What is ART?
Active Release Techniques
Movement based massage techniques designed to treat soft tissue injuries, release nerve entrapments and improve circulation. The overuse of muscles can cause many conditions that can be resolved quickly and permanently with ART, including:
- Carpal tunnel syndrome
- TMJ
- Muscle weakness
- Tendonitis, Bursitis & Arthritis
- Shin splints
- Golfer’s and tennis elbow
- Meniscus injuries
- Rotator cuff injuries
- Sciatica & piriformis syndrome
- Strains and sprains
- Joint weakness and instability
- Plantar fasciitis
- Frozen shoulder
- Headaches and migraines
- Pinched nerves
- Whiplash
Soft tissue, when damaged, attempts to heal itself and prevent further injury by creating a protective barrier of scar tissue which can cause muscles to become shorter and weaker. ART applied to muscles, tendons, ligaments, fascia and nerves restore soft-tissue function, increase range of motion, reduce pain caused by the injury and help regain strength.
What is ART Treatment Like?
Every ART session is a combination of examination and treatment. The ART provider uses his or her hands to evaluate the soft-tissue. He/she treats problematic areas by combining precisely directed tension with very specific movements.
More than 500 specific movements are unique to ART. They allow providers a broad range from which to identify and correct problems affecting each individual.
ART treatments are non-invasive and have no severe side effects. They can, however, cause temporary discomfort and pain because they are designed to replicate the symptoms of the injury. These effects are usually described as a “burning” sensation and generally subside shortly after treatment. The first few sessions may cause minor bruising and tenderness, but these too tend to diminish after a few treatments.