Active Release Techniques (A.R.T.)
Active Release Techniques, or ART for short, is a state-of-the-art soft tissue assessment and treatment system. ART focuses on treating adhesions in the muscle and fascia surrounding the muscles throughout the body. Injured and overused tissues can become shortened, and eventually feel tight.
What causes pain and lack of range of motion in the soft tissues?
Normal muscles contract and elongate easily. The ability for tissues to slide against each other is reduced, which also has an impact on normal range of motion in the body. Many soft tissue issues, nerve irritations, movement dysfunctions, and joint pain can be caused by adhesions in the muscle and fascia.
Small injuries, receptive trauma, or glitches in the soft tissues we refer to as adhesions. Adhesions in muscle and fascia throughout the body can limit range of motion and performance, sometimes even causing pain. ART is utilized in these cases to assess and treat these areas based on movement and pain patterns. Many common conditions can be treated with this system including but not limited to: myofascial pain, trigger points, scar tissue, repetitive use injuries like IT band syndrome, knee pain, hip pain, shoulder pain, carpal tunnel syndrome, tendonitis, and even plantar fasciitis. ART can help these cases in athletes and every day people.
How does Active Release Techniques (ART) work?
At Indy Muscle & Joint Clinic, ART is utilized after a history and evaluation of the chief complaint. After this, we implement ART by using a combination of stretching, pressure, and movement to create movement and inflammation between and in affected tissues. The new ranges of motion can then be reinforced with at home and in office exercises and stretches. Our goal is to help achieve your goals and decrease pain, but also to decrease the chances of this injury happening again. We believe that everyone has the right and ability to take care of their own soft tissue issues with a little help.
We combine several other techniques, including Graston, Dry Needling, and Sports Rehabilitation, along with ART, to help you achieve higher levels of performance. Our doctors and therapists have been ART Lead Providers at IRONMAN events and have experience helping many professional and Olympic athletes achieve their goals. All these treatments and ART help decrease time to recover and get you back in the game fast.
Ready to take control of your muscle-based pain and performance issues?
To address these and other muscle and joint issues, find a healthcare provider trained in Active Release Techniques near you. At Indy Muscle & Joint Clinic we utilize ART along with the newest and most effective evidence-based treatments to help you get back to living your best life. To learn more about ART or to schedule a consult call Indy Muscle & Joint Clinic today or go to indymuscle.com.
-Brian Watters, DC, LAc