Active Release Technique® Treatments
Active Release Technique® (ART) treatment is a soft tissue technique that treats conditions related to muscles, tendons, ligaments and nerves. This technique is often used on muscles that may be overused from athletic activity or on patients that may be suffering from pain caused by pulls, tears, muscle spasms or contracture. During the ART treatment, the patient actively moves the affected muscle or ligament while the physical therapist presses or maintains contact on the injured area. The physical therapist can then feel the structure as it moves and effectively treat the specific muscles, tendons, or ligaments.
Benefits of Active Release Technique Treatments
ART is a hands-on treatment for soft tissue injuries that allows the therapist to pinpoint the location of the injury and specifically focus on the rehabilitation process. The benefits of ART treatment may include:
- Relief of muscle pain or spasms
- Recovered strength and flexibility to the affected muscles and tissue
- Released nerve pressure
- Restored function and mobility to the affected tissue
After ART treatments, many patients can return to regular physical activity.
The Active Release Technique Procedure
After a thorough evaluation that examines the tightness, texture, and movement of the injured muscle, ligament or tendon, an ART treatment can be developed and administered. Based on the results of the evaluation, the patient is then treated with precisely directed pressure applied by the physical therapist, while they simultaneously perform specifically prescribed movements. The specific techniques that are used may vary according to the needs of the patient, but may include different exercises or stretches that are performed by the patient, while the physical therapist applies pressure to the afflicted areas. Patients may experience results from ART after 4 to 6 treatment sessions.