Active Release Technique - Cutting Edge Therapy To Restore Function and Eliminate Pain

Active release technique or ART for short is a patented method of treating soft tissue injury, restoring function and reducing scar tissue pain. The goal is to restore soft tissues to full functional integrity and range of motion.

You Don't Have To Live in Pain!

Are you in pain? Do you feel that it is just wear and tear after years of life, and that you just have to learn to live with it, as you have probably been told. Well, this is not good advice, because there is a soft tissue therapy that can help you, and its called ART!

Origin and Practice of ART

ART was developed, refined, and patented by Dr. Mike Leahy D.C. CCSP as a way of resolving injuries in his patients that were the result of changes in their soft tissue producing scar tissue pain, which a practitioner can evaluate by touch.

This was the result of his years of work with soft tissue injury and conditions, which were functionally limiting his patients. He found that he was able to resolve 90% of the scar tissue related problems he identified in his patients. An astounding statistic!

Dr. Leahy began using these techniques in 1991 under the name Myofascial Release, and later patented them as Active Release Technique. He trademarked this name in 1995 to differentiate the therapy from other Myofascial therapies and to standardize the practice of ART so that the therapy retained its effectiveness when administered by others.

Active release technique has two components that are used in each session, examination and treatment. An ART practitioner first evaluates the texture, tightness, range of motion, and scar tissue pain in the muscles, tendons, ligaments, fascia, and nerves.

He then uses precisely directed tension and movements specific to the patient to resolve these soft tissue problems. There are over 500 specific movement patterns used in the practice of ART, so that treatment is always individualized for the patient.

This is central to the practice of ART, and the way in which it differs from other types of Myofascial therapy or soft tissue therapy. It involves hands on treatment of the patient while having the patient move through a range of motion as the therapeutic manipulation is being applied.

The Benefits of ART

There are hundreds of soft tissue pathologies involving injury, pain, chronic pain, and formation of scar tissue, that can be successfully treated with ART therapy, a few of which are listed below:

• Shoulder pain
• Back pain
• Shin splints
• Sciatica
• Knee problems
• Tennis elbow
• Carpal tunnel syndrome
• Headaches

When you are injured or your soft tissue undergoes any kind of trauma, scar tissue is formed, and you experience tightness, limited range of motion, and scar tissue pain. Active Release Technique is not a cure-all, but IS a highly effective therapy.

Many persons with pain and limited movement going back years have been helped by the technique. One of the most important benefits is reduced chance of re-injury because the soft tissue injury that created the pain can be eliminated.

If you or someone you care about has injury, chronic pain, stiffness or limited movement due to injury, please investigate this cutting edge therapeutic technique. I firmly believe that you will find Active Release Technique to be of great value in relieving pain and restoring you to full function and movement.

Return from Active Release Technique to Antiaging Exercise

Return to Home Page