What is Active Release Techniques (ART)?
Active Release Techniques is a patented, non-invasive, soft tissue treatment process that treats a variety of conditions by identifying and removing scar tissue and adhesions. Overuse of soft tissue (muscle, ligament, tendon, nerves and fascia) will causes the body to produce tough, dense scar tissue. As scar tissue builds up, muscles become more stiff and weak. Range of motion then decreases causing muscular compensation, pain, numbness, tingling and further dysfunction. The goal of ART is to find the source of the problem, release entrapped nerves or blood vessels, and return tissue to having optimal texture, tension, and mobility. Active Release Techniques (ART) is classified as a multidisciplinary procedure which is practiced by numerous healthcare professions around the world.
Why are Active Release Techniques so successful?
ART practitioners are trained to effectively treat soft tissue dysfunction by finding the true cause of the problem. This is not learned over the course of a weekend. Remember that ART is a tool and a lot of people want to be able to use it. Just like a hammer is a tool, you would not want everyone with a hammer to build your house. ART realized this and has made very, very strict testing and re-certification process to make sure that the practitioners are up to date with the current treatment protocols. This ensures quality control. Be sure to visit www.activerelease.com to make sure that the provider in your area is properly certified. An experienced ART practitioner can successfully resolve many soft tissue problems within 6-8 treatments.
What Does Active Release Techniques (ART) Feel Like?
Active Release Technique is a very safe, non-invasive technique with virtually no side effects, and has a record of producing remarkable results. It is normal for the first couple treatments to feel uncomfortable. The discomfort is short in duration and usually absent after treatment. As the tissue begins to heal and the adhesions become smaller most patients will describe the pain and a “good hurt.” After a treatment session, patients are asked to “test” the treatment by trying to reproduce the pain. In most cases there is a significant reduction in pain after the first treatment.
At the beginning of each appointment, Dr. Creech and Dr. Nothold will evaluate the texture and mobility of the affected area. They treat the abnormalities with a combination of precisely directed tension with specific patient movements. ART is not a cookie-cutter approach. Each patient gets a unique combination of treatment and home exercise.
Contact Us
Please call our office at 217-222-5800 for more information and learn more about our treatment options that are available to you.
