Active Release Technique is a soft tissue system/movement based massage technique that treats issues with muscles, ligaments, tendons, fascia and nerves. Some of the conditions that can be resolved by using the Active Release Technique include shoulder pain, tennis elbow, sciatica, plantar fasciitis, headaches, back pain, carpal tunnel syndrome, shin splints, and knee problems. These conditions are all often a result of overused muscles.
Muscles and other soft tissue can change as a result of these three conditions:
- Acute conditions (pulls, tears, etc),
- Accumulation of small tears
- Not getting enough oxygen
Each of these can cause your body to develop dense scar tissue in the affected area. This scar tissue can bind up tissues that need to move freely. As the scar tissue builds up in your body, your muscles become weaker, the tension on your tendons can cause tendonitis, and nerves can become trapped. This can result in a reduced range of motion, loss of strength, and pain. If a nerve is trapped, you may also feel tingling, numbness, and weakness.
Each Active Release Technique session combines examination and treatment. The ART provider uses his hands to evaluate the texture, tightness and movement of muscles, fascia, tendons, ligaments and nerves. Abnormal tissues are treated by combining precisely directed tension with very specific patient movements.
These treatment protocols are unique to the Active Release Technique. They allow providers to identify and correct the specific problems that are affecting each individual patient. This is not a cookie-cutter approach.