active release techniques

Active Release Techniques (ART®) is a patented, advanced soft tissue therapy designed to address conditions involving the muscles, tendons, ligaments, fascia, and nerves. Widely recognized for its effectiveness in treating both acute and chronic musculoskeletal conditions, ART® is not only beneficial for athletes seeking to enhance performance but also for individuals dealing with everyday discomfort and injuries.

What is active release techniques?

ART® is a specialized manual therapy technique that targets adhesions, also known as scar tissue, which form in muscles and connective tissues following trauma or repetitive strain. These adhesions can cause muscles to become stiff, weak, and more sensitive to pain, which may limit mobility and predispose individuals to further injuries. Unlike traditional massage therapy, ART® requires active participation from the patient. By combining patient movements with precise therapist-applied tension, ART® effectively breaks down adhesions, restores normal tissue function, and promotes healing.

Conditions that active release techniques can help treat

Active release techniques is highly versatile and effective in addressing a wide range of conditions. Whether caused by sports injuries, repetitive strain, or poor posture, ART® can provide relief from:

chronic neck and back pain: Addresses tightness and adhesions that contribute to discomfort and restricted movement.
headaches: Especially cervicogenic headaches caused by muscle dysfunction in the neck and upper back.
shoulder injuries: Including rotator cuff issues, impingement syndrome and frozen shoulder.
tennis and golfer’s elbow: Reduces pain and restores function by treating adhesions in overworked forearm muscles.
carpal tunnel syndrome: Improves mobility and reduces pain by addressing scar tissue in the wrist and forearm.
sciatica: Relieves nerve compression and associated symptoms such as shooting or burning pain, or numbness in the lower back and legs.
iliotibial band (ITB) syndrome: Alleviates tension and dysfunction along the outer thigh.
plantar fasciitis/fasciosis: Reduces inflammation and scar tissue in the plantar fascia, promoting pain-free walking.
muscle tension and strains: Enhances recovery and prevents re-injury by improving flexibility and strength.
nerve entrapments: Frees compressed nerves to restore normal sensation and function.

How active release techniques works

When injuries occur due to repetitive movements, trauma, or overuse, the body often responds by forming adhesions in the affected tissues. These adhesions are the body’s attempt to heal, but they can create problems, including:

restricted motion
increased pain sensitivity
reduced strength and flexibility
compression of surrounding nerves

ART® focuses on identifying and resolving these adhesions by:

precise diagnosis: The practitioner evaluates the affected areas to locate scar tissue and determine the root cause of the problem.
active movements: Unlike passive therapies, ART® engages the patient in active movements to target problem areas effectively.
targeted tension: The therapist applies specific pressure to break up adhesions, restoring optimal function to the muscle or tissue.

This dynamic approach allows ART® to deliver faster, longer-lasting results compared to more generalized manual therapy techniques.

Benefits of active release techniques therapy

Active release techniques offers numerous benefits for individuals of all activity levels:

enhanced performance: especially for athletes, ART® improves range of motion, muscle coordination, and flexibility, boosting performance in sports and physical activities.
pain relief: reduces chronic and acute pain by addressing the underlying adhesions causing discomfort.
improved mobility: restores proper motion and function to injured or stiff areas.
faster recovery: Speeds up the healing process by promoting circulation and reducing scar tissue.
prevention of future injuries: By correcting imbalances and improving tissue health, ART® helps reduce the risk of recurring injuries.

Active release techniques vs. traditional massage therapy

While ART® and massage therapy both aim to relieve muscle tension and improve mobility, their methods and objectives differ significantly. In traditional massage therapy, the patient remains passive as the therapist manipulates muscles to promote relaxation and circulation.

In contrast, active release techniques actively involves the patient in the process. The combination of precise therapist-applied tension and specific patient movements allows ART® to target adhesions more effectively, making it particularly suitable for treating repetitive strain injuries, nerve entrapments, and joint dysfunction.

Who can benefit from active release techniques?

Active release techniques is suitable for a wide range of individuals, from professional athletes to office workers and everyone in between. Anyone experiencing discomfort from repetitive motions, poor posture, or physical injuries may benefit from ART®, including:

athletes: seeking to enhance performance and recover from injuries.
office workers: dealing with conditions like “tech neck,” carpal tunnel syndrome, or lower back pain from prolonged sitting.
active individuals: managing overuse injuries or looking to improve flexibility and mobility.
rehabilitation patients: recovering from surgeries, strains, or chronic conditions.

Incorporating active release techniques into a holistic care plan

ART® works best when combined with other therapeutic approaches tailored to the patient’s unique needs. At in balance chiropractic + acupuncture clinic, ART® is integrated into a comprehensive care plan that may include:

chiropractic adjustments: to improve joint function and alignment.
acupuncture: to stimulate healing and reduce inflammation.
rehabilitation exercises: to strengthen weakened muscles and enhance flexibility.
lifestyle and ergonomic advice: to prevent future injuries by addressing posture and daily habits.
kinesiology taping: to provide support and improve mobility.

Your in balance Markham chiropractor, Dr. Kirsten Thomas received her Active Release Techniques ART® certification beginning in 2003 in Spine, Upper Extremity, Lower Extremity, Nerve Entrapment, and Active Palpation protocols.

Experience the active release techniques difference

Whether you’re dealing with a chronic condition, recovering from an injury, or seeking to improve your overall physical performance, ART® offers a proven, effective solution. By addressing the root cause of discomfort and restoring optimal function, this innovative therapy helps you move, feel, and perform better.

Take the first step toward recovery and enhanced well-being. Contact in balance chiropractic + acupuncture clinic today to learn how ART® can help you achieve your health goals.

active release techniques in Markham