects when having an ART treatment?
There is no known risk of any side effects when having an ART treatment.
