
Active Release Technique or ART is a form of non-invasive manual therapy focusing on reducing tension in the soft tissues that causes pain, muscular weakness, and mobility problems. The condition has proven effective in treating acute and chronic conditions affecting the muscles, tendons, ligaments, fascia, and nerves.
ART was developed by chiropractic medicine doctor P. Michael Leahy who realized that the symptoms his patients were experiencing were related to soft tissue problems. These problems can be caused by muscle overuse, leading to muscle spasms, small muscle tears, and the consequent scar tissue. These, in turn, can lead to muscle weakening, trapped nerves, and even tendon inflammation. The result is a reduced range of motion and diminished strength in the affected muscles, which often comes with pain, numbness, or tingling.
The technique developed by Dr. Leahy includes a series of moves that the patient does while the practitioner presses on the affected area. The technique consists of over 500 moves, which allow practitioners to tailor the treatment to each patient’s needs. ART can be effective for athletes, patients with chronic pain in specific areas, and, in general, people who didn’t obtain the desired results with other forms of treatment.
Healthcare providers can train in ART, including chiropractors, physical therapists, and massage therapists. An ART session has the dual purpose of an examination and treatment. The practitioner performs a manual exam to determine the texture and tightness of the muscles, ligaments, fascia, tendons, and nerves.
This examination is useful in identifying biomechanical dysfunctions, locating the affected soft tissue structures, and evaluating motion and posture. Next, the practitioner applies tension to specific areas while the patient completes specific movements. The goal is to treat soft tissue dysfunctions and restore their full function.
The conditions commonly treated with ART are lower back pain, chronic neck pain, sciatic nerve pain, runner’s knee, tendinitis, plantar fasciitis, carpal tunnel syndrome, shoulder strains, and tension headaches, among others. The treatment is generally efficient in a wide range of sports injuries, post-operative adhesions, and scarring. The treatment aims to restore the normal range of motion and relieve pain.
Since the ART treatment focuses on applying pressure on affected areas, it can be uncomfortable and painful. However, you may see substantial improvement even after the first session. Depending on the severity of the condition, some patients may need more sessions to get rid of pain and regain muscle strength and range of motion. Usually, patients can see the full benefits of the treatment after a maximum of three sessions.
The main benefits of ART include a significant increase in flexibility and range of motion, reduced lower back pain and neck pain, decreased tension headaches, noticeable improvement of sciatic symptoms, and management of conditions like shin splints, carpal tunnel, tennis elbow, and plantar fasciitis.
Patients are encouraged to follow a post-ART treatment exercise routine that includes stretching exercises for flexibility, strengthening exercises, proprioceptive exercises to improve balance and agility, and cardiovascular exercises to restore circulation and increase oxygen delivery to the soft tissues.
Treatments similar to ART that are also focused on restoring soft tissue function include deep tissue massage, rolfing (deep stretching and soft tissue manipulation), and the Graston technique (similar to ART but practiced with specific instruments to target adhesions). Patients experiencing acute or chronic pain or suffering from any of the conditions mentioned above who want to try ART should ensure they only get treatment from certified ART practitioners.
from WordPress https://ift.tt/iLQatER
via IFTTT
No comments:
Post a Comment
Note: Only a member of this blog may post a comment.