What is ART?
Active Release Techniques is a combination of both ART (pun intended) and science. In my opinion, ART provides practitioners with an incredible tool and methodology for effectively addressing the RSI epidemic that is rapidly overtaking our health care system.
As a hands-on technique, ART provides the means for both diagnosing and treating the underlying causes of cumulative trauma disorders. These disorders often result in symptoms of weakness, numbness, tingling, burning, aching, and numerous other physical dysfunctions.
The goal of ART is to:
• restore optimal tissue texture, tension, and movement.
• restore the strength, flexibility, relative translation, and function of the soft-tissue.
• release any soft-tissue restrictions, entrapped nerves, restricted circulatory structures, or lymphatic restrictions.
ART is based upon a strong understanding of anatomy, physiology, and biomechanics. It is easily supported by science and logic. As a dynamic technique, practitioners are involved in finding new and better ways of improving upon ART's already impressive outcomes.
ART is a true hands-on technique!
ART is a true "hands-on" treatment and requires a great deal of tactile sensitivity in order to locate, treat, and finally feel the release of soft-tissue restrictions and nerve impingements. During any ART treatment, the practitioner must literally feel soft-tissue structures as they translate and glide over and through each other.
ART removes the real cause of the problem!
To effectively treat soft-tissue restrictions, injuries, and chronic pain, ART alters the tissue structures by breaking up the restrictive cross-fiber adhesions (which cause adjacent tissues to stick together) and restores normal function to the soft-tissue areas.
ART protocols allow soft-tissue layers (that were once restricted) to move freely over each other and help to correct a wide range of myofasical and nerve entrapment syndromes.
ART treats more than just muscles!
After years of clinical experience, ART is the only soft-tissue technique I have reviewed which effectively addresses the specific translation of not only muscles, ligaments, tendons, and fascia, but also the nerves and circulatory structures that pass through these structures. ART now has well over 500 protocols to address specific soft-tissue dysfunctions. Close to fifty percent of these protocols are dedicated to the resolution of nerve entrapment syndromes. (1)
• There are 200 nerve entrapment sites in the body. When left untreated, these entrapped nerves can lead to numbness, tingling, and loss of function.
• There are several major sites of vascular entrapment. Vascular entrapments that are not released can lead to edema, varicosity, and poor oxygen saturation.
ART is very specific!
ART treatments involve the use of specific treatment protocols that deal directly with the patient's dysfunction. These treatment protocols combine the use of pressure, tension, and motion to force the layers of muscle and tissue to work together properly.
ART has an edge over other procedures as its treatments are very specific and can be customized to each patient's unique needs and problems. Many other soft-tissue techniques use a very limited set of protocols which are then applied generically to all related injures.
Carpal tunnel syndrome
Spinal pain and dysfunction
Headaches
Acute sports injuries
Accumulation of small tears
Lack of oxygen
Back pain
Shin Splints
Shoulder pain
Knee problems
Tennis elbow
Dr. Robert Jones, at Fresno Spine & Sport is a certified ART practitioner, who can provide optimal texture, motion, and function to soft tissue, thus relieving it of any entrapped nerves or blood vessels. Let us help you with this innovative approach in healing today.
(1) Active Release Techniques EPN Presentation: What Does ART Do? Copyright Dr. P. Michael Leahy