By Dr. Sebastian Gonzales
Active Release Technique (ART) is a patented, highly advanced, and specific treatment method for soft tissue injuries, nerve entrapment, and decreased/limited range of motion and flexibility.
Upon examination of the injured area, ART sessions will include a combination of pressure applied by the practitioner and specific movement from the patient. This combination of pressure and movement will provide a targeted and specific treatment to the affected area.
The goal of Active Release Technique is to release any scar tissues or adhesions that have built up on the muscle fascia over time from injury or overuse. These adhesions prevent normal and smooth movement of the affected tissues with surrounding tissues. This poor/limited movement can then cause a number of different problems such as chronic inflammation, pain, fluid accumulation, etc.
When ART is provided by the hands of an expert, 90% of patients with diagnosed soft tissue adhesions will see a decrease in pain and an increase in flexibility in as little as 6 office visits!
Not all chiropractors are certified in ART, so ART is not a guaranteed part of chiropractic office visits.
ART is a great way of treating soft tissue injuries, but its benefits can also prove useful in injury prevention and is a great tool in achieving optimal athletic performance! Routine maintenance will help to prevent any adhesion development over time, and can increased flexibility in athletes, which can then enhance performance in other training modalities.
Dr. Sebastian Gonzales DC, DACBSP®, CSCS, RMSK is an Elite ART® Provider and USATF Level 1 Coach. He owns Performance Place Sports Care in Huntington Beach, CA.