Active Release Technique
Active Release Technique (ART) is an effective, hands-on approach for dealing with acute and chronic soft tissue injuries. Soft tissues include muscles, fascia, tendons, ligaments and nerves. Although extensively used in professional and Olympic sport, ART is equally effective for everyday cumulative trauma injuries.
ACTIVE RELEASE TECHNIQUES FOR CUMULATIVE TRAUMA AND REPETITIVE STRAIN
Cumulative trauma (repetitive strain) injuries result in symptoms such as aching, burning, numbness and tingling. ART has a proven success rate exceeding 90% with repetitive strain conditions. ART helps treat the adhesions formed after soft tissue injury which is a natural consequence of the inflammatory process of tissue healing. These soft tissue adhesions often lead to a loss of function and can result from a variety of processes including:
- Acute injuries: sprains, strains, tears etc.
- Micro-trauma: the cumulative build-up of microscopic tears
- Hypoxia: soft tissue deprived of oxygen
- Friction: inadequate relative motion between soft tissues
ACTIVE RELEASE TECHNIQUE (ART) – HOW IS IT PERFORMED?
ART treatment uses over 500 precise movement patterns with directed tension to break up adhesions. This helps restore proper tissue movement and releases entrapped nerves and blood vessels typically leading to rapid resolution of symptoms and restored function.
ART IN CONJUNCTION WITH PHYSIOTHERAPY, MASSAGE THERAPY AND IMS
ART works well in conjunction with other rehabilitation techniques such as physical therapy, intramuscular stimulation (IMS) and massage therapy in Ottawa . A comprehensive assessment will help determine the optimal course of treatment.
