Active Release Therapy
Active Release Technique (A.R.T.) is a patented, state-of-the-art soft tissue system that detects, and permanently treats soft tissue injuries. These injuries can be a result of repetitive stress or trauma such as whiplash or from over-use of the same muscle group doing the same activities. It is a non-invasive healing procedure that locates and breaks down scar tissue and adhesions that cause soft-tissue injuries.
How is it performed?
This method of treatment includes applying tension to the scar tissue while lengthening associated structures (i.e. muscles, tendons, and ligaments) through their specific and full range of motion. ART returns damaged tissue to its correct tension, texture, movement and function thus eliminating symptoms.
Each session takes between 10 to 30 minutes and comfort level varies by each individual. At times ART can be described as mildly uncomfortable but the therapeutic benefits easily outweigh any tenderness felt during a treatment.
In many cases, only 4 to 5 treatments will fix a problem or result in significant improvement. Rehabilitation (e.g. exercises) complements ART well and is almost always necessary for maximum recovery in long standing or recurrent cases. Preliminary studies have shown ART to be more effective than conventional treatments for some soft tissue injuries*.
Workers' compensation organizations (Colorado Division of Labour has made ART the standard of care for CTDs prior to any surgical intervention), professional and amateur athletic programs, and world-class athletes recognize the ART system as a successful way of treating and managing soft-tissue injuries.
* References:
1. Mooney, V., Overuse syndromes of the upper extremity: Rational and effective treatment, The Journal of Musculoskeletal Medicine, August 1998
2. Schiottz-Christensen, B. et al., The role of Active Release Manual Therapy for upper extremity overuse syndromes - a preliminary report. The Journal of Occupational Rehabilitation, June 1999
